CRITIK

Cuphead

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Cuphead
Item: Cuphead
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Shooter, Old-School Style, Side View Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableSep 29, 2017

PlatformPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperStudio MDHR

Overview

A port of Cuphead that was released as a part of Tesla’s 10.0 software update. Due to the Tesla hardware of the time, the game only featured the first world of the game. In December 2022, the port was made obsolete in certain Tesla models due to a software update which adds Steam connectivity.

Elsewhere

8.7

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The critics generally praise the story of Cuphead for its classic cartoon plot and immersive charm. Attack of the Fanboy appreciates the classic cartoon feel of the story, while Noisy Pixel mentions that the story hits beats similar to the cartoons it is based on, creating an immersive world. Nintendo Enthusiast, Nintendo Life, and Pure Nintendo all highlight the effective simplicity of the story concept that works well with the game's visuals and gameplay. Vooks and We Got This Covered also commend the dark subject matter hidden beneath the playful narrative, adding depth to the overall experience. The narrative of Cuphead is often described as unique, quirky, and engaging by various critics, contributing positively to the game's appeal. On the downside, some critics find the story of Cuphead to be simplistic or not a significant focus of the overall experience. Attack of the Fanboy notes that the story is not a huge part of the game, while Gameplanet mentions that the charming intro sequence and unique premise of collecting souls may not resonate with all players. Despite the dark and comical elements praised by some critics, others may find the story lacking in depth or complexity. Additionally, some critics may feel that the story does not evolve or offer substantial character development throughout the game, potentially leading to a lack of emotional investment for certain players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Cuphead, while simple, effectively sets the stage for the gameplay experience and complements the game's visual style. Critics like Digital Chumps, Polygon, and Easy Allies appreciate the unique narrative where the protagonists must collect souls or contracts to save themselves from the Devil, showcasing a blend of cheerful animation with darker themes. The majority of critics find the story to be engaging, fitting well with the game's challenging gameplay and providing a cohesive backdrop for the boss battles and platforming levels. While some critics may find the story lacking in depth or character development, the overall sentiment is positive towards the story of Cuphead, highlighting its nostalgic charm and effective integration with the game's mechanics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise Cuphead's classic cartoon plot and immersive charm, with many highlighting its unique and engaging narrative that adds depth to the game's overall experience. Some critics feel the story is simplistic and lacks character development, but overall, the consensus is positive, with the story effectively complementing the game's visuals and gameplay. Cuphead's blend of cheerful animation with darker themes and engaging storytelling make it a hit among critics, despite some minor criticisms about its depth.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics found the gameplay of Cuphead to be exceptional, with many praising its challenging yet rewarding nature. Attack of the Fanboy commended the variety of weapons, abilities, and strategies available, along with the high difficulty level that still felt achievable. Nintendo Enthusiast appreciated the engaging gameplay, highlighting the variety of boss battles with unique mechanics that catered to different playstyles. The Indie Game Website found the gameplay addictive and challenging, requiring multiple playthroughs to master boss attack patterns. These positive aspects of Cuphead's gameplay were echoed by several other critics, emphasizing the tight controls, diverse boss encounters, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming its challenges. On the flip side, some critics did point out certain drawbacks in Cuphead's gameplay. Game Revolution mentioned that the Run-and-Gun levels were underwhelming and suggested that more flexible aiming would enhance the experience. Video Chums criticized the gameplay for not offering anything particularly unique and feeling like it required repetitive attempts without much innovation. Pure Nintendo highlighted that the steep challenge of the boss battles, which require rote memorization, might not be universally accessible or enjoyable for all players. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards Cuphead's gameplay remained overwhelmingly positive, with the challenging nature and tight mechanics being key highlights for most reviewers. In conclusion, Cuphead's gameplay was widely praised by critics for its challenging and engaging nature, with a focus on precision, strategy, and pattern recognition. The game's boss battles, in particular, were lauded for their difficulty and variety, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment upon completion. While some critics pointed out minor flaws such as repetitive gameplay elements or accessibility issues, the consensus among reviewers was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority acknowledging Cuphead as a standout title in the run-and-gun genre. Critics like God is a Geek and ZTGD specifically mentioned the rewarding difficulty and tight controls as standout features that contributed to the overall excellence of Cuphead's gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics raved about Cuphead's exceptional gameplay, praising its challenging yet rewarding nature, diverse boss battles, and tight controls. Some critics noted minor drawbacks like repetitive gameplay and accessibility issues, but overall, the consensus was overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing Cuphead as a standout title in the run-and-gun genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the graphics and visual design of Cuphead, hailing it as a masterpiece that pays homage to 1930s cartoons with its hand-drawn animation, vibrant colors, and