73
MONSTER
The Jungle Book meets the armageddon. A story-rich, old-school tough platformer inspired by Sega classics but built for today. Platform parkour through the remains of humanity as smooth apocalypse-wave tunes and stories reveal more.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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78
Critics praise The Story of The Cub for its post-apocalyptic setting and exploration of themes like survival and societal critique, offering a unique perspective of a feral child on Earth. However, some critics point out plot inconsistencies, pacing issues, and lack of narrative coherence. While some appreciate the thematic depth and engaging visuals, others find fault in execution. Overall, opinions are mixed, with some lauding the adaptation of The Jungle Book influence and eco-conscious themes, while others criticize the storytelling approach and immersion.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
78
Positive (80-100)
69%
Mixed (50-79)
31%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics praise The Story of The Cub for its post-apocalyptic setting and exploration of themes like survival and societal critique, offering a unique perspective of a feral child on Earth. However, some critics point out plot inconsistencies, pacing issues, and lack of narrative coherence. While some appreciate the thematic depth and engaging visuals, others find fault in execution. Overall, opinions are mixed, with some lauding the adaptation of The Jungle Book influence and eco-conscious themes, while others criticize the storytelling approach and immersion.
Gameplay Mechanics
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66
The Cub's gameplay earns praise for its entertaining platforming challenges and nostalgic feel, reminiscent of classic titles like Disney's Aladdin and The Lion King. Critics appreciate the blend of old-school charm and modern mechanics, though some express concerns about inconsistent controls and lack of innovation. Overall, The Cub offers a challenging platforming experience with elements of exploration and puzzles, making it a solid choice for fans of nostalgic, difficult platformers.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
66
Positive (80-100)
13%
Mixed (50-79)
88%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
The Cub's gameplay earns praise for its entertaining platforming challenges and nostalgic feel, reminiscent of classic titles like Disney's Aladdin and The Lion King. Critics appreciate the blend of old-school charm and modern mechanics, though some express concerns about inconsistent controls and lack of innovation. Overall, The Cub offers a challenging platforming experience with elements of exploration and puzzles, making it a solid choice for fans of nostalgic, difficult platformers.
Graphics and Visual Design
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88
Critics rave about The Cub's exceptional graphics and visual design, praising its rich post-apocalyptic world and stunning visuals. While some critics noted issues like collision detection and blending background elements, the majority still found the game visually striking and immersive. Overall, The Cub is lauded for its captivating art style and memorable world design that enhances the gameplay experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
88
Positive (80-100)
93%
Mixed (50-79)
7%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics rave about The Cub's exceptional graphics and visual design, praising its rich post-apocalyptic world and stunning visuals. While some critics noted issues like collision detection and blending background elements, the majority still found the game visually striking and immersive. Overall, The Cub is lauded for its captivating art style and memorable world design that enhances the gameplay experience.
Music and Sound Design
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84
Critics raved about The Cub's immersive sound design and music, praising its atmospheric qualities, emotional depth, and thematic integration. The radio station soundtrack, voice work, and environmental storytelling were highlighted as standout features, though some minor criticisms were raised. Overall, the game's sound design and music significantly contributed to its immersive and engaging nature, drawing players into its unique world with stunning results.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
84
Positive (80-100)
88%
Mixed (50-79)
13%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics raved about The Cub's immersive sound design and music, praising its atmospheric qualities, emotional depth, and thematic integration. The radio station soundtrack, voice work, and environmental storytelling were highlighted as standout features, though some minor criticisms were raised. Overall, the game's sound design and music significantly contributed to its immersive and engaging nature, drawing players into its unique world with stunning results.
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
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65
The Cub runs smoothly on Nintendo Switch but faces technical issues on PlayStation 5 like loose controls and collision problems. PC version has unwieldy controls. Critics have mixed opinions, with some praising the smooth experience on PS5 while others point out significant technical issues across platforms.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
65
Positive (80-100)
17%
Mixed (50-79)
67%
Negative (0-49)
17%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
The Cub runs smoothly on Nintendo Switch but faces technical issues on PlayStation 5 like loose controls and collision problems. PC version has unwieldy controls. Critics have mixed opinions, with some praising the smooth experience on PS5 while others point out significant technical issues across platforms.
Replay Value
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57
Critics praise "The Cub" for its engaging gameplay and exploration elements that enhance replay value. However, its short length and lack of substantial content limit its replayability. While some find its quality compelling for multiple playthroughs, overall, it's seen as a brief but enjoyable experience with room for improvement in gameplay variety and content depth to increase replay value.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
57
Positive (80-100)
9%
Mixed (50-79)
64%
Negative (0-49)
27%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics praise "The Cub" for its engaging gameplay and exploration elements that enhance replay value. However, its short length and lack of substantial content limit its replayability. While some find its quality compelling for multiple playthroughs, overall, it's seen as a brief but enjoyable experience with room for improvement in gameplay variety and content depth to increase replay value.
Overall Verdict
73
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
73
Positive (80-100)
40%
Mixed (50-79)
58%
Negative (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
The Cub receives praise for its satirical art and engaging gameplay, offering a unique take on post-apocalyptic storytelling. Critics laud its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and compelling narrative. However, some point out flaws in gameplay depth, controls, and replay value. Overall, The Cub is seen as a visually striking platformer with room for improvement in certain areas.
73
MONSTER
Reviews
43 reviews found95
Pure Nintendo
Jan 29, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Cub is praised as a short but hugely entertaining 2D platformer that combines fun gameplay with satirical art, delivering a clear and concise critique of contemporary reality. The game is described as a fantastic piece of satirical art that does not hold back in its societal critiques.
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90
GameGrin
Jan 17, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A beautifully striking 2D platformer that offers a challenging and rewarding experience. Recommended for fans of platformers, both classic and modern.
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90
TheSixthAxis
Jan 17, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Cub offers a compelling narrative experience with engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and excellent voice acting, despite some immersion-breaking elements. It is a game worth experiencing for its unique take on a post-apocalyptic world.
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85
PlayStation Universe
Jan 17, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Cub is praised for its charming narrative, beautiful visuals, engaging soundtrack, and smooth technical performance. Limited replay value but highly enjoyable for fans of platformers and atmospheric games.
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80
WellPlayed
Jan 17, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Cub delivers an enjoyable platforming experience set in a visually stunning post-apocalyptic world with a compelling narrative. Despite some gameplay challenges, the game is worth experiencing, especially for fans of the series.
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80
COGconnected
Jan 17, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Cub is a delightful adventure with diverse and memorable gameplay sequences, beautiful visuals, and a slick soundtrack. While it may be short and have simple puzzles, the unique combination of audio and visuals creates an unforgettable experience.
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80
Press Start Australia
Jan 17, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Cub is praised as a short but sweet tribute to licensed Mega Drive platformers, revisiting the world of Golf Club Wasteland with warm tones, cool tunes, and a modern twist on classic platformers.
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80
Softpedia
Jan 29, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Cub offers a fascinating shift in perspective from its predecessor, providing an entertaining and challenging experience for both newcomers and veterans, despite some shortcomings in animations and pacing.
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75
Checkpoint Gaming
Jan 17, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A fascinating romp through post-apocalyptic Earth that balances dark themes with delightful levity. Features vivid visuals, impeccable audio, and biting satire, but let down by gameplay sequences that lack imagination.
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75
Gaming Age
Feb 9, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A surprisingly appropriate sequel with a richly imagined world and atmospheric soundtrack, hindered by inconsistent controls in a challenging platformer experience.
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