In The Cub, Demagog Studio, whose creative minds we previously saw at work in Golf Club Wasteland, invites players into another captivating post-apocalyptic world. This one was inspired by the nostalgic charm of 90s console platformers like Aladdin and The Lion King, which those who had a Genesis or SNES at the time will fondly remember. Set against the backdrop of a doomed Earth abandoned by the ultra-rich, the game follows the journey of a small child, The Cub, who must navigate treacherous environments, outwit evolved wildlife, and escape the pursuit of humans from who’ve traveled back here from their new home on Mars.
The narrative unfolds amidst the ruins of humanity after what is called the “Great Ecological Catastrophe”, where players explore the remains of civilization through crumbling tower blocks, abandoned labs and depleted mines. The story is cleverly woven into the environment, providing a rich tapestry of clues and tales that explain the downfall of humanity, making this is a game with a much richer story than the games that inspired it. This narrative depth adds a layer of intrigue to the platforming adventure as well, giving players a meaningful connection to the world they are exploring and an extra reason to push on.
One of The Cub’s standout features that fans of the developer will appreciate is the return of “Radio Nostalgia From Mars”, a custom soundtrack that plays through an in-game radio station that was first introduced in Golf Club Wasteland. It works just as well here in providing atmosphere, mixing music with random chatter insightful banter. It serves as an immersive backdrop to the platforming action, creating a unique atmosphere that adds to the overall experience.
Visually, The Cub is a beautifully drawn and stylized pleasure to look at, reminiscent of classic animated films from just before everything became computer-animated. The art style blends classic and modern visual techniques, creating a world that is both visually striking and memorable and fun to watch even when you’re not the one playing the game.
In terms of gameplay, The Cub delivers a challenging yet rewarding experience. The platforming mechanics, inspired by 16-bit classics, offer a mix of precision jumps, short environmental puzzles, and encounters with mutant wildlife. The game features a three to four hour runtime, preventing monotony and keeping players engaged with new ideas and challenges throughout – though some more lament the short playtime, and we would have certainly appreciated more content as well.
While the platforming is generally solid, there are a few overly precise sequences that may frustrate some players. The absence of a way to track collectibles might disappoint completionists as well, and the game’s short duration could leave some longing for more. However, the well-designed checkpoints mitigate frustration, and the overall experience doesn’t overstay its welcome and delivers a great evening-length story.
In conclusion, The Cub is a short but very polished tribute to classic 2D platformers, building on the fantastic world introduced in Golf Club Wasteland. It successfully pays homage to classics while injecting a modern feel, offering players a unique and captivating platforming adventure. Despite its brevity and minor flaws, The Cub stands out as a memorable and enjoyable experience, showcasing Demagog Studio’s ability to create engaging games set in a distinct and entrancing world. If the studio continues in this vein, exploring different gameplay styles within this world, it’s a journey worth taking every time – even when they’re short.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 