Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening Reviews
While The Awakening could be considered a nostalgic novelty due to the classic property, it's also a genuinely solid 2D adventure that respects its source material while delivering an engaging game loop. The difficulty ramps up nicely, levels reward mastery, and Cobra's personality shines through in both cutscenes and gameplay. While some repetitive bosses, technical hiccups, and underwhelming music keep it from absolute greatness, the overall package is strong enough to earn a recommendation. Cobra's return to gaming proves that his swagger, style, and Psychogun are timeless.
Space Adventure Cobra - The Awakening is a video game that does not seek to revive a forgotten brand or win over new fans. It presents itself as a sincere and carefully crafted tribute, dedicated to a character loved by a niche group of enthusiasts, packaged with respect and passion. It offers an experience based on evocative aesthetics, a charismatic protagonist, and a deliberately retro narrative, but it is not without its gameplay issues, due to a control system that is not always entirely convincing. However, thanks to its frenetic pace and well-crafted atmosphere, the title still manages to entertain and amuse. Those who approach Space Cobra Adventure - The Awakening should do so knowing that they will not find a revolutionary platformer or a “starting point” for the brand in our favorite industry, but simply a tribute to a space pirate with a cigar in his mouth, a swashbuckling heart, and a laser gun in place of his hand.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Whether you’re a fan of action platformers or you’re a Cobra superfan, there’s a lot to like about Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening.
If you’re a fan of Space Adventure Cobra, or looking for more 2D action platform games, then Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening is worth your time. Maybe just wait until it’s on sale.
After Goldrake, Microids brings Space Adventure Cobra back to life, putting the spotlight on a sort of interstellar Lupin III who loves to get himself into trouble. Unfortunately for him, this time he gets caught up in an adventure that is undermined by some questionable design choices and a totally messed-up control system.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If you’re already invested in Cobra’s universe as I am, you’ll find things to enjoy here. If you’re not, this probably isn’t the game that’s going to win you over.
It's very cool to see Space Adventure Cobra repurposed in this format, and we daresay The Awakening's going to breed a fresh generation of franchise fans – especially as it includes tons of original footage from the TV show. While the in-game art style doesn't quite measure up to the anime and the gameplay has some rough edges to it, there's a surprisingly good rhythm to the action at times, and some clever use of the eponymous adventurer's arsenal.
Cobra returns to jumping over obstacles, leading chases, winning hearts, and firing his psycho-weapon, and that's why many of us are happy.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Space Adventure Cobra – Awakening combines the style of its early '80s anime source material with the complexity of modern action-platformers to create a game full of…well, style and complexity. It's not without its hardships, but those up for the challenge will be entertained.
Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening is a fun action platformer that brings an entertaining story, familiar characters, and good gameplay to the table. It does have some faults, but it’s a cool and stylish Cobra adventure.
A fine action platformer all around, with a few small hang-ups. While not a Metroidvania, this shoot-em-up revels in its backtracking and light puzzle gameplay. Lots of nostalgic scenes from they classic anime are woven seamlessly throughout the adventure. Should prove a pleasurable experience to both fans of the anime and action-platformer aficionados.
If you are a fan of Cobra, this is an easy sell, but even if you are not, Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening is more than decent enough in its own right.
The hero of the manga and anime tries to win the favor of players in the platform action. He has charisma and various abilities, but it is not always easy with him.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
A solid action take on the beloved Space Cobra anime series
Space Adventure Cobra - The Awakening is a fun action platforming game that does a great job of recreating the original series that everyone can enjoy.
As a homage to a classic cult anime series, Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening sort of works. The animation has the right feel, and fans of the show and those nostalgic about it will absolutely have a blast with that part. Unfortunately, the gameplay completely disregards that nostalgia this title relies on to appeal to its audience. It doesn't help that the level design is at times a massive disaster. While impressive, the boss fights, anime cutscenes, and campy '80s feel do not save this.
While fans of the anime will no doubt get the most out of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening, its engaging mix of run 'n' gun gameplay with platforming and Metroidvania elements make it suitable for all. The unique Psychogun with its guidable bullets is the standout feature here. It's just a shame that the overall experience is brought down a little by some minor issues that can cause frustration.
In a world where seemingly the vast majority of classic anime adaptations boil down to arena brawler after arena brawler, it has been wonderful to see Cobra get a more in-depth approach. What results is an enjoyable game that conveys the anime's story not only in its cutscenes but throughout its level design as well. It is clearly a game made by a team with legitimate admiration for their source material. It has some small issues with enemy balance and a few minor presentational blunders, but it's hard to ignore the charm and passion that exudes from Space Adventure Cobra: Awakening.
I had so much fun with Space Adventure Cobra - The Awakening; I wish more games went over-the-top like this to represent their franchises. 🐍
It’s a nostalgic adventure that’s just plain fun from start to finish.