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MONSTER

The Cub

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Cub
Item: The Cub
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Indie, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player

AvailableJan 19, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperDemagog Studio

Overview

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.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics praise The Story of The Cub for its atmospheric post-apocalyptic world, ecological storytelling, and bold social themes, with standout praise for its environmental depth, Jungle Book-inspired adaptation, and moody soundtrack. However, many criticize uneven pacing, plot inconsistencies, derivative tropes, and underwhelming gameplay, calling the narrative didactic and its ending abrupt. While ambitious and creatively resonant, it struggles to balance its lofty ideas with cohesive execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of reviewers praise The Story of The Cub for its evocative post-apocalyptic setting, rich environmental storytelling, and thematic depth. COGconnected highlights the game’s “unique atmosphere” and layered narrative inspired by The Jungle Book, while Finger Guns emphasizes its focus on surviving children and ecological neglect. GameGrin and PlayStation Universe commend the environments that “tell smaller stories of the past inhabitants,” adding emotional resonance to the world-building. Push Square applauds the moody soundtrack and persistent radio show, which provide social commentary, and Softpedia notes the game’s “different perspective on current geo-political issues.” TheSixthAxis and WellPlayed also appreciate the adaptation of The Jungle Book into a post-apocalyptic context, with Checkpoint Gaming praising its balance of dark themes and levity. These elements collectively create a narrative that feels both imaginative and socially conscious, resonating with critics who value atmospheric storytelling. However, several reviewers critique the game’s narrative execution and pacing. PlayStation Country points out “plot inconsistencies” and a loose reliance on The Jungle Book formula, while IGN Italia calls the story “didactic” and struggles to match the elegance of its predecessor, Golf Club: Wasteland. New Game Network criticizes the “pacing issues” and “unnecessary revelations,” and PlayStation Universe notes an abrupt ending. Additionally, some find the gameplay mechanics underwhelming despite the strong narrative foundation—IGN Italia mentions “conventional gameplay” as a drawback. While SpazioGames lauds the ecological themes, others like Gaming Age and Pure Nintendo suggest the premise feels derivative or overly reliant on post-apocalyptic tropes. These critiques highlight a tension between the game’s ambitious ideas and their implementation. Overall, critics agree that The Story of The Cub is a thoughtfully crafted experience with strong environmental and social themes, though its execution varies in effectiveness. Positive reviews emphasize its atmospheric depth, unique storytelling through environments, and thematic resonance, as noted by COGconnected, GameGrin, and SpazioGames. However, the game’s narrative shortcomings—such as pacing, plot consistency, and gameplay design—are frequently mentioned by IGN Italia, New Game Network, and PlayStation Country. While some see it as a compelling evolution of its influences, others feel it falls short of its potential. The consensus leans toward appreciation for its ambition and creativity but acknowledges room for improvement in refining its core mechanics and narrative flow.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Cub nails nostalgic 90s platforming charm with slick controls and creative puzzles but falters under repetition, clunky mechanics, and uneven difficulty, offering a fun yet flawed journey for retro fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

88%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of The Cub receives praise for its nostalgic charm and engaging mechanics, with several reviewers highlighting its ties to classic 90s platformers. COGconnected commends the "diverse and memorable gameplay sequences," including environmental puzzles and stealth/parkour segments, while GameGrin notes the "nostalgic feel reminiscent of Disney’s Aladdin and The Lion King" combined with modern elements like generous checkpoints. Push Square and Press Start Australia both praise its 90s-inspired design, emphasizing solid platforming mechanics and a blend of exploration and challenge. Softpedia and WellPlayed also appreciate the responsive controls and engaging platforming sections, though they acknowledge occasional precision issues. These positives suggest the game successfully captures the spirit of retro classics while offering modern refinements that enhance accessibility. However, several critics point to significant flaws in execution, particularly around repetition, control responsiveness, and design inconsistencies. Finger Guns criticizes the "lack of depth" and "slightly loose controls," while Push Square calls out repetitive gameplay and frustrating signposting. Checkpoint Gaming and IGN Italia note a decline in creativity over time, with the latter calling the mechanics "old" and lacking innovation. The trial-and-error nature of certain sections—highlighted by COGconnected and PlayStation Universe—is seen as a double-edged sword, offering challenge but occasionally feeling unfair due to single-hit deaths or imprecise controls. Additionally, critics like New Game Network and SpazioGames point to unbalanced level design and imperfect mechanics, which can disrupt the flow of play. These critiques reveal a game that struggles to maintain consistency despite its promising foundation. Overall, the consensus leans toward a mixed but largely favorable reception, with many reviewers acknowledging The Cub as a competent, nostalgic platformer that falls short of groundbreaking innovation. While GameGrin and Press Start Australia celebrate its blend of classic and modern elements, others like Checkpoint Gaming and IGN Italia argue it lacks the depth to stand out. The game’s strengths—responsive controls, varied challenges, and a loveable aesthetic—are tempered by repetitive design, control issues, and uneven difficulty curves. Despite these shortcomings, the majority of critics agree that The Cub offers an enjoyable experience for fans of 2D platformers, even if it doesn’t fully realize its potential.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about The Cub’s breathtaking, hand-drawn art direction—vibrant post-apocalyptic worlds, whimsical mutations, and cinematic detail create an immersive, emotionally resonant experience, though minor technical quirks slightly dim the brilliance.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

