Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening

The majority of critics praise Story of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening for its faithful adaptation of the original 1982 anime, emphasizing its nostalgic appeal and commitment to the source material. Reviewers like GameGrin, SECTOR.sk, and GamingBolt highlight that the game captures the "essence of the source material," with Tech-Gaming noting it "summarizes the first twelve episodes effectively." The narrative structure, inspired by the anime’s episodic storytelling, is lauded for its vibrant world, well-developed characters, and integration of original cutscenes, as pointed out by Movies Games and Tech and Gamereactor UK. Impulsegamer and Vandal commend the balance of humor, action, and intrigue, while NintendoWorldReport and PLAY! Zine appreciate the inclusion of anime footage to maintain plot clarity and immersion. For fans of the franchise, the game is seen as a rewarding experience that honors the classic’s spirit, with PlayStation LifeStyle noting its accessibility for newcomers while offering depth for longtime enthusiasts. However, several critics point out significant flaws in the game’s storytelling, particularly its reliance on outdated themes and execution issues. Cubed3 criticizes the narrative for perpetuating "problematic themes of the original source material, including misogyny and sexualization of women," which they argue fails to resonate with modern audiences. Final Weapon and ZTGD highlight pacing problems and "stiff dialogue," while JeuxActu and Eurogamer Germany express disappointment in its lack of ambition, with the latter noting it "serves mainly as an excuse for less clothing." Finger Guns describes the plot as "simple and somewhat silly," echoing older anime tropes, and GamingTrend mentions the story arcs are "fun but not groundbreaking." These critiques suggest the game struggles to evolve beyond its source material, with some reviewers feeling it lacks the depth or innovation needed to stand on its own as a modern narrative experience. Overall, the consensus leans toward a mixed but generally positive reception, with the game being celebrated as a nostalgic homage for fans but questioned for its broader appeal. While GameGrin, SECTOR.sk, and COGconnected emphasize its strong connection to the original anime and engaging elements, Cubed3 and JeuxActu underscore its shortcomings in addressing contemporary sensibilities and originality. The narrative’s episodic structure and reliance on anime clips are seen as both strengths and limitations, with ElDesmarque and TheSixthAxis praising the format’s consistency and Digital Chumps acknowledging the well-written dialogue. Despite its flaws, the game is viewed as a serviceable, if unambitious, adaptation that prioritizes fan service over innovation, leaving its success dependent on one’s familiarity with and affection for the 1980s source material.

The gameplay of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening receives praise for its engaging mechanics and variety, with several critics highlighting its strengths. GameGrin commends the "satisfying controls" and the inclusion of "a variety of combat options and platforming challenges," while NintendoWorldReport notes the "smooth controls" and "unique mechanics like the psycho-gun," which allow for exploration and progression through stages. Digital Chumps appreciates the "action-packed" experience tied to the story, emphasizing "strategic thinking" required for enemy and boss encounters. Impulsegamer praises the "strategic combat that feels flashy and improvisational," and PLAY! Zine highlights the "fast-paced action" and "checkpoint system that is mostly fair," along with the ability to collect memories for upgrades. Additionally, some reviewers, like Finger Guns, acknowledge the "linear" structure but note the "variety of mechanics" and the appeal of replaying levels for secrets, suggesting a foundation of fun despite its flaws. However, the gameplay is frequently criticized for its technical and design shortcomings. Cubed3 points to a "broken homing shot mechanic" that "trivializes combat" and "poor level design in later stages," while Final Weapon describes the experience as "basic and lacks depth," with "repetitive" and "tedious" progression. Jeuxvideo.com (PC) and Jeuxvideo.com (PS5) both call the gameplay "lacking depth and originality," with "basic level design" and combat that "does not encourage creativity." Critics like Eurogamer Germany and Vandal highlight "imprecise controls" on Nintendo Switch, and SECTOR.sk and Softpedia note "cumbersome" or "floaty" movement mechanics. Tech-Gaming and JeuxActu criticize the "weightless" controls and "awkward" platforming, while GamingBolt and GameSpew mention "restrictive controls" and "clunky" mechanics that disrupt flow. These issues often overshadow the game’s potential, creating a frustrating experience for many players. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, with the game’s gameplay offering a nostalgic, action-oriented experience that appeals to fans of 90s run-and-gun titles but struggling to maintain consistency. While some praise its "engaging" combat, "variety of mechanics," and "strategic progression," others condemn it for "repetitive level design," "lack of depth," and "frustrating controls." The PS5 and Nintendo Switch versions face similar criticisms, though platform-specific issues like the absence of twin-stick shooting on Switch (Eurogamer Germany) and "awkward" movement (JeuxActu) add nuance. Despite these flaws, the inclusion of co-op modes, collectibles, and Metroidvania-inspired elements (NintendoWorldReport, Impulsegamer) suggests a game that aims for replayability and exploration. However, the recurring complaints about control responsiveness, enemy variety, and repetitive mechanics indicate that Cobra: The Awakening is a polarizing title—enjoyable for its retro charm but hindered by technical and design inconsistencies that prevent it from fully realizing its potential.

