The Cub

This remarkable 2D platformer is the sequel to Golf Club: Wasteland. It's set in the same post-apocalyptic world where the wealthy have all fled to Mars. Those left behind on a ravaged Earth have adapted to their environment, living among the plant and wildlife that emerged in the wake of wars and disasters. It's a fable inspired by The Jungle Book and that has a hopeful message.

Every now and then, a game comes along that transcends simple entertainment to deliver a deep narrative experience set in an immersive game world, and The Cub is one of those remarkable games.

From the very first minutes of the game you will be transported away into a world ravaged by the effects of global warming and human indifference, the same world found in Golf Club Nostalgia. You'll be playing as the last child on Earth, abandoned after humanity made a mass exodus to Mars, a kind of Mowgli raised by a pack of wolves in a hostile and constantly changing environment.

We liked how the plot of The Cub is based on the timeless classic, The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. Just like Mowgli, our hero is faced with tests and challenges on their way to understanding their past and finding their place in this ruined world.

The gameplay in The Cub serves up an immersive 2D platforming experience, with smooth mechanics that test both your agility and logic skills. You'll be alternating between sequences of making life-or-death jumps through ruined urban landscapes and thrilling chases with the Martian invaders, which makes every moment of the game packed with action and suspense.

Our favourite part? The innovative way that the sound design enhances the player's immersion. When you collect a Martian helmet from the invaders, you can tune in to Radio Nostalgia, a station that plays tracks from the last days on Earth and shares touching stories of survival. The subtle sounds when you're swimming or passing through thick walls add extra depth to the game's audiovisual experience.

We loved The Cub's artistic direction, which is a real feast for the eyes. The varied environments, encompassing everything from ruined cities to verdant forests filled with strange creatures, are rendered with a meticulous eye for detail and an aesthetic reminiscent classic animated movies.

And yet, behind the game's beautiful façade lies a very real challenge. The Cub is a game that rewards perseverance and ingenuity, but also one that never shies from testing the player's limits with Die & Retry sections. Every failure teaches you something, and every obstacle cleared marks a hard-earned victory.

Beyond the demanding gameplay, The Cub also shines through its moving narrative and its likeable characters. As you pick up fragments of the story from objects you find throughout the world, you'll be able to piece together the complex puzzle of the disaster that befell the Earth.

A real gem!