Editor’s note: As a native to Toronto, nothing fascinates me more than the idea of total bedlam in the streets of my city. Luckily, Bryan O'Malley's comic-book series brings that violent fantasy to life. But the question remains: Do I play the video game or watch the film to satisfy my thirst for destruction? Chris has the answer. –Omar

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, an action-fueled romantic comedy drenched in video-game and indie culture, is a definite love/hate affair. I liked that the film takes risks with cinematography and effects, but it unfortunately feels poorly paced and lacks real character development. While Scott Pilgrim isn’t the Easy Rider of the gaming generation, all film buffs should appreciate it for what it does.

I played Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game, a downloadable title by Ubisoft, the very same day. While the movie is experimental, the game provides a safe journey through the beat-'em-up genre, offering nostalgia and fanservice as the main attractions. I love the 8-bit graphics and amazing music, and I plan on buying the game when it comes to Xbox Live. Castle Crashers, however, also has great presentation and boasts more innovative gameplay.

But which would I pick as the better vehicle for Bryan O’Malley’s comic-book love story -- the video game or film adaptation? The game.

First of all, the video game solves my main issue with the movie: Neither the titular Scott nor his love interest, Ramona Flowers, connect in a way that justifies fighting a brigade of spiteful exes. Even by the end of the film, I didn’t buy that Scott loved Ramona for any deep reason. 

In the game, however, Ramona isn’t a plot device -- she’s a playable character. Despite being a simple beat-'em-up, Scott and Ramona seem to develop a partnership while fighting onscreen together. Wordless, still cutscenes between levels reinforce their relationship. I’d fall in love with Ramona, too, if we fought half of Toronto together!

The confines of the beat-'em-up also help the game. It’s easier to suspend disbelief when your goal is to walk down a street and punch the crap out of people. It's an action game with romantic elements, rather than a romantic comedy peppered with action scenes. The game renders its story in pixels, contrary to the film, which is half-live action and half-post-production special effects.

Although the beat-'em-up game can't match the seamless Hollywood action seen in the movie, the limitation actually helps the downloadable title. I rolled my eyes when Michael Cera uses wire fu to defeat his enemies, yet I enjoyed Scott’s simple punch-and-kick combos on the XBL version. Even when the third ex begins throwing attacks straight out of Akira, the game feels more relatable -- heck, Scott reminded me of Little Mac from Punch Out!!

In the end, it’s hard to rank a River City Ransom clone (albeit a fun one) over a movie that at least attempts something different. But that I enjoyed a few hours of the game more than I enjoyed the movie should say something. Bear in mind, however, I'm a sucker for old-school games, and I can see how people will like the movie in ways I couldn't.

Ummm… the books are better.

For more comic-inspired madness, check out the Comics Zone writing challenge, which runs until the end of the month. Be on the look-out for my sample soon.