The Graphics and Visual Design of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening are widely praised for their strong adherence to the nostalgic '80s anime aesthetic, which resonates deeply with fans of the source material. Critics like GameGrin and Loot Level Chill highlight the game’s ability to immerse players in the hand-drawn, early '80s anime style, while Final Weapon and SECTOR.sk commend its retro sci-fi charm, noting that character designs and cutscenes evoke the original series’ authenticity. COGconnected and Finger Guns emphasize the vibrant 2.5D visuals and cel-shaded style, which align with the anime’s energy, and Nintendojo and PLAY! Zine appreciate the direct use of original 1980s anime scenes, enhancing the sense of nostalgia. The game’s color palette, readability, and retro-inspired environments are frequently lauded, with Softpedia and GamingBolt pointing out that the visuals effectively complement the campy, space-opera tone, and GamingTrend notes the successful blend of 80s animation with modern PS5 performance. These elements collectively create a visually cohesive experience that feels true to its inspirations, even if not always technically polished. However, several critics point to significant shortcomings in the in-game graphics, particularly when compared to the more refined cutscenes. Cubed3 and Tech-Gaming criticize the "lifeless and stale" visuals, which clash with the dynamic, well-executed cinematics, creating an anachronistic feel. Generación Xbox and Movies Games and Tech note that enemy designs are repetitive, and backgrounds often feel empty or underdeveloped, while JeuxActu and Eurogamer Germany describe the graphics as simplistic, generic, and lacking the boldness or personality of the original anime. ZTGD and Push Square point to stiff animations and a "soulless" presentation, with the latter arguing the style is too clean to feel authentic. Gamesurf adds that while the game captures the manga and anime style, its level design is "well-crafted" but lacks a map, and Jeuxvideo.com (on multiple platforms) mentions the visuals "do not stand out as beautiful or impressive." These critiques suggest a disconnect between the game’s artistic vision and its execution, with some feeling the technical limitations detract from the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening succeeds in evoking the retro '80s anime vibe, making it a compelling choice for fans seeking nostalgia, but falls short in delivering a visually dynamic or modern experience. While Impulsegamer and TheXboxHub appreciate the balance between original anime clips and in-game sequences, and PlayStation LifeStyle calls it "filled with charm," the recurring complaints about lifeless graphics, repetitive enemy designs, and sparse environments indicate a mixed reception. The game’s visual design is seen as a double-edged sword: it effectively channels the past but struggles to match the energy or depth of the source material. For many, this trade-off is forgivable given the retro appeal, but others, like JeuxActu and GameOver.gr, feel it fails to fully capture the richness of the original, leaving the experience feeling "decent" at best. The reviews collectively suggest that while the art direction is a strength, the technical and design limitations prevent it from being a standout visual achievement.

