Cuphead: Xbox One Review

Cuphead: Xbox One Review

Developed by StudioMDHR Entertainment
Platform: XBox One

Imagine if Steamboat Willie met with the gaming generation and you're half way to the reality of Cuphead, the XBox One exclusive.

With a very simple story (two mugs sell their souls at a casino to the Devil and now have to run about doing his bidding to claim them back), Cuphead's MO is less about narrative and more about the look and feel of the game.

Much like the return of Crash Bandicoot to the PlayStation 4, Cuphead's a platform run and gun game that thrives on its difficulty more than anything.

But that's actually no bad thing, as games these days lack the challenge they used to revel in.

So often would games guide you to where you needed to go to do what you need to do, and while Cuphead's simplicity is annoying in many ways, it's also refreshing.

However, that's not to say it's not punishingly difficult in places.

Jumping, running, shooting bosses and bouncing on different colour bombs lobbed your way to fill up your supermeter may sound easily, but the execution of the game is anything but. If timing is remotely off, you're in big trouble and restarting. It can be frustrating, but why should a game that looks this good be so easy anyway?

The game's artwork and animation is nothing short of superb.

Easily reminiscent of early 30s animation and early Disney work, as well as the personification of the WW2 vibe of comics and Korky the cat, the game's artwork is gorgeous. If there weren't so many things coming to kill you, it'd be worth taking it all in.

Ultimately, Cuphead looks good, plays with difficulty and reminds you of why you game - for a challenge, for something different and for something fresh. 

Cuphead is all of these things and more.

If you're prepared to sacrifice your sanity occasionally.