Scott Pilgrim EX emerges as 2026 must-play: joyous old-school brawler

Released March 3, Scott Pilgrim EX arrives as a tightened, more ambitious arcade brawler that will matter to anyone who follows the franchise or enjoys cooperative beat ’em ups. It keeps the slice-of-life humor and pop-culture nods of its predecessors while widening the map, deepening combat, and leaning into a retro aesthetic that still feels fresh.

A sharper take on a familiar formula

This new entry builds on the 2D side‑scrolling roots fans remember but expands the scope: rather than discrete stages, the game unfolds across a single, interconnected map of Toronto fractured by time and portals. Progression comes from exploring and unlocking new areas, and the story threads—short, witty scenes infused with the series’ trademark references—push you forward without ever taking itself too seriously.

Longtime fans will find plenty of callbacks, but the experience is designed to stand on its own. The campaign supports up to four players in local co‑op, and seven playable characters each bring distinct moves and personalities to the fights, encouraging experimentation as you work through encounters and boss fights.

Visuals, soundtrack and level design

The presentation leans into handcrafted retro visuals. The game’s detailed sprite work benefits from the optional CRT filter, which many players will find adds an authentic arcade sheen. Musically, the soundtrack continues the series’ chiptune‑rock tradition with contributions from Anamanaguchi that complement the frantic combat and lighthearted tone.

Level design mixes exploration and spectacle. You’ll encounter puzzles and secrets—one example being short musical riffs that unlock paths in the style of classic adventure games—and thematic set pieces, such as a Gothic castle sequence that reimagines Casa Loma with a darker, Souls‑like boss encounter.

Combat and progression

Combat is where Scott Pilgrim EX really shines. Most fights demand more than button‑mashing: chaining light and heavy attacks, spacing blocks and well‑timed parries, calling in assists, and unleashing super moves all matter. On Normal difficulty enemies still punish mistakes, so you’ll need to learn dodge timing and mixups rather than rely on brute force.

Between fights you collect in‑game currency from defeated foes. That money can be spent on temporary consumables or equipment upgrades that boost stats before heading back into the fray—an accessible progression loop that rewards exploration and careful play.

Key combat terms: parry, assists, super attacks, stat boosts.

What to expect in Adventure Mode

Adventure Mode is the main draw and can be replayed multiple times with different characters. Expect some backtracking as storybeats require returning to previously visited zones to unlock new routes or meet characters. That structure will frustrate players who prefer linear progression, but it also opens up opportunities to discover hidden areas and alternate endings for each character.

After roughly ten hours with the game, the variety of encounters and the roster’s move diversity kept the loop engaging. However, the motivation to grind for every ending may not appeal to everyone.

Multiplayer and replay value

The game scales well for local cooperative play: fights become more chaotic and strategic with friends, and some encounters feel specifically tuned for multiplayer coordination. If you plan to play solo, the assists and AI behaviors offer enough support to keep the experience rewarding.

• Play style: Arcade brawler with exploration elements
• Players: Up to 4 local co‑op
• Characters: Seven distinct fighters, each with unique move sets
• Visuals: Detailed pixel art with optional CRT filter
• Sound: Chiptune/rock soundtrack by Anamanaguchi

The result is a faithful but refined entry: familiar mechanics are polished, presentation is lively, and the map‑based approach gives the game a looser, more exploratory feel than a strict stage‑by‑stage brawler. Combat depth and local multiplayer make it worth trying for those who enjoy beat‑’em‑ups.

If you love the Scott Pilgrim universe or you’re looking for a modern arcade brawler that respects its retro roots while adding meaningful tweaks, Scott Pilgrim EX delivers a satisfying, social play experience—even if its Adventure Mode leans on backtracking more than some players prefer.