Scott Pilgrim EX Review: A Brief but Charming Blast of Millennial Nostalgia

Scott Pilgrim EX Review: A Nostalgic Co-Op Brawler Packed With Pixel Art Charm

Scott Pilgrim EX is built for players who still remember the cult appeal of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, the indie comic, the 2010 film, and Ubisoft’s beloved side-scrolling brawler. It is not trying to reinvent the beat-’em-up genre. Instead, it leans directly into the comfort of nostalgia, delivering a stylish pixel-art action game full of references, chiptune music, arcade energy, and co-op chaos.

For longtime fans, this feels like a spiritual successor to Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game. That earlier title became a cult favorite, disappeared from digital storefronts in 2014, and later returned after years of fan demand. Scott Pilgrim EX clearly understands why that game mattered. It brings back the same kind of colorful brawling, playful self-awareness, and video game culture obsession, then expands the structure with a more open, interconnected world.

The result is a fun and familiar brawler that works best with friends. It can feel repetitive in solo play, and its story is mostly there to move players between fights, but the gorgeous pixel art, satisfying combat, upgrade systems, and excellent soundtrack make it easy to enjoy.

A Game Built on Nostalgia and References

Scott Pilgrim has always been tied to nostalgia. The comics and film were packed with references to games, music, movies, comics, and youth culture. Scott Pilgrim EX continues that tradition proudly. Almost every area feels like it is winking at the player.

The game is full of nods to 8-bit and 16-bit classics, arcade brawlers, old-school RPGs, cult movies, and even meta jokes about being inside a video game. Characters casually reference tutorials, game systems, and familiar genre conventions. This can feel a little heavy-handed at times, especially for players who are not deeply attached to the source material, but it also fits the tone perfectly.

This is a game that knows exactly who it is for. It is loud, colorful, self-aware, and proudly Millennial-coded. If you enjoy picking out references and recognizing old gaming DNA in modern indie design, there is a lot to appreciate here.

The Story Takes a Backseat

The original Scott Pilgrim game was partly tied to the events of the movie and comic, giving it a clearer emotional foundation. Scott Pilgrim EX is looser. Its plot revolves around time travel and alternate versions of the Sex Bob-omb garage band, but the story mostly functions as a reason to send players from one fight to the next.

That is not necessarily a major problem for a brawler, but it does mean the game has less heart than some fans may expect. The characters are charming, the jokes are frequent, and the world is fun to explore, but the narrative rarely becomes the main attraction.

Instead, the real focus is the rhythm of movement, combat, upgrades, co-op play, and stylish presentation. Players coming for a deep Scott Pilgrim story may be disappointed, while those looking for a nostalgic action game will likely be satisfied.

A River City Ransom-Style Structure

Rather than following a traditional left-to-right stage format, Scott Pilgrim EX uses an interconnected map structure similar to River City Ransom. Players move through a city made up of connected areas, battle gangs when entering combat zones, visit shops, and follow quest markers toward new objectives.

This gives the game a different rhythm from a standard arcade brawler. Instead of simply clearing one stage after another, you move back and forth through the world, return to shops, upgrade your character, and gradually become more powerful.

The map can feel a little repetitive when you are crossing the same areas multiple times, but it is mostly easy to understand. Quest markers help point you in the right direction, and the layout becomes familiar after a short time. The structure also supports light grinding, which is useful if you want to improve your stats before harder fights.

Classic Brawler Combat With Solid Fundamentals

The combat in Scott Pilgrim EX is straightforward but satisfying. Players have punches, blocks, throws, and special attacks that use Gut Points, or GP. Most fights are about crowd control, positioning, and keeping enemies from surrounding you.

Like many classic brawlers, enemies often attack from both sides, forcing you to manage space carefully. You can juggle foes, throw them into one another, and use special moves to break through crowded fights. The game also includes an optional automatic back-kick setting, which is worth turning on. It helps manage enemies behind you without making the game too easy.

The brawling does not radically change the genre, but it feels responsive and reliable. Hits have enough impact, enemy groups stay busy, and boss fights add variety through more dangerous patterns and heavier attacks.

Seven Playable Characters Add Variety

Scott Pilgrim EX includes a roster of seven playable characters. Familiar faces like Scott Pilgrim and Ramona Flowers return, while more surprising options include characters such as Lucas, Gideon, and even a robot from the future.

Each character generally follows the same basic control scheme, but they specialize in different stats and playstyles. Scott is the all-arounder, Ramona offers versatility, Roxie leans into speed and ninja-like agility, and Lucas brings a heavier wrestler-style approach focused on power.

