Side-Scrolling Brawler Bonanza
Once again, Tribute Games has shown why they are masters of their craft. Scott Pilgrim EX is a side-scrolling brawler that nails everything fans love about the genre, tight combat, vibrant visuals, and a sense of humor that never misses. From the first punch to the last combo, the game is an absolute joy to play.
A Beautifully Stylish Toronto
My stint with Scott Pilgrim EX opened with what could only be called beautifully stylish pixel art of Toronto. The city bursts with color and charm, and the game shows a clear love for the Scott Pilgrim source material. There’s a cool roster of uniquely playable characters that make the game a joy whether you’re playing solo or with a party. Each character has their own fun and vastly different abilities, all incredibly satisfying to combo.
The boss roster is surprisingly deep as well, delivering creative encounters that push the combat system further than expected. Scott Pilgrim EX will resonate strongly with beat ’em up fans, adding meaningful depth to the genre’s revival, while pixel-art enthusiasts and fans of the wider Scott Pilgrim universe will feel right at home.
That being said, this is absolutely a game I’d recommend to enjoyers of Scott Pilgrim and beat ’em up games.
— Wraith at Everything Xbox
Hilarious, Well-Written Story and Memorable Characters
The game is utterly hilarious, with top-tier writing. There’s a wide roster of characters to engage with and play as, each bringing personality and charm to the action. Whether you’re battling street thugs, robots, or the occasional vegan (yes, it’s hilarious), the dialogue and interactions consistently deliver laughs.
Combat That Packs a Punch
Combat in Scott Pilgrim EX shines. Combos are meaty and full of oomph, and the variety of weapons, from skateboards and yo-yos to battle axes and magical scepters, keeps fights fresh and exciting. Every encounter feels satisfying, whether you’re playing solo or in four player co-op.
Toronto Made It Personal
What truly engaged me was the setting. Toronto has been my home for the last decade, and exploring its vast areas in-game brought me nothing but joy. Battling through the Distillery District was surreal, one of my best friends literally lives above it. The Casa Loma inspired area was an instant favorite, drenched in gothic horror vibes. There’s even a bar featured in the game that’s very close to where I met my wife, and finally, The Cinespace Studios where I spent 6 years, working as a motion picture technician.
I wasn’t expecting this level of exploration, but there are tons of stores and hidden corners to discover and for me personally, it was and is, an utter joy to roam around. I still feel I have not discovered everything.
Surprising RPG Depth
Beyond its brawling, the game has deep RPG mechanics. You collect cash from enemies and spend it to upgrade stats like vitality, strength, and more. Visiting cafes, coffee shops, and food stalls to restore health and stamina is both functional and amusing, with menus packed full of humor and attention to detail.
Enemies and Co-Op Fun
Enemy variety is excellent, split among Demons, Vegans (laugh out loud every time), and robots. Each group is distinct and challenging in its own way. The game supports up to four players, and co-op is where Scott Pilgrim EX truly shines. Having a second controller revived and jolly co-op battles made the experience feel complete.
My only minor gripes: loot isn’t automatically shared in co-op, requiring some manual coordination, and platforming is clunky, which makes time trials frustrating. These issues are minor compared to the overall experience.
Final Verdict
Scott Pilgrim EX is a joyous side-scrolling brawler that combines humor, tight combat, and surprising depth with a personal touch thanks to its Toronto setting. A few small issues don’t take away from the fun, making this a must-play for fans of the genre.
Score: 9/10
