Laser Beams and Cigar Smoke: Cobra’s Galactic Comeback Hits Hard
Few anime characters from the ‘80s have managed to age as well as Cobra. Not just in terms of his still-questionably tight red jumpsuit, but in his blend of sarcastic space swagger and action hero bravado that somehow walks the line between Space Dandy and Metal Gear. With Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening, Microids and Magic Pockets aim to bring the galaxy’s suavest pirate into the modern gaming orbit, attempting a risky hyperspace jump from nostalgia into relevance. And surprisingly? They don’t crash into a star.
Based on the legendary manga and anime by Buichi Terasawa, this title seeks to capture the charm of the original 1980s series while packaging it into a 2.5D action-platformer with modern accessibility. You’ll feel the pulpy influence from the very first moments: big villains, bigger guns, and even bigger hair. The game focuses on the first dozen episodes of the anime, offering a respectful, surprisingly faithful retelling of Cobra’s early escapades.
But make no mistake, this isn’t just a museum piece dusted off for old fans. The Awakening tries its best to bridge eras with smart level design, clever mechanics, and a generous coat of polish. And while it doesn’t always stick the landing—more on that later—it remains confident, campy, and at times, genuinely exhilarating. The moment you fire the iconic Psychogun and vaporize a goon who looks like he time-traveled out of a cyberpunk jazz bar, you’ll know exactly what kind of game you’re playing.
Of course, this revival also poses a question: does Cobra’s blend of swashbuckling space antics and high-octane cheese still click in a gaming landscape dominated by gritty realism and roguelikes? Well, light up a cigar, lower those shades, and let’s get cosmic—because The Awakening might just be the jolt of retro rebellion you didn’t know you needed.
Psychedelic Starfields and Space-Western Storylines: Welcome to Cobra’s Universe
If Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening had a mission, it’s to faithfully channel the pulp sci-fi spirit of its anime source material, and it does so with the dedication of a fan who’s watched all 31 episodes on VHS and still quotes Cobra’s one-liners. The narrative, structured like an episodic space-western, kicks off with Cobra and his AI sidekick Lady Armaroid entangled in a mission that’s equal parts cosmic treasure hunt and galactic showdown. It’s not Shakespeare, but it’s got panache—think Indiana Jones if he traded the bullwhip for a laser arm and got into bar fights in low gravity.
The game follows the early arcs of the anime, including Cobra’s confrontation with the nefarious Crystal Bowie and the journey to rescue the Royal Sisters—three mysterious women with ties to an ancient cosmic treasure. Each level essentially operates like a chapter in this serialized tale, offering bite-sized chunks of lore, flashy boss intros, and just enough intrigue to string you along to the next planet. Despite the inherently wacky source material, there’s a surprising emotional undercurrent, especially as the story touches on themes of identity, freedom, and the ghosts of Cobra’s past.
Of course, you don’t need to know the anime to enjoy the plot. The Awakening is smart about onboarding new players, keeping exposition light and visual, letting the character personalities do the heavy lifting. Cobra is charmingly smug, Lady Armaroid remains the cold logic to his chaos, and Bowie is as over-the-top as anime villains get, all chrome and cackles. These personalities are well translated into both cutscenes and moment-to-moment banter, which adds flavor to what could’ve easily been a by-the-numbers retro adaptation.
The real surprise? How well the universe of Cobra holds up. The planets are wildly distinct, the lore is expansive without being bloated, and there’s a unique rhythm to how the world is presented—part noir detective story, part acid-trip space odyssey. It’s rare to see an anime-to-game adaptation lean this confidently into its own weirdness, and The Awakening wears it like a badge of honor. This isn’t just an homage to a cult series, it’s a celebration of everything that made Cobra iconic.
Blasting Baddies with a Psychogun: Mechanics That Hit Harder Than a Laser Cigar
Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening isn’t just a stroll through cel-shaded nostalgia, it’s an honest-to-god action-platformer that’s got gameplay smoother than Cobra’s one-liners and just as punchy. The moment you slide into that red jumpsuit, the game wastes no time throwing you into a whirlwind of platforming, shooting, dodging and, of course, the occasional moment to light up one of Cobra’s infamous cigars (yes, it’s a gadget). From the get-go, it’s clear the developers at Magic Pockets didn’t just slap anime paint on a generic platformer, they actually thought about how Cobra should play.
At the core of the gameplay is the trusty Psychogun, a weapon permanently fused to Cobra’s left arm, capable of sending precision blasts into enemy craniums while still leaving your right hand free for witty quips. The gunplay strikes a balance between old-school twitch shooting and modern snappiness. Ammo is limited, forcing a thoughtful approach—though not so scarce that you’ll be hoarding like it’s a survival horror title. Complementing this is the Colt Python 77, a more traditional shooter for those who want to dual-wield style and substance.
What truly elevates the mechanics beyond pew-pew platforming, however, is the integration of Cobra’s gadgetry. From the grappling hook for scaling vertical levels like a space Tarzan, to decoy holograms and the aforementioned cigar—which bizarrely functions as a tactical smoke screen—each tool feels lovingly lifted from the anime. Movement is tight, jumps are responsive, and boss fights are classic multi-phase slugfests that demand pattern recognition and just the right amount of button mashing. It’s challenging, but fair—rewarding precision without being punishing for flair.
