Cuphead

 Xbox One
Cuphead Image
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 72 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 950 Ratings

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  • Summary: Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game primarily focused on boss battles. Inspired by the cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are carefully created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional cel animation (hand drawn & hand inked), watercolor backgrounds, andCuphead is a classic run and gun action game primarily focused on boss battles. Inspired by the cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are carefully created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional cel animation (hand drawn & hand inked), watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings. Play as Cuphead or Mugman (in single player or co-op) as you traverse strange worlds, acquire new weapons, learn powerful super moves, and discover hidden secrets. [Studio MDHR]… Expand
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Cuphead - Co-Op Frog Fightin' Gameplay

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 72
  3. Negative: 0 out of 72
  1. Giant Bomb
    Oct 13, 2017
    100
    If you’re the type of person who derives joy from angrily banging your head into a boss over and over until you can perfectly defeat it in the most glorious 90 seconds you will ever experience, then Cuphead is the total package. The tight gameplay, accompanied by an incredibly well-realized aesthetic, makes for a truly unforgettable gameplay experience.
  2. EGM
    Oct 4, 2017
    95
    Cuphead is an addictive mix of fun and frustration that will constantly keep you coming back for more. It’s amazing combination of terrific gameplay, tremendous style, and an original concept immediately catapults it into every game of the year discussion.
  3. M3
    Oct 5, 2017
    90
    Cuphead is a tribute to the Technicolor cartoons of the 30’s. It’s a hard game as well, with old school mechanics that will bring you tears of frustration.
  4. IGN
    Oct 2, 2017
    88
    Cuphead made me feel more good and more bad than any other game I’ve played in the last several years. I swore, laughed, and hollered with delight. I hated it (and my own fingers) for long stretches but, having finished, I realise that’s more or less the point – I emerged from all that pain smiling. Rather than simply offering the player what they want, Cuphead makes them earn that right – the rewards, if you can hack the tests, are absolutely worth it. Cuphead is incredible for more than just its looks. But before you dive in, make sure you actually want a game that plays like this, and not just a game that looks like this.
  5. 4Players.de
    Oct 18, 2017
    83
    As a lifelong fan of classic cartoons Cuphead is a dream come true. The artdesign and its execution are out of this world. And while I can appreciate a steep learning curve and a decent challenge, the high concentration levels needed can get tedious at times.
  6. Gamer.no
    Oct 6, 2017
    80
    The great visual style and the hectic gameplay makes Cuphead a game everyone should at least try.
  7. Twinfinite
    Sep 29, 2017
    60
    Cuphead ultimately leaves me at an impasse. I absolutely love the style of the game, and when the game works well it’s a truly rewarding experience that overcomes the seemingly impossible difficulty. Every time I beat a boss I felt re-energized, ready to tackle the next (and there are quite a few of them). But randomness and all too frequent bugs are rotten apples that spoil what could be a damn near perfect barrel of fruit.

See all 76 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 164 out of 190
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 190
  3. Negative: 14 out of 190
  1. pjosephson
    Sep 29, 2017
    10
    Exhilarating and Beautiful but, hard to Master.

    Cuphead mesmerizes you with it unique visuals, great soundtrack and exhilarating gameplay.    Exhilarating and Beautiful but, hard to Master.

    Cuphead mesmerizes you with it unique visuals, great soundtrack and exhilarating gameplay. It is fun, lots of fun. But, it is not for the faint of heart. It is not easy by any measurable means And that seems to be almost the universal complaint against the game itself. It's difficult to master. Well boo-hoo on you all. I say go back to your safe gaming spaces. Count me among those that are glad this game doesn't make things easy. With recent platform games we have become spoiled with auto-aims and assists, easy game patterns, repetitive levels with s boss battles that are boringly simple and have lack of creativity. Nowadays our gameplay is to whizz through a game level after game level. There is none of that here. Except for the auto saves (and yes infinitive lives) we are taken back to a time when platform games were actually difficult. We have to throw away our spoiled ways and hunker down learn to master a game. All the levels and boss battles take real work. You have real sense of accomplishment when you are done with and each and every level. It is a real workout to play this game.

    Cuphead is run and gun gameplay with 1 on 1 boss battles or optional 2 on 1 with local co-play. You can see how games like Contra series and Mega-man and many other early platform games have influenced the game makers at Studio MDHR.

