When I first started Cuphead, I thought I knew what I was getting into—a tough, cartoon-inspired platformer that would push me to my limits. I’d seen the screenshots, read about the difficulty, and figured I was up for the challenge. But nothing really prepared me for the rollercoaster of frustration, excitement, and pure joy that comes with actually playing this game. From the jaw-dropping visuals to the intense, hair-raising boss fights, Cuphead is like nothing else I’ve played.
A Visual Style That Brings the 1930s Back to Life
Right off the bat, Cuphead doesn’t look like any other game out there. It’s inspired by old-school cartoons from the 1930s, with hand-drawn animations and grainy visuals that feel straight out of the early days of animation. Studio MDHR didn’t cut any corners here—they animated every frame by hand, painted watercolor backgrounds, and even gave the sound a little bit of that retro crackle.
Playing Cuphead feels like stepping into a classic cartoon. Every boss has this huge, exaggerated personality, and the animations are so lively that it’s easy to get sucked into the world. The game feels alive in a way that I haven’t really experienced in other games. Even when I was completely stuck on a boss, the animation kept me entertained, almost like watching an old reel in a movie theater.
Embracing the Difficulty (and the Deaths)
Here’s the truth: Cuphead is hard. Really hard. This isn’t the kind of game where you can button-mash your way to victory. Every boss has a unique set of attacks and patterns, and if you don’t study them, you’ll be seeing that “You Died!” screen a lot. Every boss fight feels like a puzzle, and you need to learn when to dodge, when to shoot, and when to get out of the way if you want to stand a chance.
I’ve never had a game make me work this hard for my victories. At first, I’d last maybe a few seconds in some of the tougher fights. But every time I died, I’d learn something new—like when to dodge an attack or when the boss was about to switch patterns. There’s a steep learning curve, but there’s also this amazing feeling when you finally figure out what you need to do and actually pull it off. Each win in Cuphead feels hard-earned, which just makes them that much more satisfying.
A Soundtrack that Sets the Mood
One of the best parts of Cuphead has to be the music. The game’s soundtrack is full of big-band jazz, ragtime, and swing music that perfectly matches the vibe of the 1930s animation. The music doesn’t just sit in the background—it pumps you up, gets you moving, and adds to the excitement and tension of each fight. There were times when I was down to my last hit point, dodging everything in sight, with the music speeding up and making everything feel even more intense.
Each boss has its own theme, and the music feels like it’s there to push you through the battle. It’s fun and energetic, but there’s a bit of menace to it, too, reminding you that you’re in for a fight. Honestly, the soundtrack is so good that even if I lost (again), I’d still be tapping along to the beat. Cuphead without its soundtrack would still be a great game, but with it, it’s an absolute blast.
Playing with a Friend: Twice the Chaos, Twice the Fun
Going solo in Cuphead is tough, but playing with a friend? That’s a whole new level of chaos. When my friend joined in as Mugman, we thought it might make things easier. Spoiler: it doesn’t. In co-op mode, you’ve got two characters dodging, shooting, and dying at the same time, and it’s all happening fast. We were yelling, laughing, and blaming each other every time we got hit.
There’s something about struggling through these fights together that makes the game even more fun, though. When you’re both down to one hit, dodging attacks like mad, and somehow surviving longer than you expected, it’s pure adrenaline. Co-op mode takes an already intense experience and makes it even crazier, but in the best way possible.
An Experience Worth the Frustration
Cuphead isn’t a game you play to relax—it’s a game you play to be challenged, frustrated, and eventually rewarded. It combines incredible visuals, a top-notch soundtrack, and relentless difficulty into something that’s truly memorable. Not everyone will love it; it’s a game that demands patience and persistence. But if you’re up for a challenge and appreciate that classic cartoon style, Cuphead is a must-play.
I went into Cuphead thinking it was just another tough platformer, but I came out with a deep appreciation for everything it brings to the table. It’s funny, it’s frustrating, and it’s endlessly satisfying. And if you’re like me, you’ll keep coming back for more, even after you’ve lost count of how many times you’ve died. Cuphead might make you work for it, but every bruise and bump along the way is absolutely worth it.