Scott Pilgrim EX creators "wouldn't call it a traditional beat 'em up" – Here's why

Scott Pilgrim EX might be a successor to a 2010 beat ‘em up (Scott Pilgrim vs the World: The Game), but its developers wouldn’t call this new release a “traditional” entry in that genre.

On the Radio Times Gaming podcast this week, as we continue to preview the big games of 2026, we’ve shared our exclusive interview with Scott Pilgrim EX community manager Ziva Reby.

During the chat, which you can also enjoy as a video (see the player above or the Radio Times Gaming YouTube channel), Reby explains why EX isn’t “a traditional beat 'em up”.

Before we got onto that, Reby revealed that Bryan Lee O’Malley — Scott Pilgrim’s comic book creator — has been very hands-on with this project.

“ Bryan has been involved in the process since the beginning,” Reby told us at the Gamescom conference last summer.

“I think he wanted to be more involved in this game. So, he works with our narrative designer, Yannick [Belzil], to craft a brand new story.”

As for what that story will entail, Reby teased: “Yannick and Brian work together to create this new version of Scott, Metal Scott. The origin [of whom] will have to be discovered as you play the game.

“Of course, Scott is super enthused to have kind of a video game version of himself. Ramona's a little less enthused by the idea, 'cause of course, Metal Scott has kidnapped all the members of the Sex Bob-Ombs as well as their instruments. And they have a show tonight.”

As we saw when we demoed the game, it doesn't strictly stick to the rules of the beat ‘em genre, which seems fitting for a counter-culture icon like Scott Pilgrim. In fact, at times it feels more like a role-playing game.

Reby explained, “So, we can't call it an RPG, but I wouldn't call it just a traditional beat 'em up in the style that people know from our company here at Tribute Games.

“There's elements of RPG, like shopkeeping, where you can upgrade certain stats. You can buy badges, accessories, to give yourself different abilities. You can really build a build that is unique to you.

“Each character has their own really unique abilities. Uh, you have Lucas Lee who will have a bit more of a brawler style. You've got Roxy, who has a bit more of like that ninja style with her katana. She's got different moves that she can pull from there.

“And then your ability, you're really able to build something more brawly, more agile, more health-pool based if you're someone who likes to take a lot of hits. So you have that kind of RPG aspect."

Reby continued: “There's quest progression. There's some light backtracking, so you have a map that you can explore. There's nothing forcing you to consistently go to the right.

“You don't have to clear enemies, waves of enemies, to be able to move on. So, we've kind of pulled away slightly from the traditional beat 'em up, while marrying the two, to still make it something that people who like beat 'em ups can enjoy.”

So, how does this mash-up feel to play? We certainly had a good time with it. You'll be able to decide for yourself when Scott Pilgrim EX launches, later in 2026, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox and Nintendo Switch.

In the meantime, you can check out the rest of the interview below, where we also touch on musical maestro Anamanaguchi’s return!

Discover more of our podcast interviews:

• How James Bond: 007 First Light is "like a hand fitting into a glove"
• Why High on Life 2 added skateboarding, explained by the developer

Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.