Studio MDHR strikes again!
Is it possible to match the outstanding quality of a game like Cuphead with a simple DLC? Let’s find out now with the review of The Delicious Last Course, the first and only additional content dedicated to the adventures of our favorite cups.
Released on June 30, 2022, on major digital stores, this DLC introduces, first of all, two new main characters: Miss Chalice, a familiar face from the base game, now fully playable, and Chef Saltbaker, who sets us on a thrilling new quest that kicks off the story.
Story and Character Introduction
Cuphead – The Delicious Last Course stands as a true expansion to the game, introducing a brand-new fourth island. This area becomes accessible after completing the first Mausoleum level (though it’s highly recommended to tackle it after finishing the base game) via a small boat that appears at the edge of the map.
Upon reaching the new island, our protagonists encounter Miss Chalice, who offers Mugman an astral cookie. After taking a bite, Mugman finds himself transported to the astral realm, temporarily swapping places with Miss Chalice. She reveals that this magical treat was crafted by Chef Saltbaker, a mysterious figure who offers a potential solution to her dilemma. His plan involves creating the Wondertart, a legendary dessert that would allow Miss Chalice to remain permanently in the world of the living, eliminating the need for body-swapping altogether.
To complete this mission, the heroes must collect ingredients scattered across the island, each fiercely guarded by powerful bosses that stand in their way.
What’s New?
The most significant new addition is undoubtedly the ability to play as Miss Chalice, not only on the new island but across every level of the game. This character introduces a distinct gameplay style compared to the other protagonists: she can execute a double jump, parry pink objects simply by dashing, roll forward with invulnerability, and start each level with 4 health points instead of 3. The trade-off is that she cannot use any charms, as equipping the astral cookie in the charm slot is necessary to play as her. Despite this limitation, Miss Chalice proves to be exceptionally adept and often more advantageous than the two brothers, especially when facing the new bosses, once you master her abilities.
Another notable addition is the King of Games, a new character who presents a unique challenge by pitting our heroes against a variety of chess piece bosses, distinct from those encountered previously. In these battles, our protagonists are restricted from shooting or using charms (aside from the renowned cookie) and can only inflict damage by parrying their foes. This mechanic replaces the traditional run ‘n’ gun levels. Each defeated chess piece rewards players with two coins to spend at the familiar shop. While these encounters may lack the grandeur and transformations of the main bosses, they provide a refreshing mix of fun and challenge, particularly with the final task set by the King: to defeat all the chess pieces consecutively without dying.
What About the Main Bosses?
Let’s now turn our attention to the pièce de résistance of the DLC: the new bosses. Each one upholds an exceptionally high standard of quality, often matching or even surpassing the formidable foes faced in the base game. From the music to the animations, every detail has been meticulously crafted, reflecting the exceptional skill of this small team.
Without revealing too much to avoid spoilers, suffice it to say that players will face a remarkable total of six main bosses (excluding the six from The King’s Leap) and an additional secret boss. The difficulty is elevated, pushing beyond the challenge of the base game, but fear not—new weapons and charms available at the shop will assist you in this endeavor. The developers have masterfully varied each new addition, providing enterprising players with the opportunity to experiment with different gear and discover the perfect setup to complement their playstyle.
A Mystery to Unravel
With Cuphead – The Delicious Last Course, Studio MDHR has introduced intriguing secrets for the most inquisitive and completionist players. In addition to the hidden coins scattered across the fourth island, a mysterious NPC beckons us to unravel a cemetery-related enigma, with clues cleverly integrated into the game’s vast world. Solving the puzzle unlocks the opportunity to confront a secret boss—initially daunting and requiring a meticulous approach to uncover its weaknesses.
Final Thoughts and Rating
Studio MDHR once again demonstrates its mastery with a DLC that, though completable by seasoned players in a relatively short time, provides a compelling reason to return to the enchanting world of Cuphead. The Delicious Last Course embodies the very essence of what a DLC should be: it introduces fresh elements that subtly enhance the already stellar game formula, edging Cuphead even closer to perfection. Particularly notable is the inclusion of Miss Chalice, who brings a breath of fresh air, significantly boosting replayability and encouraging players to strive for their highest achievements.
Cuphead – The Delicious Last Course
PRO
- Miss Chalice as a new playable character
- New bosses, even more stunning and satisfying to defeat than those in the base game
- Sky-high replayability thanks to the new features
- Extremely affordable price
CON
- Short for players not aiming for full completion
- Some moments are a bit too chaotic, in line with the base game
9.5/10
