Cookie Cutter

Subcult Joint has given us a perfect excuse to play Metroidvanias with Cookie Cutter, a title that ticks all the boxes and has everything you would expect from such games. Visually it's a masterpiece, the gameplay is great fun, the combat is spectacular and, although it can be frustrating at times due to the parry system, this doesn't tarnish a great gaming experience that offers an epic adventure.

Cookie Cutter takes us to a dystopian world in which humanity has overcome the weakness of the flesh and achieved what many mortals dream of: transferring consciousness from a living being to an android. But as greed is a human sin that tends to be present more often than we would like, the dream turns into a nightmare. Behind the utopia of eternal life hides a complex plan carried out by the INFONET organisation to train perfect and tireless workers, condemned to work forever.

The adventure begins two hundred years after these events and revolves around Dr. Shinji and our protagonist, Cherry, an android created by the doctor, with whom she develops a close emotional relationship. But misfortune knocks at the door and in the middle of a violent incident, the evil INFONET corporation ends up kidnapping the doctor. It is then that Cherry sets out on a bloody and relentless crusade to save her lover, driven by love and motivated by rage.

The other extremely enjoyable aspect of the adventure is the gameplay. Our wanderings will lead us to explore the post-apocalyptic environments of what is known as the Megastructure. In other words, it is a collection of decaying areas, filled with dangerous creatures both living and robotic. To navigate these places, Cookie Cutter provides a modest repertoire of exploration skills, from the iconic double jump to combat tools that will serve to open doorways or blockades.

The fighting is undoubtedly the star of a blood and guts show. At the beginning we will only have our own fists and feet. Although they don't cause much damage, they can create the vacuum needed to make use of Cherry's destructive arsenal. This resource could be translated as mana or energy, which we can also use to gradually heal ourselves as long as we hold down the corresponding button. This presents an additional challenge in the midst of combat, as we can be beaten to a pulp while trying to regain health because it is not instantaneous.

To solve the healing issue, the game allows us to make use of the famous 'parry' (or deflection) which lets us to avoid damage altogether if we manage to synchronise our defence with the enemy attack. Upon successful completion, in addition to regaining health, Cherry will perform a spectacular finisher that will pulverise her enemies.

In addition to weapons, Cherry also has a system of upgrades for her android body. Eventually we will be able to equip and modify different parts by making use of a series of stations scattered around the map, which also serve as teleporters. These components grant everything from health bonuses to additional jumps but require energy cells that can be found by exploring. This proves to be the perfect incentive to poke around in the nooks and crannies of the maps, as discovering secret rooms is extremely rewarding and our robot grows in power with the rewards obtained.

Cookie Cutter offers hand-drawn, cartoonishly stylised visuals, radiating a somewhat grotesque charisma, drenched in crimson hues. The character design is very much in keeping with the setting, starting with Cherry's character, who is very likable, and numerous and varied NPCs who bring some life to a world that goes from colourful to dreary in the blink of an eye. The environments are decorated with posters and graffiti that add a unique touch to the setting. There are also dozens of references to other games which is a nice touch. The animations are exquisite, especially the finishing moves, which vary depending on the enemy they are used against. And all of this is wrapped up with a lively soundtrack that accompanies the slaughter to perfection.

Cookie Cutter is a very particular metroidvania, with typical but fun mechanics and a frenetic combat system, adorned with blood and guts all over the place. The story is a classic tale of revenge, but one that lends itself to enjoyment, especially thanks to the humour that accompanies it.