Cookie Cutter Reviews
They say never to judge a video game by its graphics but, when it comes to Cookie Cutter that is easy to do. The 2D visuals and animation in this game are simply outstanding. Perhaps, with some hefty patching, the rest of the game might one day match those gorgeous looks.
I respect Subcult Joint’s ambition, and there’s definite heart and energy behind Cookie Cutter. But passion doesn’t always result in captivating gameplay, and at a time when great Metroidvanias are everywhere, the bar for quality is only getting higher. Next to the cream of the crop, Cookie Cutter feels like a rebellious copy more than a true breakout.
If you are a fan of the genre and enjoy games with more blood flying around than a transfusion centre then there’s plenty of fun to be had with Cookie Cutter. Control is responsive and fluid, and the game comes to life in its later portions. Once the power is in your hands, letting rip with a flurry of blows or skewering an enemy with your stratoblaster is a real hoot. For me, though, the spikes in difficulty and the slow opening hours required to get Cherry into a place that was satisfying left me with mixed feelings. For the majority of its runtime, Cookie Cutter skirts on the edge of greatness. Lacking one original twist or idea to elevate it from the pack. Overall – I give Cookie Cutter Overkill Edition the Thumb Culture Silver Award.
While there are some nice visuals, story progression and gameplay tend to drag its feet at times. Still worth a taste-test, however.
Cookie Cutter's real downfall comes from its lack of innovations. While a new Metroid game might not need to add much in terms of new ways to interact with things, fresh faces on the scene should be doing something to stand out amongst the others. Cookie Cutter's visual design helps with that, but it doesn't go much further. Regardless, it really does have quite a bit to behold within, and it is a fun time, and that's really what matters. It is a fun time, and while there are some hiccups with things, there isn't too much to be upset about.
Cookie Cutter’s artwork and fast-paced combat are a delight but a lackluster story that fails to capitalize on its potential as well as genre generic mechanics do little to help it stand out.
I haven’t had this much fun in Metroidvania since Metroid: Dread. For that sentiment alone, the twenty-ish hours I spent inside this insidious Megastructure is completely justified.
Cookie Cutter is a compelling yet rough Metroidvania experience that is bound to keep you entertained for hours on end. In its current state it's undeniably rough around the edges, but, with a few patches here and there it's bound to become a cult classic in no time.
If you are a Metroidvania fan, you can give Cookie Cutter a chance and immerse yourself in its colourful world with plenty of gore. But keep in mind that there are some features that fail in terms of gameplay mechanics.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
It’s a shame that Cookie Cutter is so utterly off-putting because the core gameplay is tight and flexible to foster inventive combos. Level design flows nicely for the most part and it seems like the developer truly understands what a good metroidvania needs to engage players.
With the Metroidvania genre seemingly being one of the most popular right now, fans are stacked with choices when it comes to what to play. And while Cookie Cutter might not be at the top of the pile, it does stand out for a number of reasons. Its hand-drawn art is wonderful to behold, and its punk spirit will no doubt be very attractive to some. Then there’s the combat, which has its issues but is mostly chaotic in the best way. Ultimately, then, while it’s not going to win any awards, you could do a lot worse than spend time with Cookie Cutter.
Cookie Cutter stays true to the tried and tested metroidvania recipe.
While rough in places, Cookie Cutter manages to brawl its way to the top thanks to a strong combat system and wonderfully-bad attitude. The story and world-building are surprisingly well done, and Cherry is a strong hero despite being on a rage-fueled spree of bloody vengeance. While the ending has everything but a "To Be Continued..." dialogue box, the game is a satisfying first entry that does a great job of introducing its cast and detailed setting. Cherry's world was broken long before she was created, but that's not really her problem. Doctor Fallon's abduction destroyed her in more ways than one, and if the world of Cookie Cutter is improved by a rage-fueled robot's ultraviolent rampage, then that's just going to be a bonus.
Despite some occasional frustrations, Cookie Cutter is a gory, gorgeous, and bloody good Metroidvania.
Cookie Cutter is a bloody, splashy metroidvania that makes aesthetic presentation, combative exhilaration, and narrative anxieties its trump cards. As a debut title, Subcult Joint's work knows how to distinguish itself, thanks to an overall care that is evidently over the top and a marked and clearly visible authorial trait. Ludically, however, Cherry's adventure is much more ordinary, but although fun is always assured, it often falls into youthful errors such as an all-too-spaced camera, a difficulty that is not always balanced and excessive chaos in some battles. Nevertheless, the path of revenge to make Garbanzos pay will be a very satisfying experience.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Cookie Cutter looks incredibly good, offers a huge world full of hidden nooks and crannies, and the gameplay isn't bad either. However, there are some design flaws where the game tries to be something it's not. This leads to unnecessary frustration.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
A fairly classic Metroidvania in its gameplay formula, but artistically above average and embellished with a cast that wouldn't look out of place in an Anime. Some balance issues don't stop it from being a highly enjoyable title and telling a meaningful story that deserves to be listened to.
Review in Italian | Read full review
My Cherry Amour
Fulfilling the promise of elaborate traditional animations, Cookie Cutter aims at the target of the metroidvania formula without the intention of innovating it. It's a precise, debauched and bloody hit, without a doubt, but it still leaves the feeling that the adventure and the songs are not in the same rebellious tone as the vigorous personality displayed by the protagonist in her fluid and brutal movements.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
An excellent metroidvania that will surely appeal to all fans of the genre – except those who expect fresh ideas and interesting stories from such games.
Review in Russian | Read full review