During Gamescom 2025, I was invited by Tribute Games to test out Scott Pilgrim EX, a beat ’em up title scheduled for release in 2026. Tribute is practically “at home” with this franchise, having previously developed Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game. EX features an original story written by Bryan Lee O’Malley, the creator of the series.
In the game, Scott and Ramona are already dating, so the adventure won’t be another origin story. During my hands-on session, we played in a group of three: myself, a member of Tribute Games, and another member of the press. To deliver strong replay value—something essential in this genre—Tribute has developed seven playable characters.
The two most recognizable are, of course, Scott and Ramona. However, players will also be able to control some of Scott’s rivals. Each character has a unique gameplay style with specific combos. Ramona, for example, is very agile, while Lucas deals heavy damage but moves more slowly.
I don’t usually dive into games of this genre, but I was surprised by how easy it is to jump into a session of Scott Pilgrim EX. The controls are very intuitive, and newcomers shouldn’t face any barriers to having fun. For seasoned players, the game offers difficulty levels that will definitely put their skills to the test.
One thing I really appreciated is that Scott Pilgrim EX isn’t exactly a traditional beat ’em up. The developer on-site used the term “adventure beat ’em up.” The game features both permanent and temporary progression systems for characters, giving it a light RPG flavor.
During missions, players can collect money to buy amulets that boost character stats. The money is shared among all players in the session, and purchases are also shared across the group. Only things like HP replenishment aren’t shared, so there’s also a bit of a strategic element in how the money is used.
The developer explained that thanks to this system, players can create builds—and some of them are quite powerful. In one example he gave, there’s a build that allows the player to earn money every time they block an attack.
As you explore the maps, you’ll come across events, which are similar to side quests in RPGs. These optional events are incredibly fun and help speed up character progression, making boss battles much more manageable.
Speaking of bosses, the design of the environments, characters, and enemies is fantastic—truly worthy of the franchise. This is a passion project for Tribute Games, and every pixel of the animation radiates that love. With a planned release in 2026, Scott Pilgrim EX has everything it needs to be the perfect game to enjoy with friends in a co-op session.
What are your thoughts about our Scott Pilgrim EX preview? Let me know what you’re most excited for about the game via the Insider Gaming forum.
Also, check out even more IG previews coming straight out of Gamescom 2025: Phantom Blade Zero, LEGO Voyagers, Valor Mortis, Super Meat Boy 3D, and Hollow Knight: Silksong.
