Developed By: Studio MDHR
Published By: Microsoft Game Studios
Date of Release: October 19, 2018
Price: $19.99
Take a deep breath. Calm your nerves. Perhaps put on some relaxing music, and drink some tea. You're going to need all the stress relief you can get if you play to play this madcap adventure from Studio MDHR. Looking like it was ripped straight from the 1930s animation scene, Cuphead is here, and you'd better hide the fine china and get ready to grab the bull by the horns. A seemingly typical run-and-gun 2D action platformer at first glance, Cuphead is definitely nothing of the sort.
Taking cues from some of the most difficult games ever made, *COUGHDARKSOULSCOUGH*, Cuphead is an experience that is all about learning enemy patterns and figuring out how to exploit them. While the game may seem impossible at first, you'll eventually find a way to take down any foe that stands in your way. Just expect a lot of cursing and controller-tossing. Thankfully the awesome production values keep the game interesting, which is a godsend when you have to replay so many sections until you get them right. Persevere and you will be rewarded for your patience. I never felt like I was being overtly punished by the game, there are no cheap deaths here.
The visuals are definitely the star of the show, looking like a 1930s production of Mickey Mouse or Betty Boop. EVERYTHING is hand animated, and convincing film grain and dust pervade every scene. It gives the impression that the game is an old animated serial being shown at a vintage cinema. It has an amazing amount of charm, and the incredible score adds to it. The music is full of rich swinging big band numbers, and dynamically changes to suit the scene. It's clear that the lengthy devopment time was well spent, as Cuphead is an amazingly well tuned bit of old-school (in more ways than one!) gaming. This may just be the best platforming experience that the Mac platform has ever seen. My recommendation is that you take a gamble at this table.