93%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overwhelming consensus among reviewers is that The Cub boasts a visually stunning and creatively rich art direction that captivates players. Critics consistently praise its distinct stylistic choices, with COGconnected highlighting "stunning visuals" and a "cinematic feel," while Finger Guns lauds the game’s "diverse locations, detailed flora and fauna, and beautiful art direction." GameGrin emphasizes the "aesthetically striking world" filled with vibrant colors, "wonderfully weird jungles," and "visually exciting environments," evoking a sense of wonder. TheSixthAxis notes the "detailed and colorful" depiction of a post-apocalyptic world, while WellPlayed applauds the "lush greens, vibrant colors, and neon-lit remnants of humanity." Many reviewers, including PlayStation Universe and Press Start Australia, commend the game’s blend of classic and modern visual techniques, creating a "striking and memorable world" that feels both nostalgic and original. The hand-drawn art style, as highlighted by Softpedia and PLAY! Zine, further enhances immersion, with its "gorgeous post-apocalyptic world design" and "beautifully conceptualized setting." While the majority of critiques are positive, some reviewers point to technical or design flaws that slightly detract from the experience. PlayStation Country notes issues with "collision detection and inconsistency in platforming mechanics," which could disrupt immersion despite the game’s visual appeal. New Game Network criticizes background elements that "sometimes blend too much" and an "annoying chromatic aberration effect," while TheSixthAxis mentions that "on-the-nose company names" break the narrative’s subtlety. These issues, though minor, suggest that the game’s visual design is not without its imperfections. Additionally, some critics, like Checkpoint Gaming, acknowledge that the vibrant aesthetics occasionally mask a "darker reality," but this is more of a thematic observation than a critique of the visuals themselves. Overall, the critical reception of The Cub’s graphics and visual design is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers across platforms praising its creativity, artistry, and atmospheric depth. The game’s hand-drawn style, vibrant color palettes, and imaginative environments—whether post-apocalyptic ruins or whimsical mutated landscapes—are frequently cited as standout features. While a few critics point to technical hiccups or minor design choices that slightly undermine immersion, these are overshadowed by the universal acclaim for its visual storytelling. As PlayStation Country notes, the "lovingly rendered world" and "otherworldly mutations" create a unique aesthetic that resonates with players, while Gaming Age and Pure Nintendo emphasize how the visuals effectively convey the game’s ecological themes. For most critics, The Cub’s art direction is not just a technical achievement but a narrative and emotional cornerstone, solidifying its place as a visually compelling experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics hailed The Cub's sound design as immersive, atmospheric, and thematically masterful, with its iconic Radio Nostalgia from Mars elevating narrative depth and lore. While minor critiques noted genre clashes and localization gaps, the standout soundtrack—haunting, nostalgic, and emotionally resonant—solidified the game’s identity, making audio a core pillar of its success.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

