Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course Review
I hope you saved room for dessert, because Studio MDHR has served up Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course, my full review.
In Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course, players take control of the titular protagonist and his pal Mugman as they venture to Inkwell Isle III to take on a whole new challenge. The game features all-new bosses, levels, and weapons, as well as a new playable character in the form of Ms. Chalice. In Cuphead's final sendoff, players will use new magical charms, and Ms. Chalice's abilities to take on a cast of tough bosses to help out Chef Saltbaker. Whether you're a fan of the original game or just getting into the series, there's plenty to enjoy in The Delicious Last Course. Let's set sail to the new island and explore all the new DLC expansion has to offer.
Cuphead The Delicious Last Course Details
Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC
Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X
Developer(s): Studio MDHR
Publisher(s): Studio MDHR
Genre: Side Scroller / Bullet Hell
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
A New Adventure Awaits
The first thing worth mentioning is that you don't need to have played the original Cuphead game to enjoy The Delicious Last Course. The game features a new tutorial mode that does a great job of teaching players the ropes. However, if you are familiar with the game, there's an option to skip the tutorial altogether and jump right into the action. The only main Isle requirements are clearing the first mausoleum and meeting Ms.Chalice.
"The first thing worth mentioning is that you don't need to have played the original Cuphead game to enjoy The Delicious Last Course."
The story in The Delicious Last Course picks up where the last one left off. Cuphead and Mugman have completed their contract with the Devil and are now free to live their lives as they see fit. Unfortunately, their peace is short-lived as they're soon tasked with a rescue mission. They set sail for a new island to help Chef Saltbaker gather the ingredients needed to bake a "Wondertart" that can permanently grant Ms.Chalice a body. The dynamic trio will now need to face-off against six major bosses to obtain each of the ingredients. There isn't a ton of story, but the animation is something to behold along with all the stunning cutscenes.
"The dynamic trio will now need to face-off against six major bosses to obtain each of the ingredients."
Extremely Challenging but Rewarding Gameplay
The core gameplay of Cuphead remains mostly unchanged in The Delicious Last Course. Players will still be running and jumping their way through perilous platforming levels, all while dodging bullets and other objects while taking down enemies. The new island setting provides some fresh scenery to explore, and the new bosses and weapons help keep things feeling fresh. There are now (mercifully) two difficulties one easy and the other hard, but the bosses overall are much more difficult. There is a ton of on-screen action, with boss phases that visually dazzle, but are tough as nails. There are new charms and weapons that help to even the odds, but this is the most challenging the series has been to date.
"There is a ton of on-screen action, with boss phases that visually dazzle, but are tough as nails."
Ms.Chalice Has Risen!
One of the biggest changes comes in the form of Ms. Chalice, the game's new playable character. Ms. Chalice has a double jump as the standard, an extra unit of health (4 total), and a special dash that also deflects enemy attacks. Additionally, she has separate super abilities that Cuphead and Mugman can't use. The downside is that you cannot equip any extra charms for a further advantage. Even with all of these bonuses to playing with Ms.Chalice, the game is still very difficult, she doesn't make the game easier, just more of a different play style.
"One of the biggest changes comes in the form of Ms. Chalice, the game's new playable character."
A Visual Feast
The graphics in The Delicious Last Course are just as gorgeous as they were in the original game. Studio MDHR has once again done an amazing job of creating a beautiful cartoon world that looks like it came straight out of a 1930s animation cel. The new environments and bosses are all well designed and fit in perfectly with the game's art style. The hand-drawn animations and vibrant colors really pop off the screen, and the game runs at a smooth 60fps. The details are also impeccable with so much going on, you might miss them, but they are there. From small movements of characters crawling around the backgrounds, to massive swaths of enemies shifting in sync, the visuals are stunning as ever.
"From small movements of characters crawling around the backgrounds, to massive swaths of enemies shifting in sync, the visuals are stunning as ever."
Game's Audio and Sound Design
The Delicious Last Course is a great expansion not only for its mechanics and visuals, but also for its incredible audio and sound design. The game's composer, Kristofer Maddigan, did an amazing job creating a unique and memorable soundtrack that perfectly fits the game's 1930s-inspired art style. The 110-piece big band and jazz orchestra brings the game's soundtrack to life, and it sounds amazing whether you're playing on a console or PC.
"The 110-piece big band and jazz orchestra brings the game's soundtrack to life, and it sounds amazing whether you're playing on a console or PC. "
The sound effects are just as good, every action in the game has a corresponding sound effect that makes it feel more immersive. From the satisfying "thwack" of Cuphead 's parries as he smashes enemies, to the "sizzle" of his finger guns as he fires them, every sound in the game is well-designed and fits the game perfectly. Overall, the audio and sound design are some of the best aspects of The Delicious Last Course and an essential ingredient to the experience.
Final Thoughts on Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course
Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course is a great expansion to an already excellent game. The new content is challenging but rewarding, and the new playable character adds some much-needed variety. The graphics are still stunning, and the audio and sound design are top-notch. If you're a fan of the original game, or just looking for a challenging platformer with incredible visuals, The Delicious Last Course is definitely worth checking out.
Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course PROS
+Brillant Boss designs
+The art design is stunning as always with incredible tiny details
+The big band jazz soundtrack is excellent
+Ms.Chalice is a great addition to the series
Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course CONS
-Only 6 bosses to face-off against is a little on the short side
-No "run-n'-gun" stages
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 10/10
Sound: 9/10
Replayability: 8/10
Overall Rating: 36/40 (90%)
A copy of the game was provided by Studio MDHR for the purpose of this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. Along with being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on twitter, Instagram and join in on the fun!
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