Developed and published by StudioMDHR Entertainment, as an exclusive on Xbox One consoles and Windows PC, run and gun indie title "Cuphead" is finally available after its initial announcement back in 2014. While we have indeed waited some time for Cuphead to release, the wait has been well worth it.
For those of you who have not heard of Cuphead, it is a classic run and gun action game - which places a heavy focus on boss battles and additionally features ultra-hard run and gun platform-inspired levels. The title was essentially inspired by cartoons from the 1930s and the visuals and audio were painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era... This can be seen in the traditional hand-drawn cel animations, watercolour backgrounds, and original jazz recordings - which ultimately make Cuphead one of the most unique titles I have had the pleasure of playing since I began my career as a video game reviewer.
While the audio and visuals are indeed a major highlight of this title... So is its fairly basic storyline. Players take on the role of Cuphead (if playing single-player only) as well as Mugman (Who can be accessed via co-op sessions) as they try and reclaim their souls. Initially, Cuphead and his brother Mugman go against the wishes of their guardian "The Elder Kettle" and wander into the Devil's Casino, which is run by King Dice. When the brothers go on a winning streak, King Dice calls upon the Devil who raises the stakes. However, Cuphead rolls snake eyes and he and Mugman must give up their souls. However, the Devil makes a deal with them: collect the contracts of the other inhabitants of Inkwell Isle who have lost their souls and he might let the brothers off the hook. It's at this point where the brothers return to the Elder Kettle who gives them a potion that allows them to fire blasts from their fingers.
While the storyline for Cuphead is a simple one at that, it fits the entire package perfectly. While the game does not feature many cutscenes, the few on hand play out perfectly as the hand-drawn visuals tell the story. It's quite a marvel to see and experience.
Moving away from the storyline, Cuphead also features some fairly basic, yet brilliant, control and combat mechanics. Most levels will see the player moving from left to right while Cuphead and Mugman essentially, run, jump, and blast their way through the beautifully hand-crafted levels, enemies, and bosses. While this sounds simple enough, it is not. Cuphead is a very difficult title... at times frustratingly difficult. The run and gun platform-styled levels feature a plethora of enemies that attack the player from multiple directions. Then there are the extremely difficult boss battles. These battles can play out for some time as each boss essentially evolves into different forms throughout each battle. While each level and boss is excruciatingly difficult, they can be beaten if the player is persistent enough.
With Cuphead being such a difficult title, it is not entirely for everyone. Yes, the cute animations and beautiful art style may attract many players, but just keep in mind that this title is here to challenge those who play it. There were times when I felt the game was unfairly difficult. This was due to the fact that each time you die the pattern of the level or the boss you were facing is once again randomised... making it slightly easier or even more difficult than the first time you attempted to tackle it. This makes Cuphead feel a fair bit unbalanced, and as stated above, unfairly difficult at times. Granted, each boss and level can be overcome; however, this will take patience and skill.
To add to the difficulty, Cuphead features no checkpoints and no health pickups. Granted, the game does offer some assistance when it comes to gaining power-ups and super-moves; however, these will need to be bought from a store using coins, which are few and far in-between. But as stated many times above, it is not impossible to beat Cuphead, but it does take a lot of skill and patience.
Conclusion:
Cuphead is a brilliant title that is not only excruciatingly difficult, but beautifully designed too. While this title may not be for everyone, it will definitely make you feel like you have achieved something great once you have finished the game. While Cuphead did make me want to throw my controller across the room many times, I couldn't help but cheer for joy when I defeated a difficult level or lay waste to a difficult boss. It's this feeling of accomplishment that makes Cuphead well-worth playing.
By: Darryl Linington
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