12%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of The Cub received widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising their immersive and thematic integration into the game’s narrative and atmosphere. Reviewers like COGconnected highlighted the "slick and stylish soundtrack" that contrasts with gameplay, while Finger Guns called it "stunning," noting its beauty and thematic fit. The in-game radio station Radio Nostalgia from Mars was a standout element, described by GameGrin as featuring "chilled tunes" and "stories told by characters living on Mars," enhancing the game’s lore. PlayStation Country and PlayStation Universe emphasized the nostalgic and atmospheric qualities, with the latter noting a "Leonard Cohen-esque tune" and "exhilarating soundtrack." TheSixthAxis and WellPlayed praised how the radio broadcasts added emotional depth and environmental storytelling, while Checkpoint Gaming commended the "incredible original soundtrack" and clever integration of radio commentary. These elements collectively created a cohesive audio experience that enriched the game’s world-building and player engagement. While most critiques were positive, some reviewers noted minor shortcomings. New Game Network acknowledged the diverse musical score but mentioned "odd choices" in genre blending, such as mixing new age, synth, and dubstep, which occasionally felt disjointed. SpazioGames pointed out that the lack of Italian subtitles could hinder non-English speakers, though this was a localization issue rather than a sound design flaw. Additionally, Gaming Age described the music as "slightly atonal," suggesting some tracks might not resonate with all players. However, these criticisms were relatively isolated and did not detract from the overall praise for the audio design’s creativity and atmosphere. The consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with nearly all highlighting the soundtrack and sound design as key strengths. COGconnected, Finger Guns, and GameGrin emphasized how Radio Nostalgia from Mars elevated the game’s narrative and immersion, while PlayStation Universe and Pure Nintendo praised its emotional resonance and atmospheric cohesion. Even critics who noted minor flaws, like New Game Network, acknowledged the music’s overall effectiveness in complementing gameplay. The recurring themes of nostalgia, environmental storytelling, and thematic unity underscored the sound design’s success in creating a memorable and cohesive experience. For most reviewers, The Cub’s audio elements were not just supportive but integral to its identity, solidifying their praise for the game’s creative and immersive approach.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Cub’s tech falters across platforms: PS5 struggles with clunky controls, sloppy platforming, and frustrating checkpoints; PC grapples with unwieldy mechanics and budget constraints; Switch remains stable but underexplored. While some praise reliability, a rushed finish and animation hiccups drown its charm—playable but far from polished.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The Cub’s technical performance varies across platforms, with notable positives emerging from specific reviews. On PS5, PlayStation Universe praised the game for its smooth and glitch-free experience, noting no bugs or crashes during their playthrough, which contrasts with other critiques. Meanwhile, Gaming Age on Nintendo Switch highlighted that the game “generally works pretty well,” suggesting stability despite potential limitations. For PC, while critics like Checkpoint Gaming and PLAY! Zine did not explicitly discuss technical issues, they acknowledged the game’s lower-budget nature and control challenges, implying some inherent constraints. These positives indicate that the game functions adequately on all platforms, with PS5 and Switch receiving more direct praise for reliability. However, technical shortcomings are evident across platforms, particularly on PS5. Finger Guns and PlayStation Country both criticized the title for issues like loose controls, inconsistent platforming mechanics, and frustrating checkpoint reloads during chase sequences. Softpedia added that clunky animations and a rushed ending disrupted the game’s intended pacing. On PC, Checkpoint Gaming highlighted “unwieldy controls leading to unfair fail states,” while PLAY! Zine noted budget limitations affecting the experience. Though Nintendo Switch received fewer direct criticisms, its performance remains underexplored, leaving room for assumptions about potential optimization gaps. These negatives reveal a fragmented technical experience, with PS5 and PC facing more pronounced issues than Switch. The overall consensus among critics suggests that The Cub’s technical performance is inconsistent but generally playable. While PlayStation Universe and Gaming Age offered optimism about stability on PS5 and Switch, the majority of critiques—particularly from Finger Guns, PlayStation Country, and Softpedia—focused on control issues, animation flaws, and design inconsistencies that detracted from immersion. The lack of explicit technical discussion on PC, coupled with PLAY! Zine’s mention of budget constraints, implies that the game’s polish may vary depending on platform optimization. Despite these challenges, the game appears to function without major crashes or bugs in most cases, indicating a foundation that could be refined further. Critics’ mixed reactions underscore a title that balances charm with technical imperfections, leaving room for improvement across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics split on The Cub’s replay value: while collectibles and exploration offer some incentive to revisit, its short runtime, simplistic puzzles, and lack of depth undermine long-term appeal, making it a charming but brief experience best suited for casual players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The critics generally acknowledge that The Cub offers some elements that enhance its replay value, particularly through collectibles and exploration. GameGrin highlights how hidden platforms, vines, and environmental details encourage players to revisit areas, adding depth without feeling monotonous. Softpedia notes that mastering precision jumps and environmental challenges provides a reason to play again, while WellPlayed emphasizes varied levels and collectibles as incentives. PlayStation Universe also suggests that the game’s short runtime—described as around 4 hours—might prompt multiple playthroughs, especially for those who enjoy its "short-and-sweet" design. Additionally, Press Start Australia praises