CUCCCHI is a game where you explore beautiful dioramas and go through dangerous and trippy labyrinths, in a journey inside the paintings of Enzo Cucchi.
Players praise the game's ability to transport them into the surreal, abstract world of artist Enzo Cucchi's paintings. Reviewers liken the experience to "walking through a collection of [Cucchi's] art works" and "jump[ing] into a painting and fly[ing] across an infinite landscape." The developers successfully capture Cucchi's distinctive artistic vision through the game's striking visual style, which features bold colors, recognizable characters, and a sense of disorientation.
In addition to the open-ended exploration, the game incorporates "maze-like" or "Pac-Man-esque" gameplay sections. During these sequences, players must navigate through environments while avoiding hostile "skull" enemies. The inclusion of these challenge-oriented segments is somewhat divisive - while some players enjoy the added tension, others feel the maze-like areas disrupt the more serene, contemplative exploration.
A key gameplay mechanic involves collecting hidden objects scattered throughout the levels. Retrieving these collectibles unlocks an in-game gallery that displays Cucchi's original artworks. Reviewers appreciate this feature, as it provides valuable context and insight into the inspirations behind the game's visuals, effectively transforming the experience into an "interactive art gallery."
The developers offer multiple difficulty modes that allow players to tailor their experience. The "easy" mode removes the hostile skull enemies, enabling a more relaxed, exploration-focused playthrough. Reviewers who selected this option generally had a more positive experience, as they could immerse themselves in the game's atmosphere without the added stress of combat.