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Cookie Cutter

Cookie Cutter

Subcult Joint LTD · released Dec 14, 2023

MetroidvaniaPCPlayStation 5Xbox Series X

Inside a dark and cold lab hidden deep under the surface of the infamous Megastructure, the mechanic Raz searches for his missing friend Doctor Shinji Fallon, but instead finds a ruined lab and a nearly-destroyed Denzel android who awakens from a life-preserving slumber. Her name is Cherry. Love turns to rage and chainsaws in Cookie Cutter, a techno-pop-punk 2D hand-drawn Metroidvania set to the backdrop of a bleak and beautiful dying world. Become Cherry, a rage-driven android on a quest to rescue her beloved creator, Doctor Shinji Fallon, from the clutches of a deranged mastermind.

67
VGC Score
·No trend datamedium confidence
79%
Press
66%
Player sentiment
59%
Backloggd
70%
PS store
55%
Xbox store
1,089
Ratings

Screenshots & trailers

How this score was computed

The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.

ComponentPositiveQuality (0-100)Weight (pseudo-reviews)
Press reviews (Metacritic)7927
All-time Steam reviews0
Metacritic user ratings7819
Backloggd ratings59102
PlayStation store ratings70330
Xbox store ratings5595
Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted)0
Calibration prior (typical game)7250

Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 6h ago · full methodology →

Press & Creators reviews (10)

Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.

  • 50
    trust 65Dec 15, 2023

    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.

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  • 70
    trust 61Dec 14, 2023

    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.

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  • 90
    trust 57Dec 15, 2023

    Cookie Cutter is hyper-violent translation of old-school Metroidvanias that gracefully does not allow itself to get bogged down with convoluted modern flourishes. Exploration tools drop the player into a satisfying progression loop that doesn’t rely on random elements and combat is not overtly punishing. But it’s Cookie Cutter‘s unique visual palette and uncompromising absurdity that truly leave a bloody impression before ever allowing itself to grow stale.

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  • 85
    trust 57Jan 2, 2024

    There have been some great improvements that will elevate the game and I’m confident that when more voice their thoughts the devs will listen and make it better. Give Cookie Cutter a try! You won’t regret it.

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  • 82
    trust 57Dec 17, 2023

    Cookie Cutter is not just another metroidvania. Like so many others, it manages to find its place with its own ideas and aesthetics, that doesn't "hold back" and lets its gore and hyperviolent touch flow, with a macabre and punk humor. Too bad that some aspects need a little polishing, because it is fun and manages to catch.

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  • 95
    trust 56Dec 24, 2023

    Cookie Cutter delivers everything and more than it intended with its proposal. With a good story, dynamic combat and rich visual details, the game wins you over from the beginning and makes you want to play "just a little bit more" for hours. Negative points exist, but they are not so relevant to the final result and they can all be easily corrected with updates. Especially for those who enjoy the metroidvania style, this is a must-have title.

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  • 75
    trust 51Dec 18, 2023

    A fairly classic Metroidvania in its gameplay formula, but artistically above average and embellished with a cast that wouldn't look out of place in an Anime. Some balance issues don't stop it from being a highly enjoyable title and telling a meaningful story that deserves to be listened to.

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  • 70
    trust 51Jan 16, 2024

    Cookie Cutter is far from perfect but it's a slick and interesting example of a genre that is often presented in a lazy, retro style. There are issues but the game's strengths just about outweigh the negatives.

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  • 90
    trust 49Dec 14, 2023

    Despite some minor missteps, Cookie Cutter is easily one of the best Metroidvania games of this year, and an absolute must-play.

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  • 80
    trust 47Dec 15, 2023

    Cookie Cutter is a bloody blast! Its punk rock attitude seeps through to help the game stand out amongst the crowd. Platforming and combat are tight which makes the moment-to-moment gameplay feel great. There’s an overuse of certain gameplay segments and reliance on conventions, however, the rebel spirit pierces through to make this an essential title for fans of Metroidvanias.

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