The Sound Design and Music of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening received largely positive feedback from several critics, who praised its nostalgic and era-specific appeal. Final Weapon highlighted the soundtrack as "excellent," blending jazz and city pop to "fit the game's theme perfectly," while GameGrin noted that the music "successfully evokes the feel of the original anime." SECTOR.sk and Nintendojo both emphasized that the dynamic soundtrack "complements the gameplay" and "enhances the overall experience," respectively. Critics like Generación Xbox and Eurogamer Germany celebrated the 80s spy film-inspired jazz and blues atmosphere, as well as the inclusion of 70s J-Pop elements, which they felt "enhance[d] the experience." Additionally, NintendoWorldReport and PLAY! Zine appreciated the remixed and original music from the anime, calling it a "nostalgic highlight" that aligns with the game’s aesthetic. These reviews collectively underscore the music’s strong alignment with the source material and its ability to immerse players in the retro vibe of the original series. However, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks, particularly regarding repetition and lack of ambition. Jeuxvideo.com (PC and PS5) and JeuxActu both criticized the music as "lackluster" and "repetitive," arguing that it "fails to enhance the gaming experience" and contributes to a sense of "mediocrity." Movies Games and Tech described the audio as "bland" with a "repetitive soundtrack" and "uninspired sound effects," while Vandal and Gamereactor UK noted that the music, though fitting, "tends to be repetitive" and "could benefit from more variety in length." Gamesurf and Impulsegamer echoed similar concerns, with the latter stating the soundtrack is "functional and atmospheric rather than memorable." These critiques suggest that while the music captures the retro essence, its limited diversity and overreliance on familiar motifs may diminish its impact over time, especially for players seeking more original or varied audio experiences. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, with a clear divide between those who appreciate the music’s nostalgic charm and those who find it lacking in innovation. Positive reviews often emphasize the soundtrack’s ability to evoke the original anime’s spirit and its alignment with the game’s retro aesthetic, as seen in the praise from GameGrin, Eurogamer Germany, and Nintendojo. Conversely, negative assessments highlight repetitive compositions, short tracks, and a general sense of mediocrity, as critiqued by Jeuxvideo.com and JeuxActu. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers acknowledged the music’s role in enhancing the game’s atmosphere, even if some found it insufficiently ambitious. The sound design, while praised for its retro feel by Pure Nintendo and TheXboxHub, also faced issues like sound effects cutting out (ZTGD) and uneven voice acting (Finger Guns). Ultimately, the audio elements are seen as a double-edged sword—capturing the essence of the source material but occasionally falling short in originality and variety.

The voice acting in Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening receives generally positive feedback, with many critics highlighting its contribution to the game’s narrative and immersion. SECTOR.sk notes that the voice acting is present and enhances character interactions, while Generación Xbox praises the high quality of the original Japanese voices paired with English subtitles, emphasizing their effective execution despite the lack of Spanish localization. COGconnected and Digital Chumps commend the performances for their closeness to the original film’s characters and their ability to inject personality and passion into the story, respectively. Impulsegamer specifically lauds Cobra’s actor for a charismatic delivery that deepens immersion, and NintendoWorldReport appreciates the new dub for anime sequences that aligns well with in-game dialogue. TheXboxHub and IGN Adria also note the commendable quality of the voice acting, with the latter calling it "excellent" and crediting it for a positive overall experience. These reviews collectively suggest that the voice work is a strong asset, particularly in maintaining the game’s retro aesthetic and emotional depth. However, some critics point to notable flaws, particularly in the English dubbing and certain performance choices. Eurogamer Germany compares the English voice acting to a "VHS tape from Manga Entertainment," implying a dated or unpolished quality, while Gamereactor UK criticizes the English dub as "wooden" and lacking tonal nuance, though the Japanese version is deemed significantly better. Finger Guns and Push Square similarly describe the English voiceovers as "wooden" and "not particularly outstanding," respectively, with the latter noting the challenge of reading dialogue during gameplay. Softpedia mentions that actors sometimes struggle with "ridiculous lines" in the script, and GamingBolt acknowledges the English dub’s campy tone as a double-edged sword, potentially off-putting to some. Additionally, Pure Nintendo points out that the small subtitles in English make the audio less accessible in handheld mode, and Gamesurf notes the absence of an Italian language option, which could limit the game’s appeal to certain audiences. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is serviceable, it occasionally falters in consistency or modern polish. The overall consensus among critics leans toward a balanced appreciation of the voice acting, recognizing its strengths in authenticity and retro charm while acknowledging its limitations. The Japanese dub is frequently highlighted as the standout option, with its "authenticity" (ElDesmarque) and "excellent" quality (Gamesurf) resonating strongly, whereas the English dub is seen as a mixed bag—capturing the game’s campy essence (GamingBolt) but sometimes feeling stiff or cliché (PLAY! Zine). Despite these issues, the majority of reviews agree that the voice acting enhances the game’s narrative and atmosphere, with Impulsegamer and Digital Chumps emphasizing its role in immersion. While some critics, like Generación Xbox and TheXboxHub, express minor concerns about localization or performance consistency, the broader sentiment suggests that the voice acting is a commendable feature, especially for fans of the source material or those drawn to its nostalgic style. The lack of Italian localization and subtitle size issues are minor drawbacks, but they don’t overshadow the overall positive reception of the vocal performances.

