The Cub Reviews
If The Cub were a TV show, I'd watch it but as a game, it's both very limiting and needlessly irritating. Its presentation really saves it.
It’s too bad that the platforming can’t also be described as near-perfect, since that would’ve made The Cub a must-play. As it stands, it’s a surprisingly appropriate sequel to a game that wouldn’t have seemed like it needed one, and if you want more of that apocalyptic Earth, you won’t regret revisiting it here.
The Cub is a step sideways for Demagog Studio, with middling platforming stages, forgettable collectibles and underwhelming set pieces lifted up only by the signature Radio Nostalgia.
While THE CUB isn’t the next game of the year, it is an absolutely wonderful time, but it won’t likely get the attention it truly deserves simply because of how modern gaming works in terms of the mass public. Smaller games deserve to be shown off just as much as those massive triple-A titles. Everything here is of complete quality and is really fun; it's something that just deserves a spot in the light for a little while. Here’s hoping that THE CUB gets what it deserves and its praise.
The Cub is a very exciting platforming romp that never slows down thanks to its rich variety of gameplay and manic set pieces. It looks gorgeous too, whilst the radio station that plays throughout your journey adds a dash of realism to the catastrophic plight that Earth faced prior to your adventure. It isn’t perfect, with a few little issues with the controls early on and the occasional frustration here and there, but I found myself completely hooked in from start to end. You’ll probably beat it in one sitting, but those few hours playing will be a hell of a lot of fun.
It’s a short experience and while the content is satisfying, a longer gameplay experience could have allowed for a more in-depth exploration of the narrative and character development. That said, the game’s positive aspects contribute to a satisfying and thoughtful gaming experience and I look forward to seeing what the developer does next.
Though failing to break new ground in platforming adventure, the scenery and general feel work while it lasts
It is a discreet, humble game that takes another step in the direction Demagog took with Golf Club Nostalgia; another step for a very interesting studio that with The Cub continues to put before us the uncomfortable mirror of climate apathy, of the disconnection with the consequences of letting power accumulate until it is too late, of the danger of wallowing in "apocalypse porn" while we watch the world collapse around us.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
For those open to thoughtful interactive fiction within virtual worlds, The Cub proves a memorable trek worth embarking on.
The Cub is releasing early in 2024, but it's starting the year with a masterpiece and playing this has made me want to explore more games from this developer, Demagog Studio.
The Cub was developed in a unique way, in which it works like a platform game, a storybook or an animation, in which each chapter is an isolated story. It was created to convey a message and it manages to do so with flying colors, respecting all its references, but without using them as a crutch and creating a very rich and touching experience.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ultimately, The Cub is a fun, if not a bit safe, 2D platformer. The desolate world created by Demagog Studio is a joy to traverse again, and while the gameplay doesn't evolve meaningfully in its short run time, The Cub manages to pull you in with its excellent visuals, and catchy soundtrack.
The Cub is a fascinating romp through post-apocalyptic Earth. Balancing dark themes with delightful levity, the game finds a way to showcase both the best and worst of humanity with biting wit, vivid visuals, and impeccably implemented audio. It's all let down somewhat by gameplay sequences that can't maintain the same quality as the game's other elements. However, even with that rather big caveat, The Cub still manages to present a lovely package worth opening.
Taking the world established within Gold Club: Nostalgia and pivoting to the platforming genre, The Cub is a continuation of a stunning visual style and a contemplative narrative that feels more topical than ever.