What Was Cuphead Based Off Of?
Cuphead is a popular video game and animated series that has taken the world by storm. Its unique art style and challenging gameplay have captured the hearts of gamers and anime fans alike. But, have you ever wondered what inspired the creation of this beloved game? Let’s dive into the story and explore the fascinating origins of Cuphead.
A Golden Age of Animation Inspiration
The game’s developer, StudioMDHR, consisting of brothers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer, took inspiration from the classic cartoons of the 1930s and 1940s. The studio wanted to recreate the iconic styles of Disney and Fleischer Studios, along with cartoonists Ub Iwerks, Grim Natwick, and Willard Bowsky. This dedication to the art style of the past has been described as a love letter to the golden age of animation.
Here’s a brief rundown of what inspired the Cuphead developers:
• Swing You Sinners!: The 1936 Fleischer Studios short film that set the tone for the Cuphead’s animation style. Its surreal, abstract visuals, and dark tone paved the way for the Cuphead’s unique art direction.
• Betty Boop: The character from the Fleischer Studios short films, which showcased their signature style, would heavily influence the Cuphead girls’ design and behavior.
Other Influences on Cuphead
Apart from the animation styles of Fleischer Studios and Disney, Cuphead was also inspired by:
• Jazz Age Culture: The game’s visuals, sounds, and atmosphere pay homage to the Jazz Age culture of the 1920s and 1930s. From the suits and hats to the instrument sounds and nightclub backdrops, Cuphead transports you to a bygone era.
• Silent Film Comedy: Cuphead’s boss battles are modeled after silent film comedy performances, where characters over-act and engage in elaborate pratfalls.
Video Games and Other Influences
Cuphead also borrows from various video game genres and mechanics, particularly:
• Shoot-Em-Up Games: The game’s action-based platforming and bullet-hell mechanics are reminiscent of shoot-em-up classics, like DoDonPachi and Thunder Blade.
• Soulslike Games: The game’s difficulty spikes and punishing enemy attacks nod to the challenging experience found in Soulslike games like Dark Souls.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the game mechanics:
| Game Mechanics | Borrowed from |
|---|---|
| Parrying | Devil May Cry‘s parrying system |
| Shotguns | Brotherhood of the Coast Guard‘s cover shooter mechanics |
| Deflector | Guantlets‘ shield deflections |
Why Does the Cuphead Show Look Like a Cartoon from the Golden Age?
For many fans, the animated series, also inspired by the same classic animation era, feels like a retro throwback to the Fleischer Studios cartoons of yesteryear. Director Dave Wasson, co-creator of Dexter’s Laboratory and Star vs. the Forces of Evil, cited the following inspirations for the show’s retro visual style:
• Film Noir: The influence of Film Noir cinematography, characterized by black-and-white hues and angular camera angles, contributed to the show’s overall mood and aesthetic.
• Retro Sound Effects and Music: The Cuphead Show’s audio design and soundtrack incorporate old-fashioned sound effects and orchestral scores, creating a charmingly retro atmosphere.
With its blend of action-adventure gameplay, side-scrolling platforming, and challenging boss battles, Cuphead stands out as a truly unique gaming experience. Drawing from the golden age of animation, jazz culture, silent film comedy, and a range of video game influences, Cuphead’s distinctive style and atmosphere make it a standout in the world of gaming. Whether as a game or a television series, Cuphead remains a love letter to a bygone era of adventure, comedy, and pure entertainment.