I have waited a very long time to get my hands on Cuphead and the wait was totally worth it. From the moment you start the game you are instantly glued to Cuphead as it brings you back in time with its beautiful 1930s style of visual animation along with a soundtrack that will have you whistling along like your Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie. Try not to get caught glaring at the background art in this game because Cuphead punishes you at every turn.

You play as Cuphead or Mugman if you are playing local co-op. A deal gone wrong has you doing the dirty work for the devil as you travel each world looking to take down contracts for the devil. The debt to the devil won’t be repaid until you complete these tasks for him. Progressing through Cuphead will help you unlock special weapons or items to aid in completing missions. Cuphead is heavily focused on boss battles but you will also be playing through full story levels as well. Think Contra/Metal Slug meets 1930s cartoons when you play this game because it brings me back to my younger days where it was nearly impossible to beat certain run’ n gun games. Cuphead is challenging to even the best of players but this is what makes the game unique. Be prepared to ice your hands after playing because this game has your hands working overtime on that controller.

Cuphead isn’t just strictly boss battles as you play through there will be run’ n gun levels that will test you just as much as the boss battles. The first mission you play is a run’ n gun and WOW was that ever hectic but in a good way. Trust me you will die and you will die a lot. This game is designed to have your patience tested. During the start of the levels, you will have the options of choosing between simple and regular for your difficulty and although simple seems like the way to go well guess again! Cuphead will still challenge you on the easiest of settings. I did stick with regular because I want to challenge myself even more or possibly break a controller in frustration so I have an excuse to buy another one. Cuphead is brutally challenging especially when playing through run’ n gun levels because just when you think you’re at the end and the level has died off well guess what…. “you died” will flash across the screen before you even know it.

From the start of Cuphead, you are met with what I found to be an amazing tutorial set up. The tutorial is set up like a hand-drawn artist canvas or even storyboard style and as you scrolled across the screen you finished each part of the tutorial. Once you start this you will be amazed at even small details like this will just have to clap your heads to Studio MDHR. Cuphead’s control layout isn’t at all difficult to get used to once you play through a few times. Shoot, jump, dash and special attacks consist of the control scheme and all come in handy when dealing with what awaits you in the next level.

What I really enjoyed with Cuphead was that during the levels in the game if you die it will show your progression as to how far you made it in the level, this helped in tracking how much further I needed to stay alive in order to beat the level. I will admit it took me about 10 tries to beat the first mission but I wasn’t at all pissed off. I love the challenging aspect of Cuphead and it drives you to get better as you progress throughout the game. A little tip for the old-school gamers out there I strongly recommend using the D-Pad when playing, you will thank me later.

At the end of each level (if you can make it to the end) you will be graded on how you performed. Did you collect all the coins? did you use any specials attacks? well, these all play a role in how you are graded and its a sense of accomplishment when you actually get better than a C-. Maybe next time I will take a snapshot and print the picture and put my grade on my fridge at home for my wife and daughter to see how awesome I am.









Rundown:

Cuphead is a graphical masterpiece and pays great homage to 1930s style cartoons, although one of the most challenging and punishing games you will ever play Cuphead will have you coming back for more and more. From boss battles to run’ n gun levels, Cuphead will test your patience in a good way and make you an even better gamer down the road. A standing ovation and hats off to Studio MDHR for developing one of the best games I have ever played. Cuphead is a must-have in your gaming library as you will not be disappointed.

Cheers Folks!