Parents' Guide to Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course

Short and savory. That's the best way to describe Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course. While its brief play time may be a little disappointing for fans who waited years for its arrival, it's clear that passion and care were put into every beautifully hand-animated frame. The imaginative boss scenarios -- which include a cow named Esther Winchester who lives in a saloon on wheels, and the mountain-sized Glumstone the Giant, who controls a flock of geese piloted by gnomes -- come to chaotic life with joyful zeal. And The King's Leap bosses, with cleverly designed parrying challenges that feel almost more like action puzzles than battles, give returning players a chance to remaster their potentially rusty platforming skills.

The real treat, though, is Ms. Chalice. The first playable female character in the game -- activated by having Mugman and Cuphead equip the new Magic Cookie charm -- isn't just adorably drawn and animated, she has her own set of moves that meaningfully alter how players attack certain types of challenges. She automatically parries when dashing, and can perform a crouching roll to dodge any attack. Plus, she has four hit points (instead of her pals' measly three) and can perform a super art that gives her a hit-point saving shield, making her capable of withstanding a substantial beating. In fact, it could be argued that she makes this very difficult game a smidgeon easier -- which could come in handy for anyone still struggling with the base game, since you can use her to play through the main campaign as well. It's a shame the expansion doesn't last a little longer, but the small serving given in Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course is undeniably delectable.