15 BRUTALLY Hard Video Games (That Are Actually Fun)
12. Cuphead
Losing a bet with the devil was never going to end well, but who knew it was going to get this dangerous. Every inch of Cuphead and Mugman's (if you are fortunate to have an ally in this fight) journey to pay off their debt with the big D is packed full of terrors. The platforming levels have their difficult moments but it isn't until you are face to face with a boss do you find the true challenge, and wonder, of Cuphead.
To start, every inch of Cuphead's hand-drawn animation is gorgeous. The 30s inspired design evokes both a sense of nostalgia and horror, which brings the vast array of enemies to life in a unique way. Boss battles often work in stages, so once you have sussed how to beat one part of the fight, the next section arrives to kick you senseless and wonder how in hell are you getting around this one.
What keeps you coming back is the vast amount of skills, powers and mechanics each boss fight will bring. Each boss feels different from the last and the designs are so wonderful that hours of punishment are worth seeing the end product. Plus, that bravo screen on a successful run is a pure shot of joy into the veins.