Game Day: 2-D or not 2-D? No question

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[September 03, 2010]

Game Day: 2-D or not 2-D? No question

Sep 03, 2010 (McClatchy Newspapers - McClatchy-Tribune News Service via COMTEX) -- Sometimes it's nice to appreciate the simple things in gaming _ things like side-scrolling brawlers, two of which have been released in recent weeks.

First up is "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game." Like the recent film, the game is infused with longtime video-game cliches and tropes.

For starters, the 2-D visuals and sound design are right out of an old Nintendo Entertainment System game, but better-looking. The graphics are in a pixelated, hand-drawn style that captures the feel of old 8-bit games but delivers more detail and smoother animation. The music and sound effects are likewise old-school.

Up to four players can choose among Scott Pilgrim, his bandmates Kim Pine and Stephen Stills, and Scott's new girlfriend, Ramona Flowers, and take to the streets of Toronto, battling thugs, ninjas, robots and other enemies on their way to the boss of each level _ always one of Ramona's seven Evil Exes.

Enemies explode into coins when defeated, which can be used to buy items that can boost the fighters' strength, defense and other stats.

The fighters start out pretty weak, and neglecting to buy upgrades can lead to tough going later on. Luckily, earlier stages can be revisited at will for more money or another visit to a favorite shop.

The game lacks online play, and the heroes can get trapped in an inescapable barrage of hits. But continues are unlimited, and Scott and his friends mow down foes like grain once they're beefed up a bit.

The other new brawler is "Shank," also a 2-D side-scrolling game, but one that borrows a lot from series such as "Devil May Cry" and "God of War," with a revenge-focused plot that would fit just fine in a Robert Rodriguez film.

The visuals here are impressive; "Shank" uses highly detailed and slickly animated characters to create a distinctive look.

As the title character, players will rampage through a variety of levels, defeating legions of thugs, soldiers, evil wrestlers and others on a bloody a quest for vengeance.

Shank starts out with two small blades, a chainsaw and a pair of pistols. He can grab and throw enemies, pounce on them from above and toss grenades at groups. He doesn't gain new moves, but he does find new weapons - a sword, a shotgun, and so on.

Apart from the solo game, two players can team up to go through a different set of levels that serve as a prequel to the single-player story line. Like "Pilgrim," there's no online play.

___ SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD 3 { stars PUBLISHER: Ubisoft SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (Xbox Live download), also for Sony PlayStation 3 (PlayStation Network download) PRICE: 800 Microsoft Points ($10) AGE RATING: Teen ___ SHANK 3 { stars PUBLISHER: Electronic Arts SYSTEM: Microsoft Xbox 360 (Xbox Live download), also for Sony PlayStation 3 (PlayStation Network download) PRICE: 1,200 Microsoft Points ($15) AGE RATING: Mature ___ Justin Hoeger: jhoeger@thetribunenews ___ (c) 2010, The Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, Calif.).

Visit The Sacramento Bee online at http://www.sacbee.com/.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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