Hello and welcome to “The Backlog,” a column where we review video games based on a certain genre or topic each month. For September, I decided to use the opportunity to both rant and rave about certain games. This month’s theme is: “I love it/I hate it,” and we will dive into a few games that I can’t help but rage over yet continue to play for some reason. The first one we’re looking at is “Cuphead.”
Developed by Studio MDHR and released in 2017, “Cuphead” became an instant favorite among gamers. The “run-and-gun” style of gameplay is similar to various platformers, but the style is reminiscent of old-school cartoons such as Steamboat Willy or mascots like Betty Boop. “Cuphead” can be played on Windows, Xbox, macOS, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation.
The game can be played as a single player or a local co-op experience, with up to two players. Users can play as either Cuphead or Mugman, brothers who’ve made a deal with the Devil after losing it all in a casino. Their job is to collect the souls of runaway debtors, defeating them and eventually reaching the casino once again to face King Dice and the Devil. The simplistic story is entertaining for all ages, even receiving a Netflix series titled “The Cuphead Show!”
The Jazz Age aesthetic isn’t the only thing that drew players in. The notoriously difficult levels and bosses are truly the highlight of the game. As with many video games, “Cuphead” excels in the “try, try again” department. Players may find themselves struggling with a boss for days, as each one has unique moves and stages during their fights. Bosses also appear in an array of unique designs. As the brotherly pair travel throughout Inkwell Isle, they come across bosses ranging from giant vegetables, a candy queen, a genie and even a giant mermaid.
Each character has fantastic, cartoonish elements inspired by the works of Walt Disney and Max Fleischer. The ways in which each enemy is animated brings them to life, with constant movement and jumpy animations.
Players can also tailor their experiences by using charms and different weapons to complete each level. There is also a parry system, where players can jump on glowing pink objects or projectiles to charge their super move. Memorization and patience are your best friends, as the only way to defeat each boss is through sheer determination.
As with other difficult games, it took me a long time to get through “Cuphead.” However, I don’t see this as a flaw in the game. The developers made it clear that “Cuphead” can be difficult, but the satisfaction of defeating enemies you’ve been fighting for hours or days is worth the effort.
The gameplay is mostly the same throughout the experience, but there are segments where Cuphead or Mugman transform into flying planes, gaining the ability to shoot their enemies. The switch between styles keeps the game feeling new and refreshing; personally, I really enjoyed the plane segments.
In my experience, one boss drove me near insanity. The frog brothers, Ribby and Croaks, kept me on my toes for days. Even though they’re a boss only in the first region, their third phase was incredibly difficult. To make them open to attacks, players must activate them by pulling the slot machine lever. Depending on how you hit it and how lucky you are, you’ll come across three different types of attacks. Pray that you pull the snake attack, as the tiger and bull were my worst nightmare.
“Cuphead” is a polished experience, one with no issues related to lag or speed due to its offline nature. But the game is not for the faint of heart; those who become disheartened by losing to the same enemy repeatedly may not find satisfaction in the game. It’s not necessarily an issue about resolve, but I can see why some players may drop the game, especially if it’s not the experience they were looking for.
Nonetheless, “Cuphead” was an instant hit. With its own show and DLC called “The Delicious Last Course” from 2022, more can be expected from the studio and the minds behind our beverage-brain heroes.
Rating: 4/5 Coins