unique art style. Attack of the Fanboy commends the game for standing out from other retro-style games with its visually striking design. Cubed3 and Pure Nintendo highlight the gorgeous '30s art style and hand-drawn animations that make every pixel on the screen visually appealing and timeless. The critics from Game Revolution and Metro GameCentral specifically mention the exaggerated and expressive animation, as well as the surreal characters and situations that add to the game's charm. While the overwhelming sentiment towards Cuphead's graphics and visual design is positive, there are a few minor critiques mentioned by some critics. Polygon notes that at times, the art style can obscure the foreground, potentially concealing enemies and projectiles, which may hinder gameplay. GameCritics mentions that the gameplay requires a significant amount of concentration to fully appreciate the visuals, suggesting a potential disconnect between gameplay and visual immersion. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the stunning visuals and unique art style of Cuphead being widely celebrated and appreciated. In conclusion, Cuphead's graphics and visual design have been lauded as a masterpiece by the majority of critics, with praise for its faithful homage to 1930s cartoons, hand-drawn animations, and unique character designs. Critics such as Easy Allies and Critical Hit commend the game for capturing the spirit of early Disney and Fleischer Studios cartoons, while Gameplanet and The Sydney Morning Herald highlight the stunning visuals that perfectly capture the 1930s cartoon aesthetic. The overall consensus is that Cuphead's graphics and visual design are a standout feature of the game, contributing significantly to its charm, uniqueness, and overall appeal.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Cuphead's graphics, praising its homage to 1930s cartoons with hand-drawn animation and vibrant colors. Minor critiques include potential gameplay hindrances due to art style. Overall, the unique visuals are widely celebrated as a standout feature that adds charm and appeal to the game.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Cuphead, highlighting its exceptional qualities. Critics like Digital Chumps, Pure Nintendo, and The Sydney Morning Herald commended the game for its fantastic jazz and big band soundtrack that perfectly complements the visuals and enhances the overall experience. The use of ragtime and period jazz elements, as mentioned by DarkStation and Game Rant, creates an evocative audio backdrop that aligns seamlessly with the game's visual style, earning high praise for its quality. The captivating and immersive soundtrack, as noted by Noisy Pixel and Polygon, contributes significantly to the game's atmosphere, effectively transporting players to the era of classic cartoons and animation. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, a few critics did point out some minor drawbacks in the Sound Design and Music of Cuphead. Metro GameCentral criticized the sound effects as "strangely ineffectual," which could potentially detract from the overall immersion of the game. Push Square also noted a lack of feedback to player shots, making some fights feel futile at times, impacting the gameplay experience. These criticisms, although present, were overshadowed by the resounding praise for the game's soundtrack and sound design from the majority of reviewers. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Cuphead. The game's soundtrack, characterized by its catchy jazz tunes, big band bombastics, and authentic period-themed music, received widespread acclaim for its ability to enhance the presentation, capture the essence of early animation, and create a nostalgic feel reminiscent of the 1930s. The majority of critics, such as Nintendo Life, Easy Allies, and TheSixthAxis, found the Sound Design and Music of Cuphead to be a standout feature that significantly contributed to the overall charm and appeal of the game, solidifying its reputation as a title with exceptional audio design and a memorable musical score.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about Cuphead's Sound Design and Music, praising its exceptional jazz and big band soundtrack that perfectly complements the visuals. Despite minor criticisms like ineffective sound effects, the majority agreed that the captivating soundtrack transports players to the era of classic cartoons. Overall, Cuphead's audio design received overwhelming praise for enhancing the game's atmosphere and charm, solidifying its reputation as a title with exceptional sound quality and a memorable musical score.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance, Cuphead received positive feedback across multiple gaming platforms. Critics such as Metro GameCentral and Noisy Pixel praised the smooth performance on the PS4, with no reported issues. Nintendo Enthusiast also commended the sensational technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, highlighting the smooth gameplay in both docked and portable mode. Nintendo Life and The Indie Game Website appreciated the Switch port's ability to maintain a consistent 60 frames per second, despite occasional hiccups during intense moments. Overall, the game was lauded for its seamless performance on both PS4 and Nintendo Switch. However, some critics did note minor technical issues on certain platforms. Gameblog.fr mentioned a minor stutter during a boss fight on the Nintendo Switch version, while GameCritics highlighted a technical issue with the Windows Store version on PC where auto-saving stops when the player alt-tabs out. Despite these minor setbacks, the overall consensus was that Cuphead managed to deliver a solid technical performance across different platforms. Overall, the critics' consensus on Cuphead's technical performance is overwhelmingly positive. The game was praised for running smoothly on various platforms, with minimal to no technical issues reported. Critics like God is a Geek and NintendoWorldReport highlighted the game's excellent performance on the Nintendo Switch, with no significant downsides mentioned. While there were a few minor hiccups reported by some reviewers, such as occasional stuttering or control concerns, the general sentiment is that Cuphead excelled in delivering a technically sound and enjoyable gaming experience across PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

