Cookie Cutter

In this day and age, the most asinine argument I’ve ever had the displeasure of overhearing is how women couldn’t be captivating protagonists. Believe it or not, there’s still a subset of folks that believe Samus Aran sucks. It’s best to avoid Cookie Cutter, too, because this title happens to star a badass female. Personally, I’m chuffed by this notion. From the very first trailer, everything I saw had me gleeful. All the colors are riveting and left me giddier than a schoolgirl. Ev...

Cookie Cutter is a gorgeous metroidvania that excels on the Steam Deck without changing any settings!

There’s something about the Metroidvania formula that is timeless. The combination of exploring and steady progression helps create a wonderful pace. Merging these aspects with solid combat and precision platforming led to landmark titles in the genre which has inspired generations of developers. Underneath all the gores and guts, Cookie Cutter is clearly influenced by pioneers of the genre. The question is, will it carve its own distinct niche amidst the crowded company of its peers?

Cookie Cutter is a good Metroidvania, elevated by some pretty stellar graphics. Don't expect to walk through this one - the game raises the difficulty in response to your character powering up. A lot of value here for the asking price.

Cookie Cutter is a gory, messy, punk and occasionally tough as nails metroidvania that deserves your attention even in a year with quality entries in the genre. It might not innovate, but it has style in spades and just enough heart to make its android hero feel decidedly human.

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.

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 ...

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.

Sometimes blood and guts can come off as “hardcore / metal,” and sometimes it can just come off as gross. Cookie Cutter, by Subcult Joint, rides the fine line between the two. Cookie Cutter is an intense Metroidvania platformer where you kick and punch your way through baddies as you try to save your partner from the evil forces that be. Find the right upgrades and navigate your way to bloody victory.

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.