Cuphead is one of those rare games that immediately stands out thanks to its striking hand-drawn visuals and jazz-infused soundtrack. In this review, we’ll dive into what makes the game so memorable – and so brutally challenging.
Anyone seeing Cuphead for the first time might honestly think it’s a lovingly restored cartoon from the 1930s. But what looks like a classic from Disney or Fleischer Studios is actually a video game – and a very special one at that. With its unique style, demanding gameplay, and distinct identity, Cuphead has gained a loyal fanbase since its release in 2017. In this review, we’ll take a look at what makes the game so special and why it’s a true gem for fans of classic run-and-gun games, despite (or because of) its high difficulty level.
Graphics: Like an Animated Nightmare from the ’30s
The first and perhaps most important point in any Cuphead review is the exceptional design. Studio MDHR, the indie developer behind the game, is completely devoted to the aesthetic of classic cartoons. Every single animation in the game was hand-drawn, every frame looks like a lovingly restored film strip. It’s almost surreal to play a video game that looks like it was illustrated by Walt Disney himself with ink and pen.
That cute look is often deliberately broken up with dark or grotesque elements. Whether it’s dancing carrots with hypnotic stares, angry flowers, or rampaging toy planes – Cuphead is full of quirky characters that balance between childhood dream and nightmare. The music adds to the effect: the jazzy soundtrack fits like a glove and brings the 1930s vibe to life not just visually but also acoustically.
Gameplay: Learning by Failing
Anyone thinking Cuphead is just a pretty game to sit back and relax with will be quickly proven wrong. The game is above all one thing: incredibly hard. And that’s very much by design. Cuphead takes inspiration from classic run-and-gun titles like Contra, Mega Man, or Metal Slug and builds a series of boss fights that are tough as nails. The game is made up almost entirely of these fights – there are only a few traditional platforming levels.
Each boss fight is its own little masterpiece. Bosses go through multiple phases, changing their appearance and attacks dynamically, and demanding everything from the player. If you’re not ready to learn, die, analyze, and improve, you won’t get far here. But that’s exactly where the appeal lies.
It’s no exaggeration to say: Cuphead is like dancing with the devil – literally, because the story is about Cuphead and his brother Mugman gambling away their souls to the devil and now having to collect debts for him. But also metaphorically, the game is a balancing act between frustration and satisfaction. Few other games reward perseverance with such a satisfying sense of achievement as Cuphead does.
Controls and Tech: Precise as a Swiss Watch
For a game with such a high level of difficulty to work at all, the controls need to be tight – and in Cuphead, they absolutely are. Movements are responsive, attacks are precise, dodging is smooth. Whether you’re playing with a controller or keyboard: if you die, it’s never the game’s fault – it’s always on you. And that’s what so many fans love about Cuphead – the pure fairness despite all the challenge.
Technically, the game runs flawlessly. Load times are short, performance is stable, and even on the Nintendo Switch or older PCs, the game runs butter-smooth. You can tell the development team didn’t just pour love into the project, but also real craftsmanship.
One small critique: if you’re into co-op gaming, you’ll find a local co-op mode – but unfortunately, there’s no online co-op. Especially in times of remote play, Discord and co., an online mode would have been a great addition. But that’s nitpicking on a high level.
Also interesting: TUNIC Review
Scope and Replay Value: Small but Mighty
With around 3 to 6 hours of playtime (depending on your skill level), Cuphead doesn’t seem like a particularly long game at first glance. But the replay value is huge. The many bosses invite you to perfect your performance – you can battle through different difficulty levels, find secret coins, try out new weapons, and attempt to beat every level with top ratings.
Also, with the Delicious Last Course DLC, there’s now a high-quality expansion that adds not only new bosses but also a new playable character. For fans, it’s a must-have, and it shows that even years after release, Cuphead is still loved and supported – both by the developers and the community.
A Work of Art with Teeth
Cuphead is more than just an indie game with retro charm. It’s an interactive piece of art that enchants with its visuals and challenges with its gameplay. It’s tough, sometimes frustrating, but never unfair. Those who embrace the high difficulty will be rewarded with one of the most unique games of recent years – a game that has truly earned its place in video game history.
My rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
A masterpiece for the eyes, ears, and reflexes – but definitely not for the faint-hearted. Cuphead deserves 4.4 out of 5 stars in my review.
