Scott Pilgrim EX Review: Is It Time to Grow Up?
In the year 20XX, unrepentant slacker Scott Pilgrim and his friends are still navigating the thrills and spills of young adulthood. They are broke, but in a charmingly cool way that seems almost alien in today's economic climate, especially given the sky-high cost of living in downtown Toronto. For many, the Scott Pilgrim graphic novels served as a cultural milestone, weaving tales of emotional immaturity, personal growth, and the ultimate triumph over youthful arrogance. Having solidified its status as a cult classic through an Edgar Wright film, a 2010 tie-in game, and a Netflix miniseries, the franchise now returns with Scott Pilgrim EX, a raucous action-adventure game that aims to recapture the magic.
A Homecoming for Tribute Games
This release marks a significant homecoming for developer Tribute Games, a studio founded by former Ubisoft employees who originally worked on the 2010 Scott Pilgrim game. After establishing themselves as masters of the beat 'em up revival with hits like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge and Marvel Cosmic Invasion, the team has taken on the challenge of revisiting this essential coming-of-age story. Scott Pilgrim EX feels like a passion project, infused with the Powers of Love and Understanding that have always defined the series.
Nostalgia and Vibe
In terms of atmosphere, Tribute Games has undoubtedly succeeded. While the pop culture landscape has evolved beyond mall goths and arcade gaming, Scott Pilgrim EX embraces nostalgia about nostalgia, packed with endless references. Whether you appreciate homages to everything from Super Mario Bros 3 scenery to Resident Evil's Raccoon police department, the gameplay remains enjoyable even if these nods go over your head.
Gameplay and Characters
The game is a whirlwind tour through Toronto, kicking off when Scott's Sex Bob-Omb bandmates are kidnapped before their next performance. Scott, Ramona, and several of her reformed exes must rescue the band, their instruments, and Young Neil in time for the show. Along the way, Toronto is overrun by reality-bending portals and new gangs, leading to battles against demons, robots, and even vegans across diverse settings like gothic castles, beaches, and a medieval burger shop.
- Seven playable characters offer a variety of fighting styles: Scott uses punches and a bass guitar, Ramona wields her signature hammer, and new addition Lucas Lee showcases skateboarding martial arts.
- Special moves help manage enemy hordes, from overpowered attacks like Young Neil's fanboy onslaught to simpler stat boosts.
- References to classic brawling games abound, with players eating roast chicken from the ground and encountering foes hiding in trash cans.
Soundtrack and Music
One of the standout features of Scott Pilgrim EX is the new soundtrack by Anamanaguchi. As integral to the Scott Pilgrim universe as Sex Bob-Omb themselves, this New York City rock band returns with a hands-on approach to the game's music. Beyond their signature chiptune hits, the soundtrack includes unexpected elements, such as an industrial beat for the Casa Vania level that evokes 1990s Nine Inch Nails. Having matured over the past 16 years, the band's creative control enhances the game's sound design significantly.
Narrative Shortcomings
While the music and gameplay have evolved, the narrative of Scott Pilgrim EX plays it too safe. Penned by series creator Bryan Lee O'Malley, the story lacks the edge that originally garnered the franchise its cult following. The characters have largely resolved their conflicts, with no compelling antagonist to drive growth amid messy relationships. Friends appear in fun cameos, but the plot feels like a silly, shallow side quest—the kind of distraction Scott would prioritize over his work shift.
Final Thoughts
Perhaps this approach is acceptable. Even as the characters become better people, they remain unchanged at their core. For millennials who grew up with the comics, movie, and original game, Scott Pilgrim EX offers a comfortable revisit to a beloved property. However, with the Scott Pilgrim universe now nearly as old as Scott himself, one might wonder: is it time to grow up? Scott Pilgrim EX is available now on PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4/5, priced at £24.99.