the game’s charm and potential for improvement in guiding players to missing collectibles, indicating that the structure itself has replayable appeal despite its brevity. However, several critics point out significant limitations to The Cub’s replay value, primarily due to its short length and lack of substantial content. COGconnected and Finger Guns both describe the game as "short" (2–3 hours or 1–2 hours), with simplistic puzzles that may leave players unfulfilled. Push Square explicitly states there is no high replay value, citing the absence of unique gameplay elements beyond its brief runtime. IGN Italia criticizes the predictable gameplay and lack of narrative depth, while New Game Network notes that the game’s $15 price tag and trial-and-error mechanics make it feel less rewarding on subsequent plays. PlayStation Country also mentions frustration with the short experience, despite collectibles and trophies, and WellPlayed points out issues like checkpoint placement and precision challenges that could deter replayability. The overall consensus among critics is that The Cub has limited but not entirely negligible replay value, largely dependent on players’ tolerance for its brevity. While collectibles, exploration, and varied levels provide some incentive to revisit the game—particularly for those who enjoy its aesthetic or narrative ties to previous titles (as noted by WellPlayed)—the consensus leans toward it being a short, enjoyable experience rather than a long-term investment. Critics like GameGrin and Softpedia highlight that the game’s design elements extend its playtime meaningfully, but others, such as COGconnected and IGN Italia, argue that its simplicity and lack of depth undermine its replayability. Ultimately, The Cub is seen as a charming, accessible title best suited for casual players seeking a quick, engaging adventure rather than one with substantial post-completion content.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Cub receives widespread praise for its artistic and auditory strengths, with multiple reviewers highlighting its visual design, soundtrack, and narrative appeal. COGconnected describes it as a "delightful adventure" with "beautiful visuals" and a "slick soundtrack," while GameGrin calls it a "beautifully striking 2D platformer" offering a "challenging and rewarding experience." TheSixthAxis emphasizes its "stunning visuals" and "immersive sound design," and PlayStation Universe applauds its "charming narrative" and "engaging soundtrack." Critics like Press Start Australia and Checkpoint Gaming note its nostalgic ties to classic Mega Drive platformers, blending warm tones and modern twists. Additionally, the game’s post-apocalyptic themes and satirical elements are lauded by Pure Nintendo, which calls it a "fantastic piece of satirical art," while SpazioGames appreciates its ecological messaging and storytelling. These positives collectively paint The Cub as an aesthetically and thematically compelling experience. However, several critics point to significant gameplay shortcomings that detract from its overall impact. Finger Guns notes the game "falls short in terms of gameplay depth, controls, and replay value" compared to its predecessor, while Push Square calls it "slightly above average due to unique visual and auditory design but lacks innovation in gameplay." Checkpoint Gaming criticizes "gameplay sequences that lack imagination," and IGN Italia argues it "loses the narrative elegance and unique gameplay of Golf Club: Wasteland." PlayStation Country highlights "frustrating platforming" and plot inconsistencies, while Softpedia mentions animation issues and pacing problems. SpazioGames also critiques imprecise controls, and New Game Network acknowledges "storytelling issues and gameplay drawbacks." These criticisms suggest that while The Cub excels in presentation, its core mechanics and replayability are seen as underdeveloped. Despite these flaws, the overall consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for The Cub’s strengths outweighing its weaknesses. Many reviewers, including COGconnected and GameGrin, recommend it to platformer fans despite its brevity or simplicity, while TheSixthAxis and WellPlayed argue it is "worth experiencing" for its unique post-apocalyptic vision. Critics like Press Start Australia and Pure Nintendo praise its satirical edge and atmospheric depth, even as they acknowledge its gameplay limitations. While some, such as IGN Italia and New Game Network, feel it fails to live up to its predecessor’s legacy, others see it as a worthwhile entry in the genre. The game’s ability to balance charm, creativity, and thematic resonance ensures a mixed but largely positive reception, with most agreeing it is an enjoyable, if imperfect, experience for fans of 2D platformers and atmospheric storytelling.

TL;DR

The Cub dazzles with breathtaking visuals, a gripping soundtrack, and a satirical narrative blending nostalgia with fresh post-apocalyptic themes, yet its clunky controls, repetitive mechanics, and uneven pacing undermine its potential—still, its artistic charm and atmospheric depth make it a compelling, if flawed, journey for 2D platformer fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

43 reviews found

Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

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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GameGrin

PlayStation 5

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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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

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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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

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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WellPlayed

PlayStation 5

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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COGconnected

PlayStation 5

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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Press Start Australia

PlayStation 5

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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Softpedia

PlayStation 5

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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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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Gaming Age

Nintendo Switch

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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