Cookie Cutter

Despite some occasional frustrations, Cookie Cutter is a gory, gorgeous, and bloody good Metroidvania.

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 than one, and if the world of Cookie Cutter is improved by a rage-fueled robot's ultraviolent rampage, then that's just going to be a bonus.

I respect Subcult Joint’s ambition, and there’s definite heart and energy behind Cookie Cutter. But passion doesn’t always result in captivating gameplay, and at a time when great Metroidvanias are everywhere, the bar for quality is only getting higher. Next to the cream of the crop, Cookie Cutter feels like a rebellious copy more than a true breakout.

My overall impression of Cookie Cutter is that it’s an excellent Metroidvania and certainly one of the best to be released in recent years. The Overkill Edition on Nintendo Switch looks and runs great, and while I have little doubt that more powerful systems make Cookie Cutter even more visually appealing, the Switch is no slouch at maintaining the 60 FPS you want for this style of game, and in handheld mode you’ll be pretty impressed with how great the game looks. I’d highly suggest checking Cookie Cutter: Overkill Edition out whenever you have the chance, you won’t be disappointed.

If you are a fan of the genre and enjoy games with more blood flying around than a transfusion centre then there’s plenty of fun to be had with Cookie Cutter. Control is responsive and fluid, and the game comes to life in its later portions. Once the power is in your hands, letting rip with a flurry of blows or skewering an enemy with your stratoblaster is a real hoot. For me, though, the spikes in difficulty and the slow opening hours required to get Cherry into a place that was satisfying left me with mixed feelings. For the majority of its runtime, Cookie Cutter skirts on the edge of greatness. Lacking one original twist or idea to elevate it from the pack. Overall – I give Cookie Cutter Overkill Edition the Thumb Culture Silver Award.

Setting aside some naivety and technical aspects that require immediate attention, Cookie Cutter is a Metroidvania that will provide you with hours of wholesome fun, intense and blood-pumping battles, and a story that, despite its apparent simplicity, hides beneath its seemingly bare shell a soul waiting to be discovered. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking an unconventional Metroidvania in terms of themes and expressive language, yet equally enjoyable and familiar in gameplay mechanics.

Cookie Cutter is a spectacular romp, and I had a blast in my 15+ hours. It’s not reinventing the wheel or changing the definition of a Metroidvania, but it is nailing the term with gusto. The hiccups I did notice, like lack of mini-map, are easily rectified. The foundation is sturdy and makes for a session in which I have no regrets about participating. I’m worried that with the title it has, it won’t attract the audience it deserves.

Cookie Cutter stays true to the tried and tested metroidvania recipe.

If you are a Metroidvania fan, you can give Cookie Cutter a chance and immerse yourself in its colourful world with plenty of gore. But keep in mind that there are some features that fail in terms of gameplay mechanics.

An excellent metroidvania that will surely appeal to all fans of the genre – except those who expect fresh ideas and interesting stories from such games.