DaRmaZat Blazing Guns, Bad Jokes, and Space Pirates.
Based on the cult anime, Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening brings Buichi Terasawa’s 1982 classic to modern platforms for the first time. Developed by Magic Pockets and published by Microids, the game adapts the anime’s opening twelve episodes into a mix of hand-drawn cutscenes and side-scrolling 2D action. Known for its pulpy space-opera flair, sci-fi swagger, and tongue-in-cheek humor, the original series carved out a loyal following worldwide — and The Awakening aims to capture that same spirit with modern flair.
A Retro Legend Reawakened
Cobra’s long-awaited return to gaming wastes no time throwing players into the chaos. The game opens with a daring heist aboard a speeding train, as Cobra attempts to steal treasure from Vaiken, ruthless leader of the Space Pirate Guild. When the plan backfires, the black-haired rogue finds himself trapped in a cage of lasers — and soon hiding behind his blonde alter ego, “Johnson”. Alongside him are the eccentric robot Ben and his steadfast partner Lady Armaroid, along with heroine Jane — only the latter two are playable in subsequent episodes. The sequence functions as a prologue, framed by stylized cutscenes that lean heavily into retro anime charm.
What begins as a botched robbery quickly spirals into a larger odyssey. Through episodic chapters, Cobra and his sidekicks are unwillingly drawn into an intergalactic struggle against the Guild, with the fate of the universe and a mysterious treasure tied to three royal sisters hanging in the balance. Meanwhile, Cobra must recover his lost abilities, as he suffers from amnesia, collecting treasures and memory fragments along the way. Not that there’s any panic. Cobra remains the same: calm, cocky, and armed with an endless stream of bad jokes delivered at the most inappropriate moments. True to form, The Awakening kicks off with a faithful recreation of the anime’s DNA, blending action, swagger, and eccentricity with a distinctly old-school vibe.
Run, Gun, Grapple
By contrast, the gameplay takes the more familiar shape of a side-scrolling action-platformer. You’ll run, jump, and climb through stages packed with drones, turrets, and space thugs, while unleashing Cobra’s arsenal. His iconic Psychogun is the star—a laser arm cannon that can bend shots around obstacles or zap multiple targets at once. Complementing it are melee punches, a charged blast for breaking walls, and later gadgets like climbing boots, a grappling hook, and his trusty Colt Python 77.
However, combat in The Awakening isn’t just about firepower. Certain enemies drop glowing orbs that charge a super attack, clearing the screen with an over-the-top animated cut-in. It’s flashy, predictable, but undeniably fun when timed well. Bosses—many pulled straight from the anime—test both reflexes and patience, though the difficulty curve can feel a bit uneven. Occasionally, you’re also tasked with creative problem-solving, like hitting multiple objects with the Psychogun’s curving beam or disabling shields while navigating platforming hazards.
While these sections add variety, aiming diagonal shots with twin-stick controls feels clumsy, and the platforming precision often falls short when you’re juggling enemies and traps at the same time.
A Jazzy Space-Opera
Beyond story mode—playable across three difficulty levels—The Awakening also features a two-player co-op mode. These missions aren’t just recycled content; they’re custom-designed levels where teamwork is essential. It’s a welcome addition, though the fun comes more from chaos than tight design. Auto-aim options help smooth the experience, but inconsistent checkpoints and the occasional fall-through-the-map bug can sour the momentum.
Where the game shines is in its presentation. Animated cutscenes capture the eccentric flair of the original anime, blending dramatic action with Cobra’s trademark irreverence. The level design is largely linear and less impressive, though occasional backdrops like alien skylines, crystal caverns, and deep-sea sequences stand out beautifully.
The Awakening‘s soundtrack also leans into retro sensibilities, pairing jazzy swells and subtle 1980s space-opera cues. Together with the cutscenes, it does enough to convince you this is Cobra’s world, even if the level design itself rarely surprises.
Final Thoughts
Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening does succeed at capturing the charm and swagger of its cult-classic source material. The gameplay certainly has its flashy moments—thanks to the Psychogun and screen-clearing specials—but clumsy controls, repetitive encounters, and inconsistent checkpointing can be frustrating.
For longtime fans of the anime, the authenticity of the cutscenes, the retro soundtrack, and the larger-than-life characters will feel like a loving throwback. For newcomers, it’s a competent if occasionally frustrating action romp. Not a hidden gem, but a solid revival—proof that even forty years later, Cobra still knows how to make an entrance.
Additional Information
Release Date: August 26, 2025
Reviewed On: PC. Download code provided by the publisher and PR agency.
Developer: Magic Pockets
Publisher: Microids
Website: Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening
Relevant links: Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening on STEAM
