The results are a little more muddled than that, however. While Scott Pilgrim EX still packs a surprisingly deep combat system like its 2010 predecessor – not to mention the incredible aesthetic – it falls short in more than a few areas. It can still be a fun beat ’em up in its own right, but this isn’t 15+ years ago. Plenty of worthwhile alternatives exist and deliver more than their fair share of compelling gameplay experiences.

For a series that’s always been light on logic and big on heart, the story does very little to actually make sense. Space and time have somehow been ruptured, three gangs are running amok, but Scott and his friends aren’t necessarily interested. They’re busy practising for a show later, and it’s only when Metal Scott appears and kidnaps the rest of the band that Scott is spurred into action. With a little help from Ramona Flowers and some of her not-quite-so-evil-anymore exes.

"Odd as it all sounds when laid out like this, it works surprisingly well within the setting, and that’s not even accounting for Scott Pilgrim’s own ridiculous ideas (like the Vegan Police). Some of it can be eye-rolling, but if you enjoyed the overall vibe of the property, then it’s all par for the course."

If you’re confused by the addition of characters like Metal Scott, then strap in, because the entire vibe of the Scott Pilgrim universe is heavily based on pop culture. There’s the ambiguous-looking Scorpion enemy, complete with a grapple that pulls you closer to him; Lady Envy, a boss who transforms into a Poison Ivy-like towering plant during intervals by committing seppuku a la Lady Maria from Bloodborne; a POW block; and, of course, playing your bass like an ocarina to unlock a portal. But it goes even further beyond as Scott and friends can gather coins from enemies, purchase gear to upgrade their stats, and equip badges with unique passive effects. They can even summon other characters to lend a hand if their GP gauge is high enough.

Odd as it all sounds when laid out like this, it works surprisingly well within the setting, and that’s not even accounting for Scott Pilgrim’s own ridiculous ideas (like the Vegan Police). Some of it can be eye-rolling, but if you enjoyed the overall vibe of the property, then it’s all par for the course. That doesn’t make the plot any less nonsensical, though you would also think it’d go further than simply traveling through portals to different worlds/eras to retrieve items and instruments to save the band.

There’s also the world map. Unlike Scott Pilgrim vs The World, you’re traversing linearly through levels. This allows for visiting shops to gear up, heal and unlock additional color palettes or speak with some of the NPCs roaming about. A lot of back and forth between areas is involved, and even after you unlock Subspace to make travel easier, it’s far from that feeling of catharsis that revisiting an older area with a new ability would provide.

And despite carrying numerous references to the world of Scott Pilgrim, complete with familiar characters like Julie, who seems to work every single job, it barely aspires to anything more. The actual areas that you fight through aren’t that much better, often feeling overly straightforward and monotonous (with a few exceptions). But hey, at least you can visit iconic locations like Scott and Wallace’s apartment.

"The combat still feels pretty tight, though, even if the running momentum can take some getting used to. Each character is also unique in their own right, from Scott’s video-game-inspired attacks (spot the Tatsumaki Senpukyaku if you can) to Lucas Lee’s powerhouse moves."

Nevertheless, this is a beat ’em up at heart, and if you’ve played a beat ’em up, then you probably know what to expect. Light attacks and heavy attacks to start, a powerful Super Attack that can knock back foes, and a grab for those pesky unblockable foes (though it won’t always work on later enemies). Chaining strikes results in different combos, and Scott Pilgrim EX distinguishes them in unconventional ways. Light attacks are faster, but heavy attacks can build up stun status, making crowd control that much easier, which could make all the difference when swarmed by foes. Similarly, grabbing an enemy and launching them into others can be a worthwhile tactic for creating space.

As is also typical of contemporary beat ’em ups, you have a block button, which can turn into a backstep when pressed together with the jump bottom. You can also parry projectiles or melee attacks by attacking at just the right moment. All together, it’s a solid system that’s easy to embrace while offering just enough nuance for those who want to get invested.

