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Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening
Item: Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableAug 26, 2025

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5

DeveloperMagic Pockets

Overview

Play as Cobra, the space pirate, in an action platformer adapted from the famous anime series. Along with Lady Armaroid, your loyal partner, and equipped with your iconic Psychogun, you must solve a mysterious threat hanging over the entire universe.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

"Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening" delivers nostalgic charm and engaging storytelling for fans of the original anime, praised for strong characters and vibrant visuals. However, critics point out significant flaws like misogyny, pacing issues, and lack of ambition in its execution, leaving it a fun but flawed tribute that struggles to fully resonate with both new players and nostalgic fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of "Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening" showcases a blend of nostalgia and engaging narrative elements that resonate well with fans of the original anime. Critics like Final Weapon and COGconnected highlight the engaging nature of the story, praising its well-developed characters and vibrant world. The adaptation of the first twelve episodes of the classic anime is noted to be effective, with GameGrin and GamingBolt commending the integration of original clips that enhance the narrative experience. Critics such as Impulsegamer appreciate the balance of humor, action, and intrigue, making the story accessible to both newcomers and longtime fans. The game's ability to capture the essence of Cobra's adventures while maintaining a strong narrative flow, as noted by TheSixthAxis, adds to its appeal. However, the narrative is not without its flaws, as several critics point out significant shortcomings. Cubed3 raises concerns about the problematic themes of misogyny and sexualization of women, suggesting that these elements detract from the overall quality of the story. Additionally, pacing issues and weaker writing outside of cutscenes are mentioned by Final Weapon and ZTGD, indicating that the narrative struggles to maintain engagement throughout. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com express disappointment in the lack of ambition in the execution of the story, suggesting that it could have offered a richer 3D adventure. This sentiment is echoed by JeuxActu, who believes the game fails to deliver a compelling narrative that resonates with both nostalgic fans and new players. In summary, the consensus among critics is that "Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening" offers a nostalgic and engaging experience that appeals to fans of the original anime, while also presenting challenges in its execution. While many reviewers, including Tech-Gaming and Pure Nintendo, appreciate the faithful adaptation and integration of original material, others, such as Cubed3 and Jeuxvideo.com, highlight the narrative's shortcomings, particularly regarding pacing and thematic concerns. Overall, the game is seen as a fun but flawed tribute to its source material, with a mix of engaging storytelling and areas for improvement.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening offers a mixed bag of gameplay—praise for its co-op mode and innovative mechanics like the psycho-gun clashes with criticism over flawed controls and repetitive design. Reviewers highlight engaging combat but flag issues like a broken homing shot and cumbersome boss battles that hinder enjoyment. Ultimately, while the game has nostalgic charm and engaging moments, its fundamental flaws prevent it from reaching its full potential, leaving many players unsatisfied.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening has garnered a mixed response from critics, with some praising its engaging elements. Reviewers like GameGrin highlight the satisfying controls and variety in combat options, particularly noting the inclusion of a two-player co-op mode that enhances the fun factor. NintendoWorldReport appreciates the smooth controls and unique mechanics, such as the psycho-gun, which adds a layer of creativity to the gameplay. Additionally, Digital Chumps emphasizes the action-packed nature of the game, which is closely tied to the story, and offers a constant flow of intensity, suggesting that the game can provide an enjoyable experience when it hits the right notes. However, many critics have pointed out significant flaws that detract from the overall gameplay experience. Cubed3 mentions a broken homing shot mechanic that trivializes combat, while Final Weapon criticizes the basic gameplay that quickly loses depth as upgrades are removed. Several reviewers, including SECTOR.sk and Tech-Gaming, express frustration with cumbersome controls, particularly during boss fights, which can disrupt the flow of gameplay. Furthermore, critics like Jeuxvideo.com and GameOver.gr note the lack of originality and depth in level design and combat mechanics, leading to a repetitive and tedious experience overall. