Cuphead

Prepare for a high-class bout!

Release: 2017
Developer: MDHR Studios
Platform: PC
Genre: Sidescroller, Action platformer
Gameplay Stats: 4 hours, 61% achievements

Visual: For most people the first thing that they will notice about this game is the visual presentation and for good reason. It's probably the most distinctive aspect of the game. Everything is hand-drawn and animated in the style of a 1920's Disney cartoon. Complete with dancing backgrounds and sinister underpinnings. It's reeeeally pretty! It does have the issue that many hand-drawn games do where the visual detailing of a particular element doesn't exactly match up with the programming, particularly relative to their hitboxes. That's something to know going into any hand-drawn game though, and this isn't an exception. Cuphead does do a better job than most games about this though.

Audio: The music and sound effects continue in the styling of the drawing, relying heavily on old cartoons from the 1920's. All of the songs and sound effects fit the game and improve the immersion. I don't think that there were any tracks in particular that stand out in my mind, and I'm not sure that I'll listen to the soundtrack any time soon. The whole thing is extremely complimentary to the rest of the game. I can't really give higher praise than that! I suppose it's worth mentioning that the shooting sound effects do get a bit annoying, but it's relatively minor. I think they would have done well to turn down that sound in particular, but I'm nitpicking.

Plot: There is a plot, but it really doesn't matter much. It's not germain to the gameplay at all. You and your brother have to set out to collect contracts on other denizen's souls for the devil. How did these villains get to keep their contract while you lose yours in the opening cutscene? Who knows. It doesn't really matter. There's not much exposition and that's definitely not the strong suit of this game, but there is a story that serves to back up the themes of the game, so it works.

Gameplay: Minor irritations aside, this game plays really well. I never felt like any of my deaths were the fault of RNG or unfair. I just needed to learn more and be patient, which is fair. The gameplay isn't too deep, but it's very fun and challenging. The is a run and gun game similar to a Contra, but with a heavy emphasis on boss fights. There are some stages where platforming comes into play, but the vast majority of the game is a boss rush. There isn't really an upgrade system to speak of, but there are different items you can equip that improve/change your playstyle a little bit. I found a loadout that worked for me and very rarely changed it, but I'm sure others would find more success with changing up all their weapons for each fight/stage.

Overall this game is really great! It's short, but the love and attention to detail put into this game make it a very easy recommendation. It's regularly $20, but I'm sure there will be sales soon. I hope this is the start of games following a particular art style as loyally and successfully. [9/10]