Scott Pilgrim EX Review – All Our Shows Are Secret Shows

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When beat ’em up games weren’t very popular, Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game really stood out. It didn’t just ride the wave of the Edgar Wright movie; it perfectly captured the look of the original comic books and offered fantastic gameplay. Now, with Scott Pilgrim EX following the 2023 Netflix show, it aims to recapture that same excitement. Given Tribute Games’ history of making great games in this style, we can expect a polished and complete follow-up.

While Scott Pilgrim EX still has a surprisingly complex fighting system and a fantastic look, it doesn’t quite live up to expectations. It’s still an enjoyable beat ’em up, but with so many other great games available now, it doesn’t stand out as much. There are plenty of other options that offer more engaging gameplay.

This series has never been known for making a lot of sense, and this story is no different – it’s more about feeling than logic. There’s a strange disruption of space and time, and multiple gangs causing trouble, but Scott and his friends are focused on band practice. Things change when an evil version of Scott, Metal Scott, kidnaps the rest of the band, forcing Scott to take action. He gets help from Ramona Flowers and some of her former boyfriends, who aren’t as bad as they used to be.

It sounds strange when you think about it, but surprisingly, it all fits the world of Scott Pilgrim, especially considering how over-the-top the story already is – things like the Vegan Police! Some parts might make you cringe, but if you liked the general feel of Scott Pilgrim, you’ll probably accept it as part of the fun.

If the addition of characters like Metal Scott seems strange, that’s because the world of Scott Pilgrim is built on a foundation of pop culture references. You’ll find enemies inspired by classic games – like Scorpion with his grappling hook, or a boss, Lady Envy, who transforms into a giant plant reminiscent of Poison Ivy, and even familiar elements like a POW block. There’s also the quirky mechanic of playing your bass guitar like an ocarina to open portals. Beyond that, the game incorporates RPG elements: you collect coins from enemies, use them to buy better gear and improve your stats, and equip badges that give you special abilities. You can even call on other characters for help when you’ve built up enough GP.

It sounds strange when you break it down, but the story actually fits surprisingly well within the world of Scott Pilgrim, especially considering how over-the-top it already is (remember the Vegan Police?). Some parts might feel silly, but if you liked the general style of the series, you’ll probably accept it. However, the plot remains pretty chaotic, and it feels like the characters could have done more than just travel through portals to collect items and instruments to save the band.

The game features a connected world map, similar to the style of Metroid. Unlike Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, you don’t progress through levels in a straight line. Instead, you can explore shops to buy items, heal, unlock new colors, and talk to characters. This means a lot of traveling back and forth between areas. Even with the Subspace system for faster travel, it doesn’t quite feel as satisfying as returning to an old area with a new ability.

As a big Scott Pilgrim fan, I was really hoping this game would capture more of the magic from the comics and movie. It’s packed with references and fun cameos – you’ll definitely spot Julie popping up in a million different jobs! But honestly, it doesn’t really do much beyond that. The levels themselves weren’t that exciting, often feeling pretty simple and repetitive, though there were a few cool spots. It was neat to be able to explore places like Scott and Wallace’s apartment, but overall, it felt like a missed opportunity.

The fighting remains satisfying, although the way characters build up speed might take a little practice. Each character also feels distinct – Scott’s attacks are reminiscent of video games, complete with a hidden Tatsumaki Senpukyaku for keen-eyed players, while Lucas Lee focuses on raw power.

At its core, this game is a classic beat ’em up, so if you’re familiar with the genre, you’ll quickly understand it. You’ll start with light and heavy attacks, a strong Super Attack to push enemies back, and a grab to deal with those who can’t be blocked (though it’s not always effective later on). Linking attacks creates various combos, and Scott Pilgrim EX features some unique combo mechanics. Quick light attacks and slower, powerful heavy attacks both have their uses – heavy attacks can stun enemies, making it easier to manage groups, which is helpful when you’re surrounded. Grabbing an enemy and throwing them into others is also a smart way to create some breathing room.

Like many modern fighting games, this one lets you block, and you can quickly dodge backwards by blocking and jumping at the same time. You can also deflect attacks – both ranged and close-up – by timing your attacks just right. Overall, it’s a simple yet effective system that’s easy to pick up, but has enough depth to keep dedicated players engaged.

Things often descend into delightful chaos, quickly abandoning any planned strategy for a flurry of projectiles, weapons, and explosions. I discovered a useful badge that drains enemy energy, letting you constantly power up special attacks. While fun in theory, this can make some early and mid-game fights, particularly boss battles with lots of smaller enemies, surprisingly easy. Thankfully, the bosses themselves are creative – for example, one boss, Roxxi, uses a bass guitar to call down explosions while being attacked by… vegans. It’s as strange as it sounds!

The fighting remains solid, although the way characters build up speed takes some practice. Each character feels distinct – Scott has attacks inspired by video games (keep an eye out for a famous spinning kick!), and Lucas Lee is a powerful brawler. Summons add another fun element, letting you heal with the Katayanagi Twins or unleash a wave of Young Neils. Enemies have their own unique behaviors, but they can become more annoying as you get further in the game.

Unlike today’s top games, such as Absolum and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, this game aims for solid quality instead of trying to be exceptional.

Okay, so Scott Pilgrim EX might take a little longer to finish than the original, but it’s not a super long game overall. What really keeps you coming back is how replayable it is, especially if you’ve got friends to play with – it supports up to four players, both locally and online! There’s also a ton of stuff to unlock, like all the badges and hidden secrets. Honestly, despite its flaws, it can feel a bit grindy sometimes, though it doesn’t necessarily add that much to the total playtime.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

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2026-03-09 22:42