Cuphead is a 2D action-platformer video game that was released on Microsoft Windows and Xbox One in 2017. The game was developed and published by StudioMDHR Entertainment and was inspired by 1930s animations.
The player controls Mugman (in single-player or co-op mode, respectively) as they travel through various levels, defeat enemies, and acquire new weapons.
The game is challenging, and death results in the player losing all of their collected coins. However, upon defeating a level’s boss, the player is awarded with a “contract” that allows them to continue from that point onward.
The visuals of the game are based on the rubber hose animation style of the 1930s, and the music consists of jazz recordings from the same era
| Name | Cuphead Game |
| Developer | Studio MDHR |
| Release | September 29, 2017 |
| Mode | Multiplayer |
| Genre | Run and Gun |
| Platform | Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, |
It’s an addicting game that’s easy to pick up and play, and it has a ton of content to keep you coming back for more.
The Characters
Cuphead is the titular protagonist of the game. He is a young man with a large cup-shaped head, hence his name.
He and his brother, Mugman, are drawn into the world of Inkwell Isle by the Devil himself. The two must collect souls for the Devil in order to save their own.
Mugman is Cuphead’s brother and business partner. He has a small mug-shaped head. He is much more level-headed than his brother and often has to talk him out of trouble.
The Devil is the antagonist of the game. He draws Cuphead and Mugman into his world and tasks them with collecting souls for him. If they fail, he will claim their souls as well.
King Dice is one of the Devil’s lackeys. He runs games of chance on Inkwell Isle and uses his winnings to buy off those who would oppose the Devil.
The Elder Kettle is an ancient being who resides on Inkwell Isle. She helps Cuphead and Mugman on their quest by giving them advice and lending her power to them.
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The Graphics
The game is known for its unique 1930s cartoon art style, which was inspired by the rubber hose animation of the era.
The game’s graphics are hand-drawn and inked, then scanned into the computer. Each frame of animation is drawn on paper, then colored digitally. This gives the game’s graphics a vintage look that is unlike any other game on the market today.
The art style was a labor of love for the game’s creators, who wanted to create a game that looked like it came straight from the 1930s.
The team spent countless hours researching old cartoons and studying the techniques used to create them. This attention to detail is what makes Cuphead’s graphics so unique and beautiful.
The Music of the game
The music of Cuphead is just as unique as its visuals. The game’s soundtrack was composed by Canadian brothers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer, who founded StudioMDHR.
The music is heavily influenced by jazz and swing music of the 1930s, which fits perfectly with the game’s vintage aesthetic.
Many of the tracks on the game soundtrack are original compositions, while others are covers of classic songs from the 1930s.. All of the tracks are performed by live musicians, giving the music an authentic feel.
The Moldenhauers even went so far as to record the tracks in an old-fashioned recording studio, using vintage equipment to get the perfect sound.
Whether you’re fighting your way through a boss battle or simply exploring the game’s gorgeous levels, the music will always be there to set the perfect tone.
Alternatives
Here are some alternatives to the game:
- “Contra” series: The Contra series is a long-running franchise of side-scrolling shooters that started back in 1987. The games are known for their difficulty, as well as their use of power-ups and cooperative play. If you’re looking for a challenge, the Contra series is definitely worth checking out.
- “Metal Slug” series: Like Contra, Metal Slug is a franchise of side-scrolling shooters that focus on fast-paced action and intense boss battles. However, Metal Slug also features humor and over-the-top violence, making it distinct from its counterpart. If you’re looking for an alternative that’s more lighthearted but still packs a punch, then Metal Slug might be right up your alley.
Controls
Players can move left and right, jump, shoot, and dash. The game also has a parry mechanic, which allows players to reflect enemy attacks back at them.
The game’s difficulty can be adjusted to make it more or less challenging.
However, even in the easiest setting, Cuphead is still a tough game. Players will die often, but they’ll always respawn at the last checkpoint.
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