    However, if you want an easy levels go play a Mario game. Mario games are fun but, very forgiving. This game is not designed for those who want bouncy bounce time. In other words, is not child's play. This game is for grown-up gamers of all ages. Life is hard, this game is hard. Deal with it. It is wondrous journey that will frustrate those with weak gaming constitutions but, reward those willing to stick it out.

    Think of it this way. Most platform games are like getting in shape by doing a daily walk in your neighborhood with your girlfriends. Nice walk full of gabbing about your lives. Not difficult to do and pretty much the same experience each time you go out. Cuphead is like getting in shape at the Navy Seal training camp with live explosives during the obstacle runs and weights attached to your feet during the swimming. Nothing is easy. It is not for the faint of heart. Most will fail so many times they will lose count. But, when you get done you will have truly accomplished something.    … Expand
  2. Aruzo
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    This Game is a real jewel for the Xbox One. Of course the graphic is awesome but the gameplay mechanic is also brilliant and smooth. TheThis Game is a real jewel for the Xbox One. Of course the graphic is awesome but the gameplay mechanic is also brilliant and smooth. The soundtrack makes this Game unforgettable for me. 10/10… Expand
  4. KingDemonX
    Nov 16, 2017
    10
    Uno de los mejores juegos que eh jugado en el 2017, si sera un simple indie pero se nota la pasion que le han puesto los desarrolladores alUno de los mejores juegos que eh jugado en el 2017, si sera un simple indie pero se nota la pasion que le han puesto los desarrolladores al juego, es un juego divertido, su apariencia, su gameplay, su dificultad, su trucos, todo esta bien hecho, espero sigan actualizándolo, este tipo de juegos merece la pena seguir apoyándolos. No lo piensen dos veces comprenlo, claro siempre y cuando los juegos plataformeros boss fight sean de su agrado.… Expand
  5. Panzidane
    Oct 1, 2017
    10
    Cuphead is an awesome game, with insane dificulty. This game bring me back my childhood, play it and you don't regret. I can't understand whyCuphead is an awesome game, with insane dificulty. This game bring me back my childhood, play it and you don't regret. I can't understand why some people says the game is bad, probaly they should be bad players. I only can talk good about this game. So, you love games? Play Cuphead and enjoy this masterpiece of Xbox One/PC… Expand
  6. Shivipivi
    Nov 9, 2017
    9
    What I really like about Cuphead is it's 1930 style art style and live jazz recordings. They really set the mood for the games. The bosses areWhat I really like about Cuphead is it's 1930 style art style and live jazz recordings. They really set the mood for the games. The bosses are tricky but never unfair. It's a game about learning and it's super fun! It's a shame it ended so fast. I may have liked to see some more levels but since every frame was hand drawn I can see how much effort has been put into the game. Truly amazing though.… Expand
  7. Hkeitz323
    Nov 8, 2022
    9
    Pros:
    - Gorgeous hand-drawn artstyle
    - Soundtrack - Bosses are difficult, but fair - A lot of collectibles keep the game fresh - A lot of    Pros:
    - Gorgeous hand-drawn artstyle
    - Soundtrack
    - Bosses are difficult, but fair
    - A lot of collectibles keep the game fresh
    - A lot of re-playability
    - Controls are incredibly responsive and tight
    - Multiplayer compatability
    - Bosses are well designed and full of character

    Cons:
    - Can sometimes be repetitive when attempting bosses repeatedly    … Expand
  8. swordman0027
    Apr 21, 2019
    0
    This Game is failed for many level.
    - Character are Uncreative
    - Not even fun at all. - Main Characters are useless plot, personally and    This Game is failed for many level.
    - Character are Uncreative
    - Not even fun at all.
    - Main Characters are useless plot, personally and Non-Animal Type
    - Cheap Rip off

    Change my mind Studio MDHR shouldn't make another game that from the 1930's.

    Indie Gamer Company want to milking more and more and hurting their fanbase
    Cuphead and Bendy were created as Both Company is highly backslash to the old Cartoon.
    That they do they made too many crossover, Ocs, Shipping that highly annoying and ruining for me.
    There many game better then this.    … Expand

See all 190 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Xbox One Game of 2017
6
#6 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2017
2
#2 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2017

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