A Beautiful Journey Through The End Of The World
There is a certain comfort to games that are set at the end of the world. I think it’s somehow reassuring to be the only survivor wandering the wastelands, trying to stay alive. It’s become such a common setting that I almost feel I might stand a chance if everything goes pear-shaped, thanks to all the things I’ve learnt from games over the years.
The Cub is a game that feels like a cross between The Jungle Book and The Last of Us. Here, Earth has become uninhabitable, and the last humans have left for Mars. But did they really take everyone?
Before we start this review properly, be aware, you should be aware – you will die a lot in this game. At its heart, this is an old-school 2D platformer, and it’s very much a one-hit, one-fall-and-you’re-dead kind of experience. It will frustrate you at times, and it may even make you want to throw your controller across the room. But on the other hand, there is so much to love here So let’s start with the story.
A Story Told Through A Forgotten Earth
The game is set in the near future, where the world has gone terribly wrong. Earth has become completely uninhabitable, and millions have died. The last of humanity escaped aboard spaceships bound for Mars. But one child – or perhaps more – was left behind in the chaos. The hero you play is one of those children, raised by wolves and now surviving among the wastelands and abandoned cities. After discovering a helmet belonging to one of the off-worlders, our hero soon finds himself being hunted by a group of humans from Mars who have returned to capture him. It’s up to you to make sure they don’t.
The story is told through a series of cutscenes at the beginning of each chapter, with The Cub’s narration guiding us through the events. There is also some excellent environmental storytelling as you journey across Earth while escaping your pursuers. Newspaper articles, emails, and videos scattered throughout the world slowly reveal the story of humanity’s final days on the planet. One of my favourite touches is the radio station that begins playing through the helmet The Cub discovers, giving you regular glimpses into life on Mars. It’s a wonderful piece of storytelling, full of wit, humour, and an underlying sense of melancholy.
Tough Platforming Keeps You On Your Toes
Gameplay revolves around platforming, with all the old favourites making an appearance, including jumping and double jumping. It takes a little while to get used to the game’s physics and just how precise everything is, but eventually you find your rhythm. There is also a stronger jump that you need to master for certain sections. Alongside the platforming are stealth sequences and plenty of chase scenes.
There are a few creature enemies, but the biggest threat comes from the explorers sent from Mars. They pursue you across the barren landscapes. Some fire tranquillisers on sight, others try to trap you in nets, while another type launches bombs that will also bring your escape to an abrupt end. Trying to outrun or sneak past these enemies while navigating difficult platforming sections creates some tense moments.
You’ll also encounter other dangers along the way, including missile-firing drones that demand quick reflexes and good timing. As I said earlier, expect to die a lot, and there will definitely be moments where some deaths feel a little unfair. Thankfully, the checkpoint system is generous enough that you rarely lose much progress.
Gorgeous Presentation Brings The Wasteland To Life
Visually, The Cub is wonderful, with a unique animation style that feels both inventive and beautiful. Watching nature reclaim the decaying remains of civilisation creates some stunning imagery. The animated cutscenes before each chapter are equally impressive.
The audio is excellent too, particularly the radio station from Mars, which plays an eclectic mix of original music that is a genuine pleasure to listen to. The voice acting is equally strong, from The Cub’s narration to the wonderfully dry performance of the radio DJ.
A Short But Memorable Adventure
I had a great time with this game; one of those experiences that kept me wondering what would be around the corner. My only real criticisms are that the platforming can occasionally become frustrating, and that The Cub simply doesn’t last long enough.
I wanted more. But for now, I’m happy to have experienced this brilliant journey through a decaying world.
Important Links
The Cub Finally Lands On Xbox – A Post-Apocalyptic Platformer With A Classic Heart – https://www.thexboxhub.com/the-cub-finally-lands-on-xbox-a-post-apocalyptic-platformer-with-a-classic-heart/
The Cub combines The Jungle Book with the armageddon – coming to Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and PC – https://www.thexboxhub.com/the-cub-combines-the-jungle-book-with-the-armageddon-coming-to-xbox-playstation-switch-and-pc/
Buy from the Xbox Store – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/the-cub/9NSTG1KGXJK4/0010