TL;DR

technical performance

Cuphead received high praise for its smooth technical performance on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, with critics commending its consistent 60fps gameplay. While some minor issues were noted on certain platforms, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the game's solid performance across different systems.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

41%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of several videogame reviewers highlight the positive aspects of Cuphead's replay value. Critics such as Nintendo Enthusiast and We Got This Covered commend the game for offering challenging gameplay, multiple boss battles, and different abilities to unlock and experiment with, keeping players engaged and coming back for more. The inclusion of co-op play, as noted by Screen Rant and Hooked Gamers, adds another layer of replayability, providing opportunities for players to revisit and improve their skills. Additionally, features like post-game content such as Expert mode and secrets to find, as mentioned by Telegraph, encourage players to constantly strive for improvement and exploration. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the negative aspects affecting the replay value of Cuphead. Pure Nintendo points out the repetitive nature of boss battles and rote memorization as potential drawbacks that may deter some players from returning to the game. GameCritics criticizes the final area of the game as the worst part, with the difficulty level being seen as the only trick up Cuphead's sleeve, potentially limiting the appeal for some players. Gameplanet mentions that while the game offers a high skill ceiling and a sense of achievement, it can feel repetitive, which may impact long-term engagement for certain players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Cuphead offering substantial replay value despite some minor drawbacks. The challenging gameplay, variety of boss battles, unlockable content, and different difficulty modes contribute to a compelling experience that encourages players to continue honing their skills and exploring the game's depths. Critics like The Indie Game Website and Attack of the Fanboy praise the addictive nature of the gameplay and the need for multiple playthroughs, emphasizing the game's lasting appeal. While some critics highlight issues like repetition and limited side attractions, the overall sentiment suggests that Cuphead effectively balances challenge and reward, making it a title with enduring replay value for players seeking a test of skill and determination.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Cuphead's replay value, praising its challenging gameplay, diverse boss battles, and unlockable abilities that keep players engaged. The inclusion of co-op play adds another layer of fun. Some critics caution about repetitive boss battles and limited appeal, but overall, Cuphead strikes a balance of challenge and reward, making it a must-play for gamers seeking a test of skill and determination.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on Cuphead, it is evident that the game received high praise for various aspects. Attack of the Fanboy, Cubed3, and Digital Chumps all lauded the gameplay, visual design, and difficulty of Cuphead, with Digital Chumps specifically mentioning the game's tight combat and addicting experience. Game Revolution highlighted the unique and visually stunning nature of the game, particularly in its boss fights and art style. Metro GameCentral described Cuphead as one of the best 2D shooters of the modern era, emphasizing its visual distinctiveness and imaginative qualities. These positive aspects were further reinforced by critics like Nintendo Life, who referred to Cuphead as an "absolute masterpiece" with intense boss battles and a unique art style. On the flip side, some critics did point out certain drawbacks of Cuphead. Pure Nintendo mentioned experiencing more frustration than fun while playing the game, indicating that it may not be universally accessible or enjoyable for everyone. Gameplanet noted that Cuphead, despite its visual appeal and challenge, could feel repetitive and have pacing issues. Additionally, GameCritics expressed concerns about the gameplay feeling uninspired and monotonous, suggesting that the game's challenge level was its sole redeeming factor. These criticisms provide a balanced view of Cuphead, acknowledging that while the game excels in many areas, it may not resonate with all players due to its difficulty and potential repetitiveness. Overall, the majority of critics found Cuphead to be a highly enjoyable and praiseworthy experience. The game's stunning visual design, challenging gameplay, and unique art style were consistently commended by reviewers across different platforms, including PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Critics like God is a Geek and Telegraph gave Cuphead high scores, indicating their strong endorsement of the game's quality and entertainment value. Despite minor criticisms regarding accessibility options, frustration levels, and potential repetitiveness, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Cuphead being described as a must-play title for fans of challenging games with exceptional presentation. The game's ability to captivate players with its engaging boss fights, artistic flair, and nostalgic appeal solidifies its position as a standout release that should not be overlooked.