Of course, chaos can often be the name of the game, and it’s not long before all strategy goes out the window in favor of multiple throwable items, weapons, explosives, and whatnot. I also found that equipping a badge which drains GP from enemies while attacking them can be used to constantly fuel Super Attacks. It’s a neat power fantasy on paper, but it can serve to quickly trivialize some encounters in the early to mid-game, especially boss fights when multiple minions are called in. At least the bosses themselves have interesting gimmicks, like prehistoric Roxxi using Scott’s bass to summon explosives from the sky as Vegans assail you from all sides (I can’t promise that makes any more sense when actually viewing it).

The combat still feels pretty tight, though, even if the running momentum can take some getting used to. Each character is also unique in their own right, from Scott’s video-game-inspired attacks (spot the Tatsumaki Senpukyaku if you can) to Lucas Lee’s powerhouse moves. Even the summons adds a nice little extra layer to it all, whether you’re calling in the Katayanagi Twins to heal you or Young Neil to obliterate the entire screen with a parade of other Young Neils. Enemies also have unique patterns and attacks, but they can get more obnoxious as you progress to later areas.

"Compared to some of the greats of today, like Absolum and even Tribute Games’ own Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, it aspires to be simply good rather than outright incredible."

Though it can take longer than its predecessor, Scott Pilgrim EX isn’t a very long game – replayability is more the impetus, especially if you have friends who can join in (with support for up to four players, locally and online). And there is a fair amount of stuff to unlock, whether you’re trying to collect all the badges or discover every single secret. However, given all the shortcomings, it can feel like a slog at times, even if it doesn’t extend playtime by a lot.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

Crimson Desert

The big one, with arguably the most hype, is Crimson Desert. It’s been a long journey towards release, and no matter how many interviews or videos we see, it has something new to reveal every time. Can it meet all the hype? Maybe. Maybe not. One thing that’s for sure is we’re looking forward to scouring Pywel for secrets, learning the ins and outs of each character’s fighting style, and wreaking havoc with our favorite mech/dragon/bear mount when it launches on March 19th.

Pokémon Pokopia

A Ditto imitating a human deciding to open a farm and bring on other Pokémon to help from the team behind Dynasty Warriors – sounds about right. Far be it from Pokémon Pokopia, out on March 5th, to just be Nintendo’s take on “Palworld” but with a 20 to 40 hour story, post-game content and even four-player co-op, there should be just enough to hold you over until the next generation arrives.

Marathon

Even as a Destiny player who’s been disappointed by many Bungie decisions over the years, I have to admit – Marathon doesn’t look half-bad. Maybe it’s because the six Runner Shells actually have compelling kits, or due to the quality of life features, or the killer presentation – from that sick match loading screen to the extraction. Either way, Marathon should have some impact when it launches on March 5th – whether Bungie can keep that going is another issue.

Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf

Following up on the original’s gorgeous hand-painted aesthetic and environmental storytelling, Children of the Leaf promises to be even bigger and more mysterious. Which is all well and good, but it’s also packing plenty of new mechanics, including expanded traversal options. If it can mirror the original’s cinematic excellence, Planet of Lana 2 could very well be a dark horse when it arrives on March 5th.

Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake

If Fatal Frame proves anything, it’s that the camera is sometimes mightier than the gun and also sometimes just as ineffective against angry spirits if you can’t aim right. Fortunately, Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake has a lot more going for it – including a new over-the-shoulder perspective, gorgeous overhauled visuals, and new features like holding hands – perfect for trying to survive the night. It’s out on March 12th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, and even includes a new ending over the original.

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando

There’s something about the cheesy, 80s action movie-esque mayhem that Saber brings to the table in John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando. Maybe it’s also about seeing the Swarm Engine applied to zombies, ensuring plenty of massive hordes that you don’t know whether to shoot or gawk at (the former. Always the former). After the surprisingly fun demo, we’re keen to go commando even more when the full game launches on March 12th.