If there’s a nit to pick, it’s that the level design, while varied in theme, sometimes plays it safe structurally. Many environments follow familiar patterns: narrow corridors into enemy gauntlets, followed by platforming set pieces, followed by a miniboss. It works, but it can occasionally feel formulaic. That said, those formulas are executed with such confidence that it’s hard to fault them too much. This is Cobra, after all—it’s not trying to reinvent the space wheel, just roll it stylishly down a laser-lit highway.
Two Blasters, One Couch: Space Piracy Is Better with a Friend
While Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening keeps its blaster primarily holstered in the single-player holster, it does offer a 2-player co-op mode that adds a splash of camaraderie to Cobra’s otherwise solo space saga. This isn’t a full campaign co-op integration, but more of a structured mode where the second player can drop in for select missions or challenges. The dynamic is closer to classic arcade beat-em-ups than anything fully open-ended, but it’s a welcome addition that offers a nostalgic burst of “just one more level” with a buddy.
What’s especially commendable is how the co-op doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Player two isn’t stuck playing a reskinned Cobra clone—they bring unique abilities to the table, adding tactical depth beyond just double firepower. Communication becomes essential when navigating traps or deciding who’s better suited for a particular puzzle. It may not reinvent co-op gaming, but it hits all the right notes for a retro-inspired space opera.
As for replayability, the game wisely leans into difficulty levels and hidden collectibles to keep players coming back. Each level has branching paths, secret rooms, and hidden upgrades that you’re unlikely to uncover in a single playthrough. Veteran players can crank up the difficulty for tighter enemy timings and more aggressive AI, while casual players can stick to the story and soak in the vibe.
Beyond the story mode, there’s also a challenge mode that pits players against time trials, boss rushes, and high-score chases. While it doesn’t reinvent the galactic wheel, it’s more than enough to satisfy leaderboard chasers or those eager to squeeze every drop from their Psychogun. And for fans of the anime, the simple joy of reliving Cobra’s journey through playable form is enough of a hook to merit a few return trips across the stars.
Crimson Lasers and Synth Dreams: Cobra’s Visual and Sonic Voyage
Visually, Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening is a lovingly crafted ode to 80s anime with a modern pixel-paint job. Every level bursts with exaggerated colors, sleek character designs, and hand-drawn aesthetics that feel like they were ripped straight from vintage VHS covers and re-inked for a new generation. From crimson-lit space corridors to lush alien jungles, the environments offer just enough variety to prevent space-fatigue, all while staying true to Cobra’s original spirit.
The developers clearly had a reverence for Buichi Terasawa’s original Cobra manga and anime. The in-game cutscenes are animated with that stylized flair of high-saturation pulpy sci-fi, and characters animate with satisfying weight and fluidity—particularly Cobra himself, whose flowing locks and smug expressions are on full display with every Psychogun shot.
The sound design is equally deliberate. Synth-heavy background tracks reminiscent of City Hunter or Captain Harlock fuel each level with nostalgic energy. Composer direction leans into that retro-futuristic soundscape, layering pulsing beats with spacey effects to elevate tense shootouts or high-flying platforming. It’s a soundtrack that feels like it belongs on cassette—and I say that in the best possible way.
Voice acting is sparing but effective, with Cobra’s suave delivery hitting all the right notes of cocky heroism. Explosions crunch satisfyingly, energy weapons sizzle, and robotic enemy death-rattles are crunchy in all the right ways. Whether you’re blasting foes with the iconic Psychogun or just swinging across a cavern with a grappling hook, the audio feedback never lets up.
Final Verdict: A Smoking Cigar in a Star-Soaked Sky
Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening is a bold, unapologetically pulpy revival that plays its nostalgia card with both flair and a raised eyebrow. Magic Pockets and Microids clearly understand that Cobra is more than a name—it’s a swaggering mood wrapped in red leather and synthwave. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the anime or manga, or just stumbling onto this laser-blasted joyride for the first time, there’s a peculiar charm in its confident absurdity.
Mechanically, it doesn’t always reinvent the genre. Platforming can feel stiff, combat occasionally lacks finesse, and certain boss encounters fall into old-school patterns that may test the patience of players raised on Soulslikes. But that’s part of the appeal—Cobra is a throwback through and through, and it owns it. The gadgets are fun, the weapons are varied, and the levels are creatively designed to keep the pace exciting, even if the difficulty spikes like a cartoon villain’s eyebrow.
Narratively, the game is exactly what it needs to be: a space-faring, treasure-hunting romp dripping with retro bravado and comic book camp. The story mode pays solid tribute to the first dozen episodes of the anime with lovingly rendered characters and environments, while the optional co-op mode offers a welcome break from flying solo through asteroid corridors.
In short, The Awakening isn’t trying to compete with the latest AAA action-platformers. It’s here to offer a charmingly eccentric, laser-fueled escapade where the hero is equal parts rogue, rebel, and romantic. You may come for the nostalgia, but you’ll stay for the Psychogun and the space swagