Cuphead, developed by Studio MDHR, is a critically acclaimed indie action game celebrated for its unique visual style and punishing difficulty. Inspired by 1930s Fleischer and Disney cartoons, the game features hand-drawn animation, watercolor backgrounds and an original jazz soundtrack recorded with live instruments.
 

Players control Cuphead (or Mugman in local co-op) as they embark on a quest to repay a debt to the Devil. To do so, they must battle a series of eccentric and dangerous bosses across colorful worlds, each with multiple phases, unpredictable patterns and screen-filling attacks.
 

Gameplay focuses on precise movement, shooting, dodging, and timing. While the game includes classic run-and-gun levels, the majority of its content centers on boss fights, which require memorization, reflexes and mastery of mechanics. Players can equip different weapons, charms and super abilities, allowing for varied strategies against each encounter.
 

The difficulty is intentionally high, but fair. Deaths are frequent, encouraging learning and improvement rather than punishment. Parrying pink objects, managing health and using super meters effectively are essential skills for progression.
 

Cuphead also features local co-op, allowing two players to tackle bosses together, reviving each other mid-fight and sharing the chaos. The game was later expanded with The Delicious Last Course (DLC), adding new bosses, weapons and a playable character, Ms. Chalice.
 

With its striking art direction, unforgettable music, and demanding gameplay, Cuphead stands as one of the most distinctive and beloved indie games of its generation.