Docked

Of course, Saber Interactive doesn’t just want to cater to your urge for co-op chaos. No, it also knows there’s an audience for operating big machinery and solving real-world problems, like in Docked. As the lead operator of a dock wrecked by a hurricane, it’s your job to keep the cargo moving, managing and operating heavy equipment, bringing in contracts, and building it back up. It’s out on March 5th for just $29.99 on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection

Maybe you’re interested in the antics of Azuria and Vermeil, two kingdoms at odds while the Crystal Encroachment wreaks havoc. But if you’re just here for the monsters, Monster Hunter Stories 3, launching on March 13th, has plenty to throw at you. From old-school classics like Yama Tsukami to the contemporary, Malzeno, Narwa, Ibushi and Arkveld, there is a lot to choose from. And best of all, you can obtain variants with Habitat Restoration, including a fiery Zinogre.

Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War!

Speaking of surprisingly fun demos, Starship Troopers may very well be back courtesy of Auroch Digital’s raucous new first-person shooter, which launches on March 16th. No building or resource collection here – it’s a straight-up, Boltgun-style retro shooter where you slay many, many bugs. Does it feel a little Helldivers-esque at times, especially with the drop pods? Well, sure, but full circle and whatnot, and how can you possibly say no to Johnny Rico himself?

GreedFall: The Dying World

The other game to drop the “2”, that too before Overwatch, is GreedFall: The Dying World. Furthermore, it’s out on March 12th, finally exiting early access after an…ambitious entry on September 24th. But there’s new content, improved combat, more companions, additional quests, and even more to come, including a PS5 and Xbox Series X/S release. Maybe it can finally redeem the GreedFall name, such as it is.

Screamer

I’ll admit to some consternation, especially after JDM: Japanese Drift Master tried to fuse manga and street racing, but Screamer is clearly on another level. Boasting anime cutscenes, multiple playable characters, and the ECHO for power-ups like Strikes and Boosts, it’s a surprisingly intriguing mix. The futuristic setting and team racing modes, where your crew can take on others, are just the icing on top when Screamer launches on March 26th.

WWE 2K26

WWE Creative being dull and CM Punk headlining a new video game – name a more iconic duo. Thankfully, the latter means a new 2K Showcase focused on his best matches and some fantasy warfare against Legends that could have been. Other notable features include the return of Inferno, I Quit and 3 Stages of Hell matches, the ability to stack tables, and over 400 characters, perhaps the largest in history (and that’s not including DLC following the post-March 13th release).

Scott Pilgrim EX

Toronto’s time-space has been messed up, with fantastical threats like Robots and Vegans laying claim to the city. Who better to fight back, other than literally anyone else, than Scott Pilgrim and friends? Following up on Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, this is a new beat ’em up from Tribute Games with seven playable fighters, four-player local and online co-op (with drop-in/drop-out supported) and a progression system centered around Badges. If you enjoyed Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game, then EX may be up your alley when it launches on March 3rd.

Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection

Following up on the well-received Battle Network Legacy Collection, Mega Man Star Force gets its own compilation on March 27th with all three titles and their versions. And considering the dozens of hours you can invest in each, complete with a new gallery and online play for battling, it may be just what the Doctor (not Wily) ordered.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (PC)

One of the least surprising announcements of all time – thanks ESRB and Kojima – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach nevertheless promises to be the most stunning version when it releases on March 19th. It includes Ultrawide support, upscaling and Frame Generation across DLSS 4, FSR 3 and XeSS 2.0, and even lets you enable Decima’s own Pico upscaling tech. Combine this with hardware requirements that are more than achievable – just maybe buy a new SSD – and it may very well warrant another playthrough.

The sequel has seven playable characters in total, including four former villains and drop-in/drop-out co-op for up to four players. Set in Toronto, players will once again battle enemies, level up, complete quests and ultimately uncover the secrets throughout the city. And yes, there will be Vegans and other factions to combat.

While retaining the classic retro-style graphics, the story is original, written by Bryan Lee O’Malley (who worked on the graphic novel series). Based on the trailer thus far, it retains the sleek gameplay and over-the-top humor of its predecessor. Stay tuned for more details and announcements in the coming months.