Cuphead

 Xbox One
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 72 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 72
  3. Negative: 0 out of 72
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. FANDOM
    Dec 11, 2017
    70
    For players that appreciate classic run-and-gun combat, punishing difficulty, constantly learning from failure, and breathtaking art, Cuphead’s experience will not disappoint.
  2. GameSpew
    Oct 3, 2017
    70
    Cuphead isn’t so much of a case of style over substance, but rather style over accessibility. The art is simply astonishing, and so too the music, but the gameplay is frequently too frustrating to make Cuphead a totally enjoyable experience. Essentially a boss rush game, its pacing allows for no relief. There are no moments of downtime to come down from the frustration or elation of your battles, it’s just long bouts of tension and stress that, for the most part, outweigh any joy that’s felt.
  3. 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.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.

In Progress & Unscored

?
  1. Ars Technica
    Sep 29, 2017
    Like so many classics of the 8-bit era before it, Cuphead extends its length via a brutal difficulty that will require hundreds of cumulative deaths for all but the preternaturally gifted.
  2. Eurogamer
    Oct 2, 2017
    A brutal game that's equal parts frustrating and exhilarating, delivered in the mesmerising style of a prohibition-era cartoon.
  3. Kotaku
    Sep 29, 2017
    Cuphead feels a bit like a good magic trick. The experience is brief and so artistically impressive that it’s hard to believe it’s happening before your eyes. The game has one of the most memorable art styles in years and turns every moment into a picture-perfect display of cartoon merriment. But this is more than just an eye-catching game. Cuphead is all about the big fights and the feeling you get from winning them. It’s delightful and fun and worth the effort it’ll take to clear.
  5. The A.V. Club
    Oct 4, 2017
    Cuphead plays like something old and looks like something even older, but it’s more stylish than any shoot-’em-up or moralizing cartoon. Unfortunately, while the game looks phenomenal and is overflowing with personality, it doesn’t quite make up for one excessively frustrating mechanic and an unflinching level of difficulty.

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

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 955 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 805 out of 955
  2. Mixed: 44 out of 955
  3. Negative: 106 out of 955
  1. Xbox_Alive
    Jan 2, 2018
    9
    From the moment I first saw Cuphead a couple of years ago I was instantly hooked, and to say I was looking forward to it would be a hugeFrom the moment I first saw Cuphead a couple of years ago I was instantly hooked, and to say I was looking forward to it would be a huge understatement. Thankfully Cuphead is a classic and a game that has managed to deliver in every area. The first thing you will notice about the game is the amazing art design and soundtrack. The visuals are simply stunning and unlike any other game I’ve ever played, and the accompanying music makes the game even more enjoyable. The gameplay is very challenging, and while some people may find it a little too difficult I found it to be great. The main reason why I liked the challenging gameplay is because I didn’t once get frustrated, which is rare in a game like this. The bosses in the game are some of the most creative and imaginative I’ve ever come across, and each boss keeps the game fresh. The variety doesn’t stop there because each different level is packed to the brim with variety, which in turn makes the world come alive and makes for an even enjoyable adventure. There is also a decent amount of variety when it comes to the abilities, and the best thing is that each ability matters when it comes to fighting the bosses. Cuphead also has local co-op for you to enjoy, and to say me and my friend had fun would be an understatement. I just wish that an online co-op mode would have been included. At the end of the day Cuphead has gone above and beyond in all aspects, and this in my opinion makes the game one of the best games the Xbox One has to offer. Cuphead is one of them rare games that gets everything right, and the uniqueness it has to offer is like no other I’ve experienced. I urge people to look past the difficulty because it doesn’t frustrate, and the charm the game has makes you look past the difficulty. Without a shadow of a doubt this is one of the best games of the year, and I fully expect it to win numerous awards.… Full Review »
  2. 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.    … Full Review »
  3. datgame
    Oct 2, 2017
    4
    Mediocre platformer and shmup.¨Nice cozy visuals and sound. The color-bleeding and old film effect is just distracting after 2 minutes. ColorMediocre platformer and shmup.¨Nice cozy visuals and sound. The color-bleeding and old film effect is just distracting after 2 minutes. Color bleeding can be disabled, but not other grain and bad picture. Can't disable rumble either. Bad mechanics and controls. Enemies are often not in line to be hit by shots, but they can hit me in the same line.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »