The game takes up the scenario of the comic strip and the movies, and therefore asks Scott Pilgrim to go and beat up the seven former boyfriends of Ramona Flowers, with whom he fell in love. This is the perfect pretext for a little beat'em up, each of the seven worlds crossed naturally leading to a boss fight. The world of Canadian comics is perfectly respected, the sets even going so far as to use certain brands that actually exist in Toronto. This re-release of the game prides itself on being complete as it includes both downloadable content released in 2010 and each bringing a new playable character (Knives Chau and Wallace Wells). Knowing that Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers, Kim Pine and Stephen Stills always answer the call, and that it is also possible to unlock Nega Scott, in all seven different characters become playable. Each of them has its own progression in experience, and the most hardcore fans of the license will therefore be able to complete the adventure several times. Moreover, if the game seems extremely difficult at first glance, it is precisely because of the "light RPG" elements that it incorporates.
To survive beyond the first level, it is imperative to advance the hero that we have chosen. The rise in experience allows in particular to unlock additional combos, while the stores placed on the side of the road provide very useful objects. It is however very regrettable that the effect of the various snacks, meals and accessories available in the shops is indicated after the purchase and not before. Some restore health, others experience points, and still others improve general statistics: defense, strength, speed and willpower. This last section corresponds to grit points, useful for triggering a super attack or calling an ally for help for a few seconds.
ET TU TAPES, TAPES, TAPES...
If it is not as flexible and satisfying as that of Streets of Rage 4 for example, the combat system remains generally pleasant. Fast attack and powerful attack form the basic base, to which are added the combos and the interaction with the decorations. Multiple objects present in the environments can indeed be used as weapons. Once picked up, you can hit enemies with it or throw it at them to make them respect social distancing. Note that each defeated fighter drops a few coins that we will take great care to pick up, just to be able to buy as many items as possible in the shops. All of these mechanics work pretty well, but it's mostly in co-op that the game really reveals its potential. Locally or online, it is possible to form a team of four heroes. This not only makes it easier to fight, perform synchronized super attacks and revive each other, but it is also allowed to lend a teammate money, give them life points, and even steal it from him! Another advantage: playing with several people avoids having to grind too much.
In parallel with the main adventure, the game offers four additional modes entitled Survival horror (we face waves of zombies), Extermination of bosses (where you have to beat all the bosses in a row as quickly as possible), Battle royale ( a four-player free-for-all in a wrestling ring) and Dodgeball (where blows can only be given and received by way of a ball). These small gameplay variations are good to take but make no mistake, they were already present in the original game! This 2020 version therefore does not alter the 2010 version in any way, whether in terms of content, graphics or soundtrack. We find not only the big vintage pixels but also some clumsiness, like this unbalanced sound mix which drowns out the sound effects under the music. A little extra modernization effort would have been welcome.
