Game reviews / Cuphead
Cuphead
2017 · PC · macOS · Xbox One · Nintendo Switch · PlayStation 4 · Action · Platformer · Run-and-gun · Boss rush
3 scored sources · 2 countries contributing scores
Review consensus
Cuphead is a remarkably cohesive blend of hand-drawn 1930s cartoon artistry, precise run-and-gun action, and demanding boss battles. Critics consistently praised its expressive animation, jazz-infused soundtrack, imaginative enemy designs, and responsive controls. Its difficulty is severe but generally encourages learning rather than feeling arbitrary, rewarding persistence with unusually strong moments of triumph. The smaller number of run-and-gun stages provides useful variety, though the campaign is dominated by repeated boss encounters and occasional randomness can frustrate. Cooperative play is enjoyable but visually chaotic, while Simple difficulty cannot provide a complete route through the game. Overall, Cuphead remains a distinctive and exceptionally polished challenge.
Limited geographic coverage. Treat this score as an early indication.
Last researched: 2026-09-20
Pros
- Distinctive hand-drawn 1930s cartoon presentation
- Creative, varied boss encounters
- Responsive controls and rewarding difficulty
- Excellent jazz and big-band soundtrack
Cons
- Very demanding difficulty and repeated failures
- Occasional attack randomness or unavoidable hits
- Co-op can become visually chaotic
- Simple difficulty does not allow full completion
Review sources
4 sources found across 2 countries. This is not exhaustive worldwide coverage.
- Nintendo Life · United Kingdom · 90/100
- PC Gamer · United Kingdom · 86/100
- GameSpot · United States · 80/100
- Shacknews · United States