Scott Pilgrim EX Revives the Brawl: A Pixel-Packed Adventure Beat ’Em Up Worth the Wait, Big News for 2026

It’s an “Adventure Beat ‘Em Up,” Apparently

One of the first things the developer pointed out is that Scott Pilgrim EX isn’t your typical button-mashing brawler. They’re calling it an “adventure beat ’em up,” which at first sounds like some marketing buzzword nonsense. But after playing for a bit, I get it. The game weaves in light RPG elements that add a surprising amount of depth. You’re not just punching your way through levels; you’re collecting money, upgrading your stats, and strategically equipping items to create unique character builds.

This isn’t just a new coat of paint. The game boasts a brand-new story co-written by the original creator, Bryan Lee O’Malley. Scott and Ramona are already an item, so we’re skipping the origin story and jumping straight into a fresh adventure. This time, Sex Bob-omb’s instruments have been stolen, and it’s up to Scott, Ramona, and their crew to brawl across a demon-infested Toronto to get them back.

Seven Playable Characters and Addictive Combat

To keep things fresh, Tribute Games is giving us seven playable characters, including some of Scott’s rivals. I spent most of my time with Ramona, who is ridiculously agile and perfect for zipping around the screen, but I saw Lucas dealing some serious heavy-hitter damage, albeit at a slower pace. Each character has a unique move set and feels distinct, which is going to be fantastic for replayability.

The combat itself is incredibly intuitive. Even as someone who doesn’t spend a ton of time with beat ’em ups, I was stringing together combos and having a blast within minutes. It’s easy to pick up, but there’s a high skill ceiling for players who want to master the mechanics. For the masochists out there, the developers have included higher difficulty levels that will undoubtedly test your mettle.

What really makes the combat shine is the new Hyper Move gauge. As you land hits and dodge attacks, the meter fills up, allowing you to unleash a screen-clearing special move that sends enemies flying. It’s a satisfying spectacle that adds another layer of strategy to the fights.

Co-Op Chaos and Strategic Spending

The co-op experience is where Scott Pilgrim EX truly shines. It’s pure, unadulterated chaos in the best way possible. Money collected from defeated enemies is shared among the group, as are any items you purchase from shops scattered throughout the levels. This creates a fun, collaborative dynamic where you have to decide as a team whether to spend your cash on a stat-boosting amulet or a quick health replenishment for a player on their last legs.

I saw this in action when we stumbled upon an amulet that let the user earn money every time they blocked an attack. Suddenly, our strategy shifted. We funneled our resources into that build, turning one player into a walking ATM while the rest of us focused on crowd control. It’s these little moments of strategic synergy that elevate the game beyond a simple brawler.

The levels themselves are sprinkled with optional side quests and events that make exploration worthwhile. Completing these challenges not only speeds up your character progression but also makes the inevitable boss battles a little less daunting. And trust me, you’ll want every advantage you can get.

With a 2026 release window, Scott Pilgrim EX is shaping up to be the ultimate couch co-op experience. Tribute Games is taking a beloved classic, polishing it to a mirror shine, and adding just enough new content to make it feel fresh and exciting all over again. Sharpen your reflexes and get ready to brawl; this is one nostalgia trip you won’t want to miss.

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