Cuphead is the latest indie game that has caught the attention of many. Up to two players can play this run and shoot game which some will draw similarities with Metal Slug. However, Cuphead’s gameplay and artistic styles makes it a truly unique game on its own.

1930s cartoonist style

Straight after booting up the game, you will feel as if you have step into a time portal and transported to the 1930s. The slight static noise visible on the screen is not a sign of your TV breaking down but added on purpose as a nostalgic touch.

The characters in the game will feel familiar to you but at the same time refreshing. The developers had taken reference from animators in the 1930 such as Disney. The surrealistic nature of the bosses (a flower firing carrot missile etc.) was inspired by cartoonist of that time.

The presentation, art style and also music blends together perfectly, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing game we have played so far. No fancy 3D graphics but just hand drawn animation that looked so good.

Tough game to beat but satisfying

As a run and shoot title, you control the main protagonist, Cuphead, shooting your way through over 30 bosses. A second player can also join the game controlling Mugman, brother of Cuphead. Kind of like Mario and Luigi.

Cuphead has infinite lives. So you can’t game over technically. But if you think this is an easy game, think again. This is one of the HARDEST game by far we have ever played in the last five years! Each boss fights or run-through level requires multiple rounds of playing before you can actually master and beat them.

Generally games require two things for you to beat them. One being luck and the other being skill (we are disregarding the pay-to-win model some games employed today). And Cuphead is one that is heavy on the skill side.

After umpteen attempts at beating a level or boss, at the moment when you finally beats it, joy and satisfaction will definitely overwhelm you.

Comparison with other shoot and run games

Cuphead has been likened to the Metal Slug series for obvious reasons. However, we actually found it to be more similar to the Megaman (aka Rockman) series.

In the Megaman, you beats of a series of boss to gain power of that boss. While that did not happen in Cuphead, the level of difficulty of the bosses in both games are equitable in our opinion. The dashing mechanism is also familiar to those who have played the more recent Megaman.

Need help with the Game? Our Tips!

This game is tough. Let us share with you some tips.

1. Get the more HP charm – Although this will reduce your damage slightly, the extra health will be much needed especially in later bosses where it becomes almost impossible to loss 3 lives before beating them.
2. Dash – Dashing is a great way to escape. Set your keyboard/game pad such that this button is easily reached. Getting the smoke bomb charm earlier in the game is also recommended.
3. Play with controllers – If you are playing on the PC version and not the Xbox version like us, use a controller. It is easier to play with a controller than keyboard. Also your Playstation 4 controller will work nicely with the game.
4. Learn the pattern – Most of the moves by the bosses are predictable to a certain extent. There are times when there will be some randomness in the move the boss makes. But by mastering the ways to avoid taking damages from the various moves, you will be on your way to beat the game.
5. Super Arts – Don’t forget to use them. When you are fully charged, these Super Arts are a great way to end the level dealing lethal damage.

If you think games these days are to easy and want more challenge, this is the game you should try. You can get the game for Xbox One or on Steam right now.