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening has moments of engaging gameplay and nostalgic charm, it is ultimately marred by fundamental issues. Many reviewers, such as ZTGD and ElDesmarque, point to a lack of depth and variety, particularly in enemy encounters and level design. The imprecise controls and reliance on certain mechanics, as highlighted by Eurogamer Germany and JeuxActu, contribute to a frustrating experience that can overshadow the game's potential. In summary, while there are enjoyable aspects to the gameplay, the criticisms regarding control issues, repetitiveness, and lack of innovation suggest that the game may not fully satisfy all players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening charms with its nostalgic '80s anime style and vibrant cutscenes, winning praise for its visual design. However, critics slam its lifeless in-game graphics, stiff animations, and simplistic visuals that fail to match the rich energy of the original show. It's a nostalgic hit but visually disappointing overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening have garnered a mix of praise for their nostalgic appeal and retro aesthetic. Many critics, such as Cubed3 and Final Weapon, commend the game for its homage to the '80s anime style, highlighting the beautiful cutscenes and charming character designs that evoke a sense of nostalgia. GameGrin notes that the hand-drawn aesthetic immerses players in the original show's vibe, while SECTOR.sk appreciates the colorful 2D graphics and comic-style presentation that enhance the overall experience. Critics like Loot Level Chill and Impulsegamer also emphasize the game's ability to capture the essence of the original anime, with vibrant colors and smooth animations that resonate well with fans. However, despite the positive aspects, numerous reviewers point out significant flaws in the game's visual execution. Critics such as Tech-Gaming and Generación Xbox highlight a jarring disparity between the animated cutscenes and the in-game visuals, which often feel lifeless and lack polish. Many reviews, including those from Movies Games and Tech and JeuxActu, criticize the graphics for being simplistic, low-quality, and lacking depth, with some even likening them to outdated mobile games. Furthermore, issues such as stiff character animations and repetitive enemy designs are common complaints, as noted by ZTGD and GameOver.gr, which detract from the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening successfully captures the nostalgic charm of its source material, it struggles with execution in its in-game graphics. The vibrant cutscenes and retro aesthetic are appreciated, yet many reviewers, including those from Jeuxvideo.com and GamingBolt, feel that the visuals do not fully live up to the energy and richness of the original anime. As a result, the game is seen as a decent adaptation that appeals to fans but ultimately falls short of delivering a visually stunning experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening boasts a nostalgic soundtrack praised for its jazz and city pop vibes, enhancing the gaming experience. However, many critics slam the sound design as repetitive and bland, with issues in voice acting quality. The reception is split—while some celebrate the thematic resonance, others find it lacking depth and variety, ultimately falling short of expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening have received a variety of opinions from critics, showcasing some notable strengths. Many reviewers praised the soundtrack for its nostalgic and thematic resonance with the original anime series. For instance, Final Weapon highlighted the "excellent" mix of jazz and city pop that enhances the gaming experience, while Eurogamer Germany noted the "smooth jazz, funk, and 70s J-Pop" as a highlight that enriches the overall atmosphere. Critics like COGconnected and Digital Chumps also echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the nostalgic quality of the music that complements the game's action and narrative. Additionally, some reviews pointed to the effective voice acting and sound effects, with TheXboxHub mentioning well-crafted sound design that enhances the experience. On the flip side, a significant number of critics expressed dissatisfaction with the sound design and music, labeling them as repetitive or lacking ambition. Jeuxvideo.com, for example, criticized the music and sound design for contributing to a feeling of mediocrity, a sentiment echoed by Movies Games and Tech, who described the audio as "bland" and "uninspired." Vandal and ElDesmarque also noted the repetitiveness of the tracks, suggesting that a greater variety would have improved the overall experience. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Finger Guns pointed out that while the voice acting has its charms, it also suffers from issues such as wooden performances and a lack of polish. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed. While many reviewers appreciate the nostalgic elements and thematic fit of the music, a substantial portion feels that the sound design lacks the depth and variety needed to elevate the experience. Critics like Generación Xbox and Softpedia acknowledged the effective jazz and blues atmosphere, yet others like Jeuxvideo.com and Movies Games and Tech highlighted significant shortcomings in execution. This divergence suggests that while the game successfully captures some of the charm of its source material, it ultimately falls short in delivering a consistently engaging auditory experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening is largely praised for enhancing storytelling and immersion, with critics highlighting strong performances and the unique dual-language support. However, some reviewers criticize the English dubbing as "wooden" and lacking emotional depth, while the Japanese voice work, though authentic, doesn’t stand out. Overall, despite some flaws, the voice acting significantly enriches the game's nostalgic experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening has received a generally positive reception from critics, highlighting its contribution to character interactions and the overall narrative. SECTOR.sk notes that the voice acting effectively enhances the game's storytelling, while Digital Chumps emphasizes the personality and passion infused into the performances, which significantly enrich the immersion and enjoyment of the story. Critics like Generación Xbox and COGconnected commend the high quality of the voice acting, with Generación Xbox particularly praising the original Japanese voices paired with English subtitles. This sentiment is echoed by Pure Nintendo, which appreciates the dual-language support, allowing both English and Japanese versions to shine, a rarity in games of this genre. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting that some reviewers point out. Softpedia mentions that while the voice acting is generally good, the actors occasionally struggle with the more outlandish lines in the script. Finger Guns and Gamereactor UK describe the English dubbing as "wooden," suggesting that it lacks the emotional depth that some players might expect. Furthermore, ElDesmarque observes that while the Japanese version offers authenticity, none of the performances stand out significantly, indicating a missed opportunity for more memorable portrayals. Critics like GamingBolt acknowledge that the English dub captures the campy essence of the original material, but this may not resonate with all players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the voice acting in Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening has its shortcomings, it largely succeeds in enhancing the game's experience. Many reviewers, such as IGN Adria and Impulsegamer, highlight the strong performances, particularly that of Cobra's actor, which adds charisma and depth to the gameplay. The presence of multiple language options, including a well-executed Japanese version, is also seen as a significant strength. Despite the criticisms regarding stiffness and occasional wooden performances, the overall sentiment leans towards a favorable view of the voice acting, suggesting that it effectively supports the game's nostalgic and immersive qualities.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening boasts smooth performance at 60fps across platforms, earning praise for its control responsiveness on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch. However, critics highlight serious technical issues, including game-breaking glitches on PC, control problems on Xbox and PS5, and frustrating gameplay spikes on Switch. Overall, while the game shines in some areas, persistent technical flaws undermine the experience, leading to mixed reviews.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

