Cuphead Review: 6 Ups & 4 Downs

3. There Is A Simple Mode If You Need It

"A cop out!" the hardcore would've shouted, had the Simple mode still meant you could complete Cuphead.

Instead, rather than have the game's reputation be somewhat hampered by an 'easy option', the 'Simple' designation can 1. Only be chosen on boss battles, and 2. In a deliciously dark way, won't let you pick up a boss's contract to progress into the next world.

Basically, you can use the Simple mode to unlock the world you're in and practice on a boss's ability set, but you'll have to beat them on Regular if you actually want to get anywhere.

Such a great dynamic gives - debatably - enough leeway to allow those struggling with the standard setting to practice, though as I'll get to in the Downs, it doesn't get around the fact that players who are genuinely incapable of reaching such a high skill level won't see the full game.