The Watchlist: Cuphead

Title: Cuphead
Developer: Studio MDHR
Platforms: PC
2014
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Cuphead is a classic run 'n' gun set in the style of a one-on-one fighting game universe. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930's, the visuals and audio were painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional cel animation (hand drawn & hand inked!), watercolor backgrounds and live jazz recordings.

When I first learned about Cuphead, the first thing I saw was a screenshot and I knew it was something I was going to be anticipating. As you probably have inferred by now, I have a love for game with unique and interesting visuals, and in that department, Cuphead is a game to keep an eye. The developers wished to replicate the style and animations of the old 1930's cartoon, the era of Popeye and Betty Boop, and going by the footage and images, I'd say they absolutely nailed that goal. 

But Cuphead promises to be more than just a cartoon facade. The gameplay itself is essentially an old-school arcade game, inspired by Gunstar Heroes and Contra, but rather than blowing through waves of low level enemies, you only face bosses. In fact, according to the developers, once completed, the game's 30 foes will break the Guiness Record for most bosses in a video game. Using a variety of different weapons, Cuphead's challenges revolve around timing and learning the proper timing to evade attacks. But if fighting alone proves futile, the game can also be played co-operatively. 

Not much else is known about Cuphead, but you'll be able to play the game sometime in 2014. You can learn more about Cuphead on the developer's site.
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They wouldn't insert for some reason, so check out these GIFs by clicking the links. The game looks even better in motion.