A fantastic start for anyone that wants to get into the run-n-gun genre. Of all the notable side-scrolling shooters, this is the easiest and most forgiving, while still providing a good challenge to both new players and run-n-gun experts.

If you really look at Cuphead and all of its accolades, this could've been pretty much any type of action game, and the reception would likely be identical. With that said, I'm glad they were inspired by the likes of Contra and Gunstar Heroes in order to provide a new run-n-gun experience through a high profile game. Why they decided it would mesh well with old-school cartoon art styles is beyond me (maybe I should read the gigantic art book I bought).

With that said, I think the designers have a great idea of what makes a thrilling boss battle in said subgenre. However, the 'regular' stages they were essentially coerced into including are very bland and uninteresting. I'm not sure if they simply don't have that concept intact, or perhaps they rushed the execution, but it still weakens the overall product.

Otherwise, the art style is pretty phenomenal, I love the methods they used to provide a responsive game while keeping it in its classic cartoon appeal, and the boss designs are all fantastic! Dazzled with amazing tunes that keeps the action going, Cuphead makes for a great run-n-gun experience, and is essentially a boot camp for anyone willing to give the Contra franchise an honest-to-god try.