Scott Pilgrim EX Review – A Short and Sweet ’em Up

What is Scott Pilgrim EX exactly?

The legacy of the Toronto-based bass player lives on. Scott Pilgrim EX is the latest release from Tribute Games, the studio behind hits like TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge. If you are a fan of the original Ubisoft game or Edgar Wright’s cult classic film, you will feel right at home. This title doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it polishes it to perfection while maintaining the specific humor and aesthetic we adore.

Tribute Games proves they know exactly how to revive a retro genre for a modern audience. In many ways, the game follows the footsteps of its predecessor but adds layers that make it significantly more complex. It is essentially a love letter to the entire Scott Pilgrim franchise, developed under the watchful eye of the comic’s creator. It’s not just another brainless brawler; it’s a title with a soul that grabs you with its energy from the moment you hit the start screen.

The game leans heavily on its visual presentation, which is simply breathtaking. The pixel art delivered by Tribute Games is industry-leading. Every sprite, every movement, and every screen effect literally pulses with style. The flashy movement and animation fluidity turn every encounter into a small visual firework display. It’s clear the developers spent massive amounts of time on background details, packed with nods to pop culture, anime, and gaming history.

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Story & Atmosphere

The plot is classic Pilgrim. This time, the stakes involve Scott’s bandmates being kidnapped, sending you on a rescue mission. The journey takes you through a version of Toronto that is absolutely fascinating in Scott Pilgrim EX. The atmosphere is thick, witty, and constantly bombards you with fresh ideas. The script, co-written by Bryan Lee O’Malley and BenDavid Grabinski, ensures the dialogue and scenarios have that authentic bite.

The game acts as a fantastic send-up of everything we love about Final Fantasy, Japanese animation, and video game tropes in general. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the fact that the world doesn’t just feel like a backdrop. It is a living organism where you meet familiar faces and visit iconic locations. Each area has a unique visual identity and enemies tailored to the theme—from annoying vegans to bloodthirsty vampires.

However, the real star of the show is once again the music. Anamanaguchi has delivered a soundtrack that is perhaps even better than the original. Every track is a “banger” that gets stuck in your head and won’t let go. The music reacts perfectly to the on-screen action, providing incredible momentum to the combat. It’s the kind of game music you’ll find yourself listening to in the car or while working long after the credits roll.

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Gameplay & Mechanics

The major shift from the previous entry is the transition to an interconnected map. Instead of strictly separated levels, you now move between screens in a seamless world. This gives the game an adventure-like feel where you discover new paths and shortcuts. The combat system stands on solid foundations: you have light, heavy, and weapon attacks. New additions include charge attacks and an energy meter that fuels your special moves.

RPG elements have been significantly bolstered. It’s no longer just about button mashing. You must manage your loadout, buy food for stat healing, and equip items that grant passive bonuses. A great addition is the Buddy characters system. You can call for help from characters like Young Neil, who triggers a screen-filling fan stampede, or the Katayanagi Twins, who project a healing aura. This variety in attacks and assists makes the game much deeper than it appears.

The playable roster features highly diverse movesets. Playing as Scott is a completely different experience compared to other characters, which motivates experimentation. During my playthrough, I found a gear setup that worked for me, but the game constantly nudged me to try new combinations. My second run was arguably more fun because I could focus more on the synergies between equipment and individual hero abilities.

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Final Verdict

The biggest sin of Scott Pilgrim EX is unfortunately its structure in the later stages. The interconnected world brings the necessity of backtracking. Frequently, you’ll hit a progress blocker, an NPC will tell you that you need a specific item, and you’ll have to trudge back through several screens just to trigger a prompt and return. This “padding” unnecessarily stretches the game and disrupts an otherwise excellent tempo. It’s a shame because the locales are so inventive that you’d rather see something new than walk through the same street for the third time.

Despite these grievances, the overall impression is overwhelmingly positive. The game is breezy, fun, and in 4-player co-op, it’s absolute chaos in the best possible way. Tribute Games has proven that even after all these years, Scott Pilgrim still has plenty to offer. For $30, you might get a shorter experience, but it is so densely packed with creativity and style that few competitors can match it.

Scott Pilgrim EX is proof that this brand can constantly reinvent itself while respecting the source material. If you are looking for a game that pumps adrenaline into your veins, tests your reflexes, and treats your ears to top-tier chiptune, this is a no-brainer. Even with a few map design flaws, it remains one of the best beat ’em ups in recent years and deserves a spot in your library.

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FAQ

Q: Can the entire game be played in co-op?
A: Yes, the game supports both local and online co-op for up to 4 players, which is by far the best way to experience the title.

Q: Do I need to know the previous game or comics to enjoy Scott Pilgrim EX?
A: Not at all. The game works perfectly as a standalone experience, though knowledge of the universe will reveal many funny references and details.

Q: How do the RPG elements work?
A: You upgrade characters by purchasing food and equipping items that boost strength, defense, or speed, and by choosing a “Buddy” companion for special attacks.

Q: Is there a lot of backtracking?
A: Unfortunately, yes. The open-world structure means you will often return to previously visited areas for quest items.

Q: Is the soundtrack by Anamanaguchi new?
A: Yes, the band composed entirely new tracks for the EX version, complementing the game’s overall atmosphere.