Game play: The game play is not too different from the base game, but the difficulty is taken up a notch.
The projectile hit boxes feel a lot more forgiving though. I'd brush up against a projectile, thinking that I got hit, only to find that I didn't. This would happen in the main game as well, but not nearly as often, in my opinion. The final boss is arguably the hardest in the entire game, a step up from the final boss in the main game.
There's only one aerial boss, so if they're your favourite, you'll be disappointed.
There is also a new level type. In the base game, to get coins to buy weapons/charms you need to collect them in the run'n'gun stages. I said in my review of the main game that these levels are the weakest, a sentiment that others share. However, in the DLC, you gain coins by defeating mini bosses in the "king's leap". You can't use weapons/charms in these challenges. You must parry the boss to deal damage, a concept very reminiscent of the mausoleums from the main game, which is fitting because Chalice takes centre stage in this DLC. These are easily my favourite addition.
Speaking of Ms. Chalice, at the cost of your charm slot you can play as her, with different controls to Cuphead and Mugman. This essentially adds a new way to play both the base game and DLC. She's a great addition and I don't think that any of the levels in the original are particularly unsuited to her move set. I feel like all the charms in this DLC are a bit more ambitious. I had criticised the balancing of them in the base game, and while I don't think the problem was fixed, the new charms have much more to them. And I think chalice in particular is a shining example of what charms should be, even if she's a bit overpowered.
The new weapons are also interesting especially the "crack-shot".
The new hub world is great too.
Visuals & Audio: Just as amazing as the original, if not better.
Story: Definitely a step up from the original's, but still not too complicated for what it is.
Final review: After 100% completing this DLC, I have concluded that it is a brilliant combination of what worked in the base game and new additions that breathe fresh life into the series. You can tell that MDHR listened to some of the feedback from the original. A great last hurrah for CUPHEAD.
Game play: 5/5
Visuals & Audio: 5/5
Difficulty: 4/5
Total: 5/5
GOLLY! A PERFECT SCORE!
izigame.me
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