The differences are not dramatic enough to make the game feel completely different with each character, but they do influence how you approach fights and upgrades. Players who enjoy experimenting will likely find a favorite quickly.

Upgrades and Equipment Make Builds More Interesting

The upgrade system gives Scott Pilgrim EX more depth than a simple arcade beat-’em-up. Enemies can drop upgrade tokens, but the faster path to stronger stats comes from buying food and items at shops. Many purchases provide permanent upgrades, encouraging players to grind money and build their character over time.

Money drops slowly, but shop items are not too expensive. With a bit of grinding, it is possible to significantly improve a character’s stats in under an hour. This does not make combat completely effortless, but it does make single-player more manageable.

Equipment adds another layer. Gear can boost stats and provide useful effects. For example, a player who relies heavily on special attacks can buy equipment that generates GP faster or reduces special attack costs. This turns character building into a small but satisfying puzzle: find the gear that supports your favorite playstyle, then use it to control fights more effectively.

Co-Op Is the Best Way to Play

Although Scott Pilgrim EX can be played solo, it clearly feels designed around co-op. The join prompt stays visible, much like an old arcade machine tempting another player to jump in. Regular enemy fights are manageable alone, but bosses often feel better balanced when two or more players are splitting attention and interrupting attacks.

Co-op also makes revives much more forgiving. With another player present, a teammate can help bring you back into the fight by sharing health. In solo play, dropping to zero HP leaves you staggered briefly. If you avoid getting hit, you recover a small amount of health, but because every enemy is focused on you, it is common to be finished off before that happens.

This can be frustrating, especially if dying means repeating a long series of fights before reaching a boss again. Co-op smooths out that frustration and makes the game feel closer to its intended arcade-party energy.

Boss Fights Are Fun but Can Be Tough Solo

Boss fights are where the game’s co-op focus becomes most obvious. Many bosses use attacks that are easier to manage when multiple players can divide their attention. Solo players may need to rely more heavily on upgraded stats, smart positioning, and special attacks.

This is not a dealbreaker, but it does change the experience. Playing solo makes the game more demanding and occasionally more repetitive, while co-op makes it more chaotic, funny, and balanced. If you have the option, Scott Pilgrim EX is best enjoyed with at least one other player.

Pixel Art and Music Are Excellent

The presentation is one of the game’s biggest strengths. The pixel art is gorgeous, colorful, and packed with detail. Every screen has personality, from character animations to background elements and enemy designs. The art style captures the spirit of the earlier Scott Pilgrim game while still feeling polished and lively.

The soundtrack is another major highlight. Anamanaguchi, the band behind the music for Ubisoft’s Scott Pilgrim game, returns with a new chiptune soundtrack. The music is energetic, playful, and perfectly matched to the action. Even when grinding money or retrying a boss fight, the soundtrack helps keep the mood fun.

For fans of the original game, the presentation alone may be enough to make Scott Pilgrim EX feel special. In some ways, it even surpasses its predecessor in visual detail and musical energy.

Final Verdict: A Fun Nostalgia-Fueled Brawler

Scott Pilgrim EX is not the most daring brawler, but it is a very enjoyable one. It knows its audience, embraces its influences, and delivers a polished beat-’em-up experience filled with references, bright pixel art, catchy music, and satisfying co-op action.

The story is light, solo play can be frustrating during tougher fights, and the structure sometimes requires more backtracking than necessary. But the combat is solid, the upgrade system adds useful depth, and the presentation is excellent from start to finish.

For Scott Pilgrim fans, this is an easy recommendation. For players who enjoy classic brawlers, co-op beat-’em-ups, retro game references, and chiptune soundtracks, Scott Pilgrim EX is a smooth and nostalgic ride. It may not reinvent the genre, but it understands exactly why players love this kind of game.

Scott Pilgrim EX FAQ

What kind of game is Scott Pilgrim EX?

Scott Pilgrim EX is a pixel-art beat-’em-up and co-op brawler inspired by classic arcade games and the earlier Scott Pilgrim video game.

Is Scott Pilgrim EX a sequel to the Ubisoft Scott Pilgrim game?

It is best described as a spiritual successor. It shares a similar style and nostalgic brawler energy, but uses a different structure and story.

How many playable characters are in Scott Pilgrim EX?

The game features seven playable characters, including familiar characters such as Scott Pilgrim and Ramona Flowers, along with more surprising additions.