Cuphead is something of an oddball in the gaming industry, a very welcomed oddball at that. At its core, it is merely just another bullet-hell/Mega Man-style side scroller, however it has garnered many adoring fans and intrigued potential buyers through something not many games can really get away with now adays: its artstyle.

Although the game’s difficulty is a very very hot topic for discussion when talking about this game, as it is indeed a challenge even for the most intense gamers, I personally feel that the game’s strong suit is definitely its amazing visuals. Taking direct inspiration from old ‘rubber hose’ era cartoons from the 1940’s, Cuphead feels both antique and unpredictable when put alongside other modern releases like Call of Duty WWII or other more realistic games. Every single level, every single boss keeps you on your toes not only because you don’t want to die, but also because you have no idea what’s about to come next. Each character in the game feels like something you’ve never seen before, but very pleasing and/or exciting to see.

For those not aware, Cuphead is what is called a ‘run and gun’ type platformer. Popular examples in this niche genre include titles such as Capcom’s Mega Man franchise and Nintendo’s Metroid series. Games like these combine platforming elements from games such as Super Mario Bros. and simple shoot and dodge mechanics to create a new series of challenges for the player to overcome. In regards to this genre, Cuphead fits almost too comfortably within the confines of its various cliches. In other words, if perhaps one were to look for innovation gameplay-wise in Cuphead, there are other titles that bring newer and better things to the table.

A game like Cuphead isn’t necessarily too concerned with the complexity or ingenuity of its mechanics, although what’s already there is definitely solid with great satisfaction from the various risks and rewards it presents during hectic battles. Cuphead is mainly concerned with its amazing, passion filled art painstakingly animated by hand by its developers at Studio MDHR, whom of which started production on this title way back in 2010. However, it’s greatest feature can also be its achilles heel so to speak.

Many have argued, including myself to a degree, that one could get the same amount of enjoyment watching someone else play Cuphead as playing it oneself. In my experience, doing both, I can definitely say that perhaps if I had a friend with me playing it, I would have continued forward. When you’ve seen every single crazy happening that Cuphead can throw at you, it’s kind of hard to really be excited to see it in game. Cuphead’s magic was gone in a sense, which is a problem.

Overall, if you can spare 20 dollars, I’d recommend it for anyone looking to get their hands on something that feels both new and familiar in terms of both art style and gameplay. If you can’t spare the 20 dollars, well watching someone else play online gets just about as much as just watching it online.