I had the opportunity to interview the Lead Artist for the recently released Metroid Vania Cookie Cutter (which you can see below) but I finally had a chance to put in some meaty time with the 2D title.
Cookie Cutter is a slick and stylish Metroid Vania and is easily a game of year contender. Cookie Cutter is the story of an android on a rescue mission to save her creator and lover, who has been kidnapped by the mega corporation she dared to revolt against. Its protagonist, the violence prone and red-harried Cherry, is a punk rock as it gets. The opening scenes of Cookie Cutter’s fantastic hand-drawn art style sets up the premise nicely – Robotics designer Shinji, concerned with the morally questionable practices of mega corporation she works for, takes a personal stake in their Denzel program. She catches feelings for her new creation. The nefarious group soon catches wind of her plans to expose their dirty dealings and they kidnap her and leave poor Cherry for dead.
After being found and repaired by a group of freedom fighters, Cherry begins her rescue mission to find Shinji and complete her plan. The 2D side scrolling action should be immediately familiar to those who have played classic Rayman titles or the more recent Ori series, but the violent tone is more akin to the PS3 classic Shank. In this 2D side scrolling adventure, you will take down other robotic denizens the evil Corp sends to stop you and unlock some tried and true Metroid Vania abilities – like a double jump, air dash and ground pound.
Cherry’s basic attack does low damage; the bread and butter of the addictive and surprisingly deep combat system comes from the more powerful Y attack. The early hours of the game use Cherry’s modified robotic arm. Like any good Metroid Vania, Cherry will expand her arsenal and unlock her progress allowing her to venture deeper into the Mega Structure to rescue her creator, Shinji. Another layer of the combat is in the game’s parry system; triggering an awesome animated take-down that varies depending on enemy type. Special attacks are performed by using VOID energy earned by defeating enemies which can also be used to heal your health. Performing a take down from a takedown will always give you more energy than a basic attack.
At launch, the parry window was exceptionally tight – it has now been updated to be a bit more forgiving. The parry can kill most enemies instantly – and can stagger the more powerful ones. The parry take-downs are anime-infused heaven; everything from stealing an enemy's spear to headshot them to littering tearing a baddie in two – like a scene straight out of The Boys.
The level design is classic 2D side scrolling action, reminded me of a mega man game in the best ways. Travel left to right, right to left and drop down platforms. Sections of the map will appear as you clear them. Traveling off the beaten path will reveal hidden rooms and sections, earning you crafting materials you can use to upgrade Cherry. The gear comes in the form of combat modifiers like extra HP, or a damage boost to a certain attack.
The enemy variety is a trip in Cookie Cutter. It all starts with basic C3PO-looking droids hobbled together goblins with combined bits of tech and flesh, obviously signs of failed creations being thrown at you. The Difficulty is fair for a Metroid Vania – not bone crushing. The wildly creative boss fights were a highlight for me. Many of them are very parry able.
Boss combat is not as dependent on Parrying as it would be in a title like Sekiro or Lies of P. Button mashing and creative dodge rolling, and air dashes will be enough to get you through. Cherry also has a VOID special slotted to the RB button, inluding a fireball or an area of effect blast, both of which are upgradeable. As you acquire more Y button and RB mapped abilities, they can be switched out with a weapon wheel.
Cherry will also come across many colorful characters in her journey – many of which you will create arrands for that are optional; but also the path to someone of the games more powerful and hilariously named weapons – like an lightening infused guitar called the Stratorblaster – or her signature chainsaw – The Educator, which can also cut through the crystal lined walls of the caves under an enemies robot factory.
Cookie Cutter is a cool Metroid Vania with addictive and easy to pick up combat. It has some genuinely funny and heartwarming writing. It's a solid first effort of a game from Subcult Joint under publisher Rogue Games. The map is a bit obtuse at times, but never deters you from wanting to push forward. If you like 2D side scrollers or Metroid Vania's, I would put this title on your list. It's a complete package for a bargain price.
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