Scott Pilgrim EX, developed and published by Tribute Games, is a fresh entry in the beloved beat 'em up series, released on March 3, 2026, for platforms including the PS5. This updated version builds on the spirit of the 2010 classic "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game" but introduces a brand-new adventure with expanded scope, drawing from the comics, movie, anime, and beyond. It's a side-scrolling action-adventure brawler blended with light RPG elements and open-area exploration in a stylized, fractured version of Toronto, where players team up unlikely allies to battle through warped streets, new enemies, and bosses in a story penned by series creator Bryan Lee O'Malley.
The plot picks up in a chaotic "Toronto 20XX," where Sex Bob-omb's band members and instruments have gone missing amid strange time-space distortions. Scott Pilgrim and Ramona Flowers must rally a ragtag crew including former rivals and Evil Exes in order to save the day, uncover secrets, and restore order. It's a self-referential, fan-service-heavy romp that's light on deep narrative but heavy on humor, references, and over-the-top action, appealing to longtime fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.
The new roster of playable characters expands significantly to seven fighters, all available from the start (no unlocks required allowing you to swap at Scott and Ramona's house). Alongside series staples Scott Pilgrim (versatile martial artist with a baseball bat) and Ramona Flowers (subspace bag tricks and hammer swings), the lineup includes reformed Evil Exes and a surprise. Roxie Richter (agile ninja with sword dashes), Lucas Lee (powerful wrestler-style brawler), Matthew Patel (mystic chaos with fire and demon summons), Gideon Graves (strong all-around fighter), and Robot-01 (crowd-control machine with grenades and area denial) fill up the rest of the roster. These characters tie directly into the plot as unlikely allies, and former foes now joining forces against a greater threat, all adding layers of redemption, banter, and variety. Each character has unique movesets, stats to level up individually through accessories and badges, and even personal story branches or endings, making team composition feel meaningful.
The Gameplay ...
Gameplay centers on beat 'em up action with a semi-open Toronto map for exploration, quests, and progression rather than strict linear levels. You move through interconnected areas, completing stage-by-stage objectives like boss fights, side quests, or band-rescue missions, with backtracking encouraged for secrets and upgrades. Core mechanics include light/heavy attacks, throws, specials, and assists, but each character differentiates through distinct styles including Ramona's transformations, Robot-01's dazing tools, or Matthew's summons. Combat feels crunchy and responsive, with leveling, ability unlocks, and co-op support (up to four players locally or online) adding depth. Adjustable difficulty keeps it approachable.
The Presentation ...
Presentation nails the retro-pixel aesthetic with clean, vibrant 16-bit-inspired graphics featuring smooth animations, detailed Toronto environments, and stylish effects that make it pop. The soundtrack, composed by Anamanaguchi (returning franchise alumni), delivers an energetic chiptune explosion with 71 tracks of upbeat, nostalgic bangers that perfectly capture the series' indie-rock vibe and amp up the action.
The Verdict ...
Scott Pilgrim EX offers solid replay value through character variety, multiple endings, New Game+, side content, and co-op modes, making it highly playable and content-rich for its 5-10 hour campaign (longer with exploration). It's a fun, polished love letter to the franchise with great combat and charm, though some repetitive backtracking and familiar formula hold it back from perfection. Overall, it's a worthy successor that improves on the original in scope and roster.
I recommend it best to Scott Pilgrim fans eager for more of the universe's quirky humor and action, beat 'em up enthusiasts who love pixel-perfect brawlers like TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, or anyone seeking a lighthearted, co-op-friendly retro-style brawler with strong visual and audio flair. If you enjoyed the 2010 game or the comics/anime, you'll likely enjoy this one.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Looking forward to what you have to say. Keep it clean, and keep it real. I will reply as soon as I can. Thanks for stopping by!!!