RetroModern - Cuphead
RetroModern is a new format that talks about new games released that have a retro look and feel. First off let's kick it off with Cuphead.
Available currently on Xbox One, PC via Steam and GoG. We're going to talk about the semi-physical release of the game by prefacing how STUPID it is to have a box with just a download code inside.
Nevertheless so what is Cuphead, and why is it RetroModern ? Simple we're talking about a side scrolling run and gun in the same vein as Gunstar Heroes.
Unlike Gunstar which is easily my favorite game on the mighty Sega Mega Drive, Cuphead deliver a visual appearance that is heavily influenced by the 30's and 40's cartoons and the music that goes with it is integral to the experience.
And what an experience it is indeed, if you like me wish you could control the cartoons you were watching on Saturday mornings with your NES controller in hands, this feeling shouldn't be far off from what you're getting here, and that's where the warmth and fuzzes are kicking in delivering nostalgic moments.
What's not nostalgic about it, it's that it's as die and retry as possible and the difficulty spike goes through the roof on the second level of the game. Awakening old skills you didn't even remember you had and you would rival speeds of Goku to dodge the projectile on screen.
It can get pretty busy up there so you're going to have to die, retry wash rinse and repeat. This takes us back in the days where the only solution to beat the game was to get good at it. No shortcuts are rewarded.
It can get pretty busy up there so you're going to have to die, retry wash rinse and repeat. This takes us back in the days where the only solution to beat the game was to get good at it. No shortcuts are rewarded.
The level construction is done in a way that forces you to take risks and it's all a giant Boss Survival run and the replayability is based on how grade greedy you are. In order to aid you to complete the game you will find different type of shots that can be equipped with 6 total and ranging from a spread shot to a charged shot.
Depending into the level you're currently in you will find that certain loadouts will help you more on your quests than others.
The plot is retold pre start menu and told within the intro song that plays along the start menu. Telling more than this would be classified crime against gaming so I'd leave the story for you to discover more.
Conclusion, Cuphead is one of these games that well deserves your hard earned money and will leave you satisfied and keep you on your toes for a long time. The challenge provided here is pushing you to your limits and everything in the sound design as well as the artistic direction would keep you playing.