“Cuphead” is one of the most visually appealing and innovative video games to come out in over a decade. With its 1930s cartoon aesthetic, its hand-drawn visuals and meticulous animations ooze personality and – perhaps what is lacking most in video games today – passion.

The game is developed by the development team at StudioMDHR Entertainment. The game is a run-and-gun-style boss-rush hybrid that takes inspiration from “Contra” and “Metal Slug,” famous in the run-and-gun genre.

“Cuphead” was unveiled in 2014 in an indie game montage during Microsoft’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) conference. It was on screen for seconds but became one of the most talked-about games at the convention. After being teased for years it is finally released with incredible results.

The main selling point for the players will be the art style. The game’s characters and enemies were hand-drawn and the backgrounds hand painted by StudioMDHR’s developers. The developers created the art in the style of a 1930’s cartoon – think Mickey Mouse or Popeye – and it is something that has never been done before in video games. Visually enhanced with film grain and vibrant but aged colors, players will be fixated.

Players take the role of Cuphead and the option co-op partner Mugman, two characters reminiscent of Mickey Mouse with the iconic red overalls and white gloves, except with cups for heads. They made a bet with the devil and lost, and if they want to save their souls they have to collect debts for the devil from various bosses. The player will take on over twenty different bosses, each one as unique and fun as the next. This is where things get heated.

Cuphead is one of the most difficult games to come out in recent years. The challenge of the game is significant, but not insurmountable, and its cartoony art style may fool some. Take heed – it is not for the faint of heart.

Some players will find this difficulty a turnoff or will become frustrated and quit. The game is not going to hold the player’s hand, but it combats this by incorporating an item system. Various run-and-gun stages throughout the game will grant money, which can be used to buy new weapons (which Cuphead shoots out of his fingers, of course) and enhancements. Mixing and matching these wencourages strategic thinking and will be essential to survive.

Platforming is smooth and the controls are crisp. The typical run-and-gun mechanics are all there, like eight-point shooting and projectiles thrown every which way. The inclusion of a parry is an unusual choice; it allows the player to parry certain objects which grant them power to unleash a super attack that can turn the tide of battle. It is not a typical element of these types of games, but it works well with everything else. The occasional airplane stage is thrown in and is a nice change of pace with new weapons and abilities, and require as much precision as ground stages.

It would be a sin not to mention the audio of the game. It is spectacular. The sound-effects of the bosses and Cuphead’s weapons replicate the audio of the 1930s era. So does the soundtrack, which compliments the art style. Jazzy tunes and big band instruments like trumpets, trombones and clarinets frantically play as Cuphead (and the player) struggle to defeat their foe, and it is glorious.

“Cuphead” is not without a few flaws. Visual feedback on hitting enemies is minimal and bosses do not have health bars. Sometimes this causes confusion, raising the question if Cuphead’s shots are actually doing anything. There were a few bugs that may result in unnecessary damage to Cuphead, which can ruin an entire boss fight. These few minor hiccups will not ruin the experience but are worth noting.

“Cuphead” is a must-have for any gamer looking for a challenge or to play a game unlike anything that has come out before. In an industry where ideas are being rehashed and sequel after sequel are pumped out for ravenous gamers, “Cuphead” is a breath of fresh air. The art and music alone are worth the asking price of $20, but the satisfaction of defeating the brutally difficult bosses will keep the player coming back for more.