Canadian cartoonist Bryan Lee O’Malley admits he isn’t one to have a grand plan in mind. Despite this, the recent surge of projects based on his iconic creation, Scott Pilgrim, might suggest otherwise.
Reflecting on his aspirations, O’Malley humorously mentioned that if he were 12 years old, he would have wished for a movie, an anime, and a video game. Fast forward 20 years after the release of “Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life,” the inaugural book in the series, and O’Malley has indeed brought these dreams to fruition and more.
The newest addition is “Scott Pilgrim EX,” the second video game featuring the lovable indie music aficionado who previously battled his girlfriend’s seven evil exes in a whimsical rendition of Toronto. Beyond just a sequel for O’Malley and indie developer Tribute Games, much of the core team had previously collaborated on the initial game while at Ubisoft. O’Malley emphasized that this opportunity allowed them to revisit unfinished concepts and ideas from their prior endeavor.
“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game” debuted in 2011, closely following the comics and movie narrative. In the original storyline of “Scott Pilgrim EX,” an evil robotic clone of Scott abducts members of the band Sex Bob-Omb. To rescue their friends, Scott, his girlfriend Ramona, and other characters embark on a mission.
While the game’s premise may lack the depth of the original comic, it caters to a gameplay focused on combat rather than intricate storytelling. Players assume the roles of Scott, Ramona, or various other series characters, engaging in battles against gang members, miscreants, and robots while fulfilling side quests from supporting characters scattered across Toronto.
The game features a non-linear structure reminiscent of the 1989 classic “River City Ransom,” allowing players to traverse the city, revisiting familiar locations and unlocking access to new areas throughout Scott and his friends’ escapades.
Although “Scott Pilgrim EX” visually mirrors its predecessor, incorporating elements from O’Malley’s original comic book, it also integrates aesthetic cues from Edgar Wright’s 2010 film and Netflix’s 2023 anime adaptation, “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.” O’Malley, who served as a consultant on the game, emphasized that while drawing on the series’ lore, the primary aim remains to provide an enjoyable gameplay experience.
Delving into the game’s setting, Torontonians will immediately identify landmarks, architecture, and neighborhoods meticulously modeled after their real-world counterparts. From downtown eateries like Sneaky Dee’s to nods to iconic locales such as the former Honest Ed’s, the game authentically captures the essence of the city with a fantastical twist introduced through time travel elements.
In line with Tribute Games’ retro-inspired offerings, “Scott Pilgrim EX” predominantly adopts a classic beat-’em-up format, where players engage in relentless combat on a two-dimensional plane, culminating in confrontations with formidable boss adversaries. The studio’s penchant for pixel art and a nostalgia-driven approach to game development has garnered acclaim, particularly with titles based on beloved franchises such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Marvel Super Heroes.
Elevating the beat-’em-up gameplay in “Scott Pilgrim EX,” the team drew inspiration from traditional fighting games like “Street Fighter” and the “Marvel vs. Capcom” series, infusing the genre with enhanced depth and complexity. By integrating various fighting styles, power meters, and diverse combat mechanics, the game offers a fresh take on the classic beat-’em-up formula.
For Tribute Games’ veteran developers, “Scott Pilgrim EX” holds special significance, symbolizing a return to their original vision for a Scott Pilgrim video game. Unlike their previous project, which faced constraints during development, the team was able to realize their creative ambitions with this latest installment.
In essence, “Scott Pilgrim EX” serves as a testament to Tribute Games’ dedication to revitalizing the beat-’em-up genre, offering players a blend of nostalgia and innovation within the vibrant world of Scott Pilgrim.
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