Scott Pilgrim EX Review – Pixels, Punches, and Poor Life Choices

Scott Pilgrim EX Review

When Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game dropped in 2010, it perfectly captured a specific era of arcade nostalgia. Following the renewed hype from the recent Netflix anime, expectations for any follow-up would be reasonably sky high. Enter Scott Pilgrim EX.

Beat Me Up Scotty

From Tribute Games, the pixel-art maestros behind TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, Scottsdale EX is almost 6 hours of pure nostalgia. By ditching traditional left-to-right stage progression for a sprawling, interconnected map of Toronto, the game transforms from a standard beat ’em up into a surprisingly deep, exploration-driven action-adventure experience.

Scott needs to save his bandmates so they can practice and be ready in time for the show tonight. With the Vegans, Robots, and Demons causing havoc, it’s up to you to save the day and give Metal Scott a good beatdown.

The game’s Metroidvania-lite structure is EX’s biggest swing, and it pays off pretty well. Instead of selecting stages from a static menu, players organically traverse branching paths across a fractured Toronto, seamlessly transitioning from neon streets to the halls of Casa Vania. In some of the best pixel arcade-y style I’ve seen in a bit. With the help of Virtual Wallace, you set off on your journey into space and time. Plus, encountering the most bizarre scenarios.

Let’s Brawl

At its core, the brawling retains the frantic, instinctual DNA of the original but tightens the mechanical screws. Combos flow in a hectic mix of fists, flair, and wacky environmental weapons. Scott Pilgrim EX is really like an arcade time capsule. What truly elevates the combat is the diverse roster of seven playable characters. Scott and Ramona are familiar anchors. But stepping into the shoes of former evil exes completely changes the dynamic. Which I thought was a really fun spin on the whole thing. Each character has their own abilities and specialties.

The drop-in, four-player co-op (both local and online) turns the screen into an absolute riot of pixels. While it can occasionally become visually overwhelming to track the action amid four players, enemy mobs, and assist attacks, the sheer madcap mayhem makes the chaos highly entertaining. Adding on to a minor nitpick about the UI being a little hard to decipher with that over-the-top nostalgia trip setup. Though the messy chain combo moves and the frantic button-masher style are all part of the experience. Of course, you’re free to only pick one character and go it solo.

Give Me A Boost

Tribute Games deepened the RPG systems that made the original game so relentlessly addictive. With fun cutscenes and character interactions. Earning coins by juggling enemies fuels progression. Alongside purchasing food to restore health and permanently boost base stats, players can equip special badges. These badges grant unique bonuses and allow for highly tailored character builds, whether the goal is to max out Ramona’s weapon damage or turn Lucas Lee into an unstoppable tank. The loop of earning and surviving deeper into Toronto’s hostile zones remains incredibly satisfying.

Visually, EX is a lot of fun to look at. From the pixel art and his highly detailed, expressive animation work breathes life into every frame. The warped version of Toronto allows for surreal environmental details and a mountain of visual Easter eggs. Matching this visual feast is a brand-new soundtrack by Anamanaguchi. Their explosive blend of 8-bit style and rock soundtrack is just as infectious as their 2010 score. Scott Pilgrim really never disappoints in the music department.

Scott Pilgrim EX takes a beloved formula and boldly restructures it. The blend of interconnected exploration, refined brawling, and engaging RPG mechanics creates an experience that honors its roots while feeling distinctly modern.

***A PC code was provided by the publisher***