More than fifteen years after the cult success of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game, Tribute Games revisits the franchise with Scott Pilgrim EX, a modernized beat ’em up that builds on the spirit of its predecessor while expanding its scope. This new adventure places Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers and several familiar faces in a chaotic version of Toronto where rival factions of robots, demons and militant vegans have thrown the city into turmoil. The premise embraces the absurd tone fans expect from the series, combining comic-book humor with video-game logic, and while the narrative rarely takes itself too seriously, it provides enough personality and quirky dialogue to keep the journey engaging even if story depth isn’t the game’s main focus.
At its core, Scott Pilgrim EX remains a classic side-scrolling brawler, but Tribute Games clearly approaches the formula with modern sensibilities. Combat is fast and responsive, encouraging players to chain light and heavy attacks, throws and specials into long combo sequences while experimenting with environmental weapons and assists. Each of the seven playable characters brings their own rhythm to the battlefield – Ramona favors speed and mobility, for example, while heavier fighters sacrifice agility for powerful strikes – making it worthwhile to revisit the campaign with different (combinations of) characters. The system strikes a satisfying balance between accessibility and depth, though some players may find the core move sets a bit limited once the initial novelty wears off.
One of the more interesting design choices is that characters start with their full repertoire of attacks from the outset. On the one hand this keeps the action immediately satisfying, avoiding the slow early progression that often drags down beat ’em ups. On the other, it reduces the sense of growth that traditionally comes from unlocking new moves during the campaign, meaning that progression is mostly tied to stat upgrades and equipment rather than evolving combat abilities. While the customization options help shape a character’s strengths, they don’t fully replace the excitement of discovering new techniques as the adventure unfolds.
Structurally, the game moves away from strictly linear stages and instead presents an interconnected version of Toronto where players revisit districts to complete quests, uncover secrets and tackle side activities. This semi-open approach adds variety and encourages exploration, but it also introduces some pacing issues. Because the map is relatively compact, the campaign sometimes sends players back through familiar streets repeatedly, which can make later sections feel a bit repetitive despite the presence of optional challenges and branching outcomes tied to different characters.
Visually, however, Scott Pilgrim EX is hard not to admire. The pixel art style evolves the look of the original game with more detailed sprites and lively animations that still capture the spirit of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s artwork. Every environment bursts with color and playful references to classic video games, reinforcing the franchise’s identity as a love letter to gaming culture. The soundtrack continues that theme as well, with Anamanaguchi returning to deliver an energetic blend of chiptune and rock that keeps the action moving at a brisk pace and reinforces the game’s retro aesthetic.
The multiplayer component remains a highlight. Beat ’em ups have always thrived as cooperative experiences, and Scott Pilgrim EX supports up to four players at once. With multiple characters to experiment with and different endings tied to the chosen fighter, the game offers a fair amount of replay value, particularly when played with friends. At the same time, once players become powerful through upgrades, the challenge can diminish noticeably, which slightly undercuts the long-term tension of combat.
Ultimately, Scott Pilgrim EX succeeds because it understands what made the original game beloved while polishing the formula for modern audiences. Its combat is lively, its presentation oozes charm, and its cooperative play delivers exactly the kind of chaotic fun that defines the genre. While the progression system and occasionally repetitive map structure keep it from reaching the heights of the very best modern brawlers, Tribute Games still delivers a confident return to the Scott Pilgrim universe – one that feels both nostalgic and comfortably contemporary.
Score: 7.9/10
Press Play Media 