The art style of this game is incredible and is truly a marvel to behold. I just wish there was some form of difficulty adjustment so I could explore everything the world of Cuphead has to offer. While challenging, the game is rewarding. However, I am continuously frustrated how the game employs randomness to encounters with bosses. It never feels like I beat a boss because I got better with the game (which you do improve over time, no doubt), but rather because I got a lucky round where the attacks didn't hit as hard/weren't as difficult. I know this is standard for video game design, but with a game like this where you can't change the difficulty, I often found myself restarting a boss because a certain attack pattern was more difficult than the previous one. Regardless, the music is also fantastic and relevant for the time period this game encompasses. It's incredible for an indie team (bravo to them), just wish the game either had difficulty levels or had more fair encounters. Either way, worth ya $20

I know this game isn't for everyone, and has its faults. But the reason I consider this game to be near perfect comes down to the story and relevant themes. Ironically, we are currently living in a reality which this game predicted: a world suffering, isolated and disconnected due to the selfish actions of a few in power. Ultimately, this game serves as an odd sort of template on how to reconnect with one another, and how things need to change moving forward. While Hideo Kojima couldn't have known about the virus, the reason this game feels relevant is because (regardless of the catalyst, whether a virus, war, etc) it explores relevant, real-world themes and serves as a warning (obsession with individuality, yearning for idols/heroes to save us, corporate greed, an era of digital connection/social media, etc.) While the story itself was a bit backended (if you finished the game you know how long the last few cutscenes are), it serves as a "reward" for all the hard work you put in throughout the game. To understand the gameplay itself, one ought to view it the same way one would view a journey: it may have its bumps and rough patches, and is never about the destination, but in retrospect is valuable and rewarding. If you have the patience to unravel the mysteries in this game, I highly recommend it. Also has the most realistic graphics/character models/environments I've seen in a video game ever. If GTA 5 is incentive to go see LA, and Persona 5 is to see Tokyo, this game shows off the beauty of Iceland (template for the world) in a way where it makes you want to book a ticket immediately.

A great game that came at the best time. In an odd way, this game served as therapy for me when my whole life was turned upside down by the epidemic. It felt like a return to some form of normalcy (through the daily student lifestyle) and allowed me to build myself back up (while also teaching me some life lessons, through clever and quirky humor). This was my first ever real JRPG and what a surprise it was! The story was gripping, the characters felt real and the humor was charming as hell. If you ever want a game to convince you to visit Tokyo, this is the one. It does have a few minor issues (including a very long tutorial/intro sequence), but it overcomes them with pure style and charm. And the soundtrack?? 10/10 on its own alone! I bought Royale right after I finished it and am having a blast!