Positive Aspects of Technical Performance by Platform: Across the various platforms, there are notable positive sentiments regarding the technical performance of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening. On PC, Jeuxvideo.com highlights that the game runs smoothly at 60fps, contributing to responsive controls, while Softpedia praises its performance during intense combat scenarios. For the Xbox Series X, both Generación Xbox and TheXboxHub report a smooth performance with no significant technical issues, indicating a solid experience overall. Similarly, on the PS5, Jeuxvideo.com and PlayStation LifeStyle commend the game for its stability and smooth 60fps performance, with frequent checkpoints enhancing the gameplay experience. The Nintendo Switch also receives a generally favorable assessment, with NintendoWorldReport noting good performance, albeit with some caveats in handheld mode. Negative Aspects of Technical Performance by Platform: Despite the positives, several critics point out significant technical issues across platforms. On PC, Cubed3 describes the game as being plagued by game-breaking glitches, while Loot Level Chill and SECTOR.sk mention control issues that detract from the experience. The Xbox Series X also faces criticism, with Movies Games and Tech highlighting a bizarre aiming system that disrupts gameplay flow, and ZTGD mentioning frame dips and bugs that break immersion. On PS5, COGconnected points out mismatched subtitles and cutscene alignment issues, while ElDesmarque and Gamereactor UK note control problems that can lead to frustration. Finally, on the Nintendo Switch, Vandal mentions character control issues and frustrating difficulty spikes that impact gameplay. Overall Consensus of Critics: The overall consensus among critics suggests a mixed reception regarding the technical performance of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening across all platforms. While there are commendable aspects, such as smooth frame rates and responsive controls on platforms like PS5 and Xbox Series X, the recurring issues with controls, glitches, and other technical hiccups create a sense of frustration among players. Critics like IGN Adria and Impulsegamer highlight that performance varies significantly by platform, with the PS5 generally performing well but still facing issues that detract from the experience. In contrast, the PC version seems to struggle more with technical problems, as noted by multiple reviewers. Thus, while the game shows promise, its technical performance is hindered by inconsistencies that could affect player enjoyment.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening offers some replay value through co-op play, collectibles, and level replays, appealing mainly to die-hard franchise fans. However, critics largely agree that repetitive gameplay and lack of meaningful exploration diminish its overall replay appeal, making it less enticing for new players. A mixed reception reveals potential for dedicated fans but significant shortcomings that could deter others.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening reveal some positive aspects that may appeal to certain players. Several reviewers, such as Generación Xbox and Impulsegamer, highlight the game's inclusion of co-op multiplayer and the ability to replay levels to collect missed items and improve skills. This feature could potentially extend the gameplay experience beyond the main story, which is noted to be around 10 hours long. Additionally, critics like GameGrin and COGconnected mention the presence of collectibles and challenge rooms as elements that encourage players to revisit the game, providing a sense of achievement for those who enjoy exploration and mastery of the game mechanics. However, the consensus among critics indicates significant drawbacks that may hinder the overall replay value of the game. Many reviewers, including Final Weapon and Eurogamer Germany, point out that the gameplay can become repetitive and lacks meaningful exploration, which diminishes the incentive to replay levels. Critics like Softpedia and ZTGD express skepticism about the necessity of revisiting older chapters, suggesting that while there are opportunities for replay, they may not be compelling enough for all players. The repetitiveness of level design and tedious gameplay mechanics, as noted by Cubed3 and GameOver.gr, further contribute to the perception that the game may not hold the interest of players looking for varied experiences. In summary, while Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening offers some replay value through cooperative play, collectibles, and the potential for skill improvement, the overall sentiment among critics leans towards a lack of depth and excitement for repeated playthroughs. Many reviewers, including those from Jeuxvideo.com and Digital Chumps, agree that the game may primarily appeal to fans of the original franchise, but its repetitive nature and limited exploration elements could deter new players from engaging with it on a deeper level. Overall, the game seems to present a mixed bag of replayability, with certain features that could entice dedicated players, but significant shortcomings that may leave others feeling unsatisfied.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening showcases a mix of appreciation for its nostalgic elements and visual presentation, alongside significant gameplay criticisms. Critics like GameGrin and Digital Chumps highlight the game's charm and its faithful adaptation of the original anime, appealing to both fans and newcomers. The visuals and music have been praised by several reviewers, including Final Weapon and Tech-Gaming, who note that these aspects contribute positively to the overall experience. Additionally, some critics, such as Generación Xbox and Softpedia, acknowledge that the game successfully revives beloved characters and offers engaging moments, making it enjoyable for those familiar with the source material. However, the game is marred by a plethora of issues that detract from the overall experience. Many reviewers, including Cubed3 and Eurogamer Germany, point out significant flaws in gameplay mechanics, controls, and level design. Critics like Loot Level Chill and SECTOR.sk emphasize frustrating controls and boss fights that hinder enjoyment. This sentiment is echoed by Jeuxvideo.com, which describes the game as lacking ambition and depth, ultimately feeling underwhelming. The technical shortcomings and repetitive enemy designs noted by Movies Games and Tech further illustrate the challenges the game faces in appealing to a broader audience. In summary, while Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening has garnered some positive feedback for its nostalgic appeal and engaging presentation, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed or negative verdict due to its gameplay flaws. Critics such as Jeuxvideo.com and TheSixthAxis highlight that while the game may satisfy hardcore fans, it fails to attract new players due to its lack of polish and ambition. Overall, the game seems to be a decent homage for fans of the original series, but it struggles to deliver a fully polished and engaging experience that could resonate with a wider audience.

TL;DR

Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening boasts nostalgic charm and impressive visuals that resonate with fans, but suffers from major gameplay flaws, frustrating controls, and a lack of ambition. While it appeals to dedicated followers of the original anime, critics agree it underwhelms newcomers, ultimately delivering a mixed or negative experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

52 reviews found

Softpedia

Aug 28, 2025