Tag Archives: Run And Gun

Cuphead (PC & Xbox One)

Cuphead

Developer(s) – Studio MDHR

Publisher(s) – Studio MDHR

Director(s) – Chad & Jared Moldenhauer

Producer(s) – Maria & Ryan Moldenhauer

PEGI – 7

One of the most highly anticipated games of 2017, following its initial showcasing at E3 four years prior, Cuphead is a traditional side-scrolling run-and-gun game with an eye-catching and unique conceptual design and gameplay that is as challenging as it is satisfying. I first sampled this game at Play Manchester 2017 shortly after its release and realized while it is indeed very challenging, it’s also a great deal of fun and one of the better indie experiences of last year.

Graphics – 10/10

The game adopts the visual style of the golden age of American animation of the early 1900s. Having been influenced by classic cartoons such as Mickey Mouse and Betty Boop among many others. The game’s visual style was the most noteworthy aspect of it when it was first showcased. And arguably still is. Although the game’s playstyle is extremely enjoyable beyond its visuals, I believe it’s still the game’s finest point. Though plenty of games based on cartoon animation have since come and gone, few games have ever looked as compelling as Cuphead does.

Gameplay – 8/10

As stated, the game revolves around players running and gunning through a selection of side-scrolling levels. But the most prevalent feature in the gameplay is the numerous boss fights throughout. Which for the most part, are extremely well handled. And come with a fair amount of challenge to match. I had an extremely difficult time trying to pick a favorite boss fight in Cuphead because each one of them is memorable in its own right. But in the end, I decided to pick out Grim Matchstick as my favorite. As for me, it provided the best blend of both challenge and individual conceptual design. Other outstanding boss fights in this, in my opinion, included Dr. Kahl’s Robot, Djimmi the Great, Ribby & Croaks, and Cali Maria.

Controls – 10/10

With every intentionally difficult game, I review, I always look at the controls with a greater sense of importance than other games. Because control schemes in these kinds of games in my personal opinion are largely hit-and-miss. And can greatly affect the sense of challenge the game has to offer. For example, the original Mega Man was intentionally difficult. And as most players who have played it will testify, it is a particularly challenging game. But I personally found there to be some issues with the controls; especially in Guts Man’s stage where there is precision platforming required. Thankfully, however, Cuphead does not have these issues. If mistakes are made, it will be down to the player’s individual skill. Which is the way it should be.

Lifespan – 6/10

The biggest gripe I have with the game is its lifespan. The game, dependent on the player’s skill, of course, can take there around 6 hours to complete to 100%, which for the amount of time it took to finish, seemed somewhat uneven to me personally. I can’t deduct too many points from it in this aspect, however, for two reasons. It lasts longer than most classic games of its kind. And the development time was clearly put into getting every other aspect of the game right. It would have been nice to have a few more side-scrolling levels added to balance out the number of boss fights. But nevertheless, it’s a somewhat reasonably long game, and for the time players will spend playing it, they will thoroughly enjoy it for what it is.

Storyline – 7.5/10

The story follows the titular character Cuphead and his friend Mugman. Who against the advice of their master, The Elder Kettle, wander off far from their home. And come across a casino. They find themselves on a winning streak at the craps table when they are suddenly interrupted by the Devil, who raises the stakes. If they win one more roll, the pair will get all the loot in his casino.

But if they lose, they must forfeit their souls. Cuphead agreed but rolls a snake eyes, and after pleading for their lives, the Devil makes Cuphead and Mugman a deal. If the pair can claim the souls of numerous runaway debtors for the Devil, he may consider pardoning them. The game’s story is simple in structure, but fairly unique in concept at the same time. It even has multiple endings, given the player’s choice. It’s the story, as well as its visual design, that makes it clear that this game was quite simply a labor of love.

Originality – 8/10

The Moldenhauers created this game based on their own experiences of watching classics Disney and Fleischer cartoons in their youth. And in Chad Moldenhauer’s own words, they sought to mimic the more subversive and surrealist elements of the classic cartoonists of the day. And subversive and surreal are some of the best words that I can possibly use to describe this game. It was enough to raise a lot of eyebrows at E3 2014 with its own unique conceptual design. And it has impressed a lot of gamers since its release, including me.

Happii

Overall, Cuphead is a visually stunning and delightfully challenging game with a lot to offer both veteran gamers with an appreciation for their routes, and newer generation gamers, who may be curious about experiencing some of the beginnings of video game design. Though it took an unusually long time to be released following its initial showcasing, it turned out to be more than worth the wait, and it comes highly recommended by me.

Score

49.5/60

8/10 (Very Good)