While several modern games are too focused on theSoulsformula, there is one genre that has the potential to deliver equally difficult games and has been around since the 8-bit era: Run-N-Gun platformers.
Back in the day,ContraandMega Manwere quite infamous for being some of thehardest games on the NES. As time went on, we saw fewer such titles, untilCupheadcame along in 2017.
This is the best example of what a Run-N-Gun Platformer game should be, with its classic animated cartoon art style. While the game did get a “Delicious Last Course” DLC in 2022, there hasn’t been anything since. Until recently, when a new game got released on Steam.
Toyland Tussle: A Hand-Drawn Game Heavily Inspired By Cuphead
Toyland Tussleis a new indie game by developer and publisher RBW Games that follows the story of Fodder the Cannon, who is on a stroll and wondering where he can spend his allowance. What starts as a merry day turns into a full-fledged boss fight for our protagonist against Gears the Gorilla.
What’s great about this game is that it has hand-drawn graphics that are traditionally animated, two difficulty options, four unique weapons, and a boss fight that has three different phases.
On the flip side, this is where things end, quite literally. This is a super-short game that has only one boss fight and no platformer levels. The game costs $2.99, which doesn’t seem much, but you are still paying this amount for just a single boss fight.
The developerpostedabout their new game on r/indiegames, and a common critique that several people had was that this game is almost a one-to-one copy of Cuphead, even down to the UI. It would have been cooler if the developer had tried something different to set the two games apart. However, several others are happy with getting just more Cuphead.
If you are looking for a new hand-drawn game or a quick Cuphead-like experience and don’t mind a short runtime, then Toyland Tussle is for you. The game is currentlyavailable on Steam.
WHERE TO PLAY
