Players can customize their weapon loadout by equipping different projectile types, such as weak homing shots or a powerful short-range three-way spread. Parrying is a skill that is hard to perfect when you begin the game, but by the time you reach the last world, you’ll be utilizing it whenever you can.ĭifferent weapons and abilities can be purchased from Porkrind’s Emporium with coins collected in run-and-gun stages. Unique to Cuphead’s gameplay is a parry move that allows him to bounce off of pink colored projectiles and objects. He can also jump and use a dash that quickly sprints him forward. By landing hits on enemies, Cuphead slowly charges up his Super Meter. He can shoot in eight directions while standing still. Cuphead can shoot projectiles while standing and running. Raise The StakesĮach challenge in Cuphead is surmountable thanks to its tight controls.
However, Cuphead stands apart from other games in its genre with its strong focus on boss fights. The gameplay bears resemblance to classic shoot-em-ups such as Metal Slug or Megaman. Boss battles have multiple stages, each growing more difficult as you progress. The pairing of a new boss with a new music track provides a rush of excitement at every new stage.īut despite its cutesy looks and lighthearted soundtrack, Cuphead is a serious challenge not to be taken lightly. Each boss fight and run-and-gun level has their own unique track. From the beautiful piano flourishes, the rolling drum beats, and the powerful horn blasts, each tune provides the perfect backdrop to each stage. The vintage jazz soundtrack composed by Kristofer Maddigan weaves several infectious and high-energy grooves. The soundtrack too is a work of pure beauty. It’s clear the Moldenhauer brothers have a true passion for art - they cut no corners and it shows in every single stage. The 1930s aesthetic is amplified by the pop of a vinyl record in the audio design and the film filter over the action. Every boss move set, the battle animations of Cuphead and Mugman, the vibrant world map, every single detail is painstakingly crafted.
Each character is frame-by-frame hand-drawn and hand-colored via traditional cel animation, paired with watercolor backgrounds. The exhaustive creative process the studio took to recapture the adorable, bouncing style of the ‘30s animation era is a monumental accomplishment and is Cuphead’s biggest strength.
The game does not feel like a homage to 1930s cartoons - rather it feels like a contemporary among the source material. Without any other choice, the duo set out to do the Devil’s dirty work.Īlmost immediately, players will be charmed by the beautifully intricate art style. But, after pleading their case, he tells him he’ll spare their souls if he collects the soul contracts of other debtors. Cuphead and Mugman’s souls belong to The Devil. Cuphead foolishly gives the dice one more roll. He promises the heroes a huge payday if they win one more dice roll. However, the Devil himself is revealed to be the owner of the establishment. As fans of a little gambling every now and again, the duo enter a casino and find themselves on a hot streak. The question must be asked: does the game play as well as it looks? Don’t Deal With the DevilĬuphead follows the adventures of the titular Cuphead and his pal Mugman. After a handful of delays (most of them to polish the art and animation), Cuphead was finally released on September 29th. The game’s art style was a true labor of love and made an immediate impression. A few brief moments of boss fights were shown and all heads immediately turned.
Brothers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer of Studio MDHR channeled their love for the past to create Cuphead, a 2D, run-and-gun video game.Ĭuphead’s earliest origins can be traced all the way back to 2010, but the game was first revealed to audiences during Microsoft’s E3 Press Conference in 2014. Go back and watch some classics, such as Fleischer Studio’s Swing You Sinners to see just how dark and diabolical they could really get. Walt Disney, Fleischer Studios, and other cartoonists created some strange and rather surreal stories. The cartoon creations of the 1930s were the fundamental backbone of animation’s future.