The technical performance of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening varies across platforms, with some notable positives. On PC, critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Softpedia praised the game’s smooth 60fps performance and responsive controls, though animation issues were noted. GameGrin reported no technical issues, suggesting stability for some players. For Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox and TheXboxHub highlighted smooth performance with no major technical hiccups, while Jeuxvideo.com also noted 60fps and responsive controls. On Nintendo Switch, NintendoWorldReport acknowledged good performance on both Switch and Switch 2, and Vandal described technical performance as generally solid despite control and difficulty issues. PS5 saw consistent praise for stability, with Jeuxvideo.com and PlayStation LifeStyle emphasizing smooth 60fps and fast load times, while Push Square highlighted the game’s overall stability. However, technical shortcomings were widespread. On PC, Cubed3 criticized game-breaking glitches, while Loot Level Chill and SECTOR.sk pointed to control issues and a frustrating checkpoint system. Jeuxvideo.com and Softpedia noted animation flaws and floaty movement, respectively. On Xbox Series X, Movies Games and Tech highlighted a bizarre aiming system, and ZTGD mentioned frame dips and bugs. Nintendo Switch faced criticism for handheld mode’s low resolution (NintendoWorldReport) and performance issues (Nintendojo), alongside control problems (Vandal). On PS5, ElDesmarque and Gamereactor UK criticized imprecise aiming and inconsistent controls, while IGN Adria and GamingTrend noted hitbox issues and technical hiccups. Impulsegamer also pointed to platform-specific slowdowns on Switch, complicating the experience. Overall, the consensus reveals a mixed reception, with PS5 and Xbox Series X generally offering smoother performance compared to PC and Switch, which faced more persistent technical issues. While Jeuxvideo.com and Softpedia praised stability on PC, Cubed3 and SECTOR.sk highlighted critical flaws that undermined enjoyment. On Switch, performance inconsistencies in handheld mode and control problems were recurring complaints, whereas PS5 and Xbox Series X saw fewer major bugs but still struggled with control design and gameplay mechanics. Despite some positive remarks about frame rates and load times, the game’s technical performance was often overshadowed by issues that detracted from its core experience, leading to a divided critical response across platforms.

The reviews highlight several positive aspects of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening that contribute to its replay value. Critics like Impulsegamer and Movies Games and Tech note that the game’s collectibles, hidden treasures, and Metroidvania-inspired backtracking with new abilities encourage players to revisit levels, offering a sense of discovery and challenge. GameGrin and TheXboxHub emphasize the appeal of co-op multiplayer, which adds a social element and extends playtime, while SECTOR.sk and Loot Level Chill point to bonus missions and item collection as incentives for multiple playthroughs. Additionally, NintendoWorldReport and Nintendojo acknowledge that the ability to backtrack with upgraded skills or explore optional side content provides a moderate layer of engagement, particularly for fans of 2.5D action-platforming. These elements suggest that the game’s design includes features that can sustain interest for some players, especially those drawn to its nostalgic or collectible-driven aspects. However, the negatives surrounding replay value are more pronounced. Cubed3 and Final Weapon criticize the game’s later stages and repetitive mechanics, which they argue diminish the desire to play again. Eurogamer Germany and Vandal highlight the linearity and lack of meaningful exploration, noting that forced level repetition without new skills or content feels unengaging. COGconnected and GamingBolt point to control issues and tedious backtracking as barriers to replayability, while ZTGD and IGN Adria suggest the game’s appeal is limited to fans of the original anime or series, leaving others uninterested. Jeuxvideo.com (PC and PS5) and Generación Xbox repeatedly mention the 10-hour runtime as insufficient to justify multiple playthroughs, and Gamesurf and Push Square note that the initial complexity or monotonous gameplay may deter players from fully exploring its potential. These critiques collectively paint a picture of a game that struggles to maintain long-term engagement beyond its core mechanics. The overall consensus among critics is that Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening offers moderate replay value but with significant limitations. While features like co-op, collectibles, and hidden secrets provide some incentive for revisiting levels, they are often overshadowed by repetitive design, lack of depth, and a focus on nostalgia that may not resonate with new players. Impulsegamer and Movies Games and Tech stand out as more optimistic, framing the game as a niche but rewarding experience for dedicated fans, whereas Cubed3, Eurogamer Germany, and Jeuxvideo.com express frustration with its shortcomings. The game’s replayability seems to hinge on individual preferences: those who value co-op, item collection, or Metroidvania-style exploration might find it worth revisiting, but others will likely view it as a one-time playthrough. Ultimately, the reviews suggest a mixed reception, with the game’s replay value being a double-edged sword—offering enough to satisfy some, but falling short of a truly compelling or expansive experience.