Canadian comic artist Bryan Lee O’Malley describes himself as someone who doesn’t have a grand plan. However, recent projects based on his iconic creation, Scott Pilgrim, might suggest otherwise. “If I were 12, I’d aim for a movie, an anime, and a video game,” he shared. Now, two decades after the release of “Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life,” the first book in the series, he has achieved all those aspirations and more.
The newest addition is “Scott Pilgrim EX,” the second video game featuring the indie music enthusiast who previously battled his girlfriend’s seven evil exes in a whimsical rendition of Toronto. This game is more than just a sequel for O’Malley and indie developer Tribute Games. Many team members had previously worked on the original game at Ubisoft, and O’Malley saw this as an opportunity to explore ideas that were left unfinished.
“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game” was released in 2011, closely following the comics and the movie’s plot. In “Scott Pilgrim EX,” a new storyline unfolds as an evil robot clone of Scott captures members of the band Sex Bob-Omb. Scott, along with his girlfriend Ramona and other characters, must embark on a mission to rescue their friends.
While the game’s setup may not be as intricate as the original comic, it caters more to action-packed gameplay rather than complex narratives of growing up. Players can take on the roles of Scott, Ramona, or various other series characters to battle gang members, villains, and robots while completing side tasks from supporting characters throughout Toronto.
The gameplay involves traveling across the city, revisiting familiar places, and unlocking new locations in a nonlinear fashion reminiscent of the 1989 game “River City Ransom.” “Scott Pilgrim EX” retains the visual style of the comic book while incorporating elements from Edgar Wright’s film and Netflix’s anime adaptation to offer an engaging and enjoyable experience.
The game immerses players in a fictionalized Toronto, featuring recognizable landmarks and neighborhoods inspired by real-life counterparts. Some locations have a fantastical twist due to a time travel element, adding a unique dimension to the gameplay experience.
Tribute Games specializes in old-school beat-’em-up games, where players engage in intense combat on a two-dimensional plane against hordes of enemies and challenging bosses. Drawing inspiration from classic fighting games like “Street Fighter” and the “Marvel vs. Capcom” series, the team crafted a dynamic combat system for “Scott Pilgrim EX.”
The developers incorporated martial arts techniques into the characters’ movesets, aligning each character with a fighting style that complements their persona. This attention to detail enhances the gameplay experience, catering to both longtime fans of fighting games and newcomers alike.
For Tribute Games, “Scott Pilgrim EX” holds sentimental value, as it represents a chance to fulfill their original vision for a Scott Pilgrim video game. The team’s dedication to this project is a testament to their commitment to delivering a satisfying gaming experience that pays homage to the beloved comic series.
Overall, “Scott Pilgrim EX” stands as a tribute to both the original game’s legacy and a culmination of the team’s efforts to create a compelling and enjoyable gaming experience for fans of the series.
