Cuphead
Don't deal with the devil! This side-scrolling boss-fest is both beautiful and unforgiving. Arguably the best looking video game ever made. Join Purpose Circus as we play and review Cuphead!
This game is hard... really hard. Some challenges took us dozens of attempts to conquer and only with random luck. What keeps you playing is the absolute beauty of the hand-drawn and painted visuals, 1930's style and masterpiece soundtrack.
Cuphead (External Link)
Cuphead and Mugman come across a casino and lose their souls to the devil. They cut a deal to chase down and collect runaway debtors who take the form of various bosses to collect soul contracts and earn their freedom.
Defeating bosses to earn the contracts becomes increasingly difficult to the point where you might believe success is impossible. One more try... just one more... as the hours go by.
Coins collected along the way can be used to purchase enhanced weapons, additional health and special abilities that might just give you the required edge to clear certain obstacles. Remembering to equip or change capabilities can make the difference between minutes and hours of play.
There are some side-scrolling levels that are platform type run and gun experiences reminiscent of classics like Contra or Metroid. Things can get very busy to the point where every square-inch of the screen is filled with moving objects.
The core of the game is focused around dedicated boss fights. While you have infinite lives, there are no check points within the battles so 95% completion can repeatedly end with a repetitive attack and death that almost seems like Groundhog Day. The game is just so beautiful to experience that you must finish it.
Purpose Circus Game Rating
Inclusivity: ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Number of simultaneous players and learning curve for new players.
- 2 players maximum.
- Difficulty may be a barrier for casual gamers.
Amusement: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Player engagement with game and others - collective laughter.
- Absorbs attention and mental bandwidth.
- Dramatic exhales of emotion with success and failure.
Quality: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Play efficiency and game fit/finish.
- Well polished interface and flow.
- Incredible visuals and sound track.
Replayability: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Gameplay variety, challenges and permutations of experience.
- Some parts are so difficult that repetition is sworn off.
- Strong experience that draws you back.
Intangibles: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation and nostalgia - the magic.
- 1930's animation in modern game is innovative and beautiful.
- Strong ties to history and Saturday morning cartoons.
Overall: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Cuphead is a triumph of tradition and innovation. You will need to rotate the controllers if you have a crowd, but sometimes taking a short break will help to clear your head and finally see small differences in execution that lead to success. The style is gorgeous, and the challenge is real. We hope you give Cuphead a try, and let us know in the comments what the most difficult boss was for you!
What makes something memorable and worth revisiting? What should be avoided, accepted or pursued? Is there a better or best version? What is good?
Grab some popcorn and join the circus as we answer these questions through shared experience. We look forward to releasing content each week and having you with us along the way!
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