TL;DR

Cuphead receives high praise for its gameplay, visual design, and difficulty from multiple reviewers, with critics lauding its tight combat and addicting experience. While some critics mentioned drawbacks like frustration and repetitiveness, the majority found it to be a highly enjoyable and praiseworthy experience with stunning visuals and challenging gameplay. Despite minor criticisms, Cuphead is hailed as a must-play title for fans of challenging games with exceptional presentation and engaging boss fights.

CRITIK

Reviews

263 reviews found

100

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Aug 12, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cuphead is a wonderful throwback to classic cartoons and old school animation. The combat is tight and fun, and the game offers a challenging and addicting experience. The visuals and design are artistically impressive.

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100

Attack of the Fanboy

Xbox One

Sep 29, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cuphead is a must-play title for those seeking a challenging experience with impressive visuals and a unique art style. The game's combination of difficult gameplay, stunning graphics, and rewarding moments make it a standout release that should not be overlooked.

100

Giant Bomb

Xbox One

Oct 13, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cuphead is a challenging game with tight gameplay and a visually stunning art style. It may not be for everyone, but for those who enjoy difficult boss fights and a unique aesthetic, it is a must-play.

ZTGD

Xbox One

Oct 9, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly recommends Cuphead, stating that it is one of the best games released this year and should not be skipped.

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Nintendo Enthusiast

Nintendo Switch

Apr 22, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cuphead excels in delivering a challenging and visually stunning experience on the Nintendo Switch, making it a must-have for fans of action/platformer games. The game's unique art style, engaging gameplay, and technical performance contribute to its overall success.

Gaming Age

Nintendo Switch

May 13, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Cuphead for successfully combining a long-lost visual style with enjoyable gameplay. It describes the game as stunningly great to look at and a bonus that it is also an enjoyable game.

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Attack of the Fanboy

PlayStation 4

Aug 9, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cuphead is highly praised for its gameplay, visual design, and difficulty. It is recommended for PS4 owners who have not played it before.

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DarkStation

Xbox One

Oct 6, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cuphead is a game that players will either love or hate due to its extreme difficulty, but its unique visual style, challenging gameplay, and exceptional soundtrack make it a standout title with personality and charm.

CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Apr 15, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly recommends Cuphead on the Nintendo Switch and states that it feels right at home on a Nintendo platform.

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Game Revolution

PlayStation 4

Jul 31, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Cuphead is a unique and visually stunning game with consistent highlights in its boss fights and art style. Some minor inconsistencies and lack of accessibility options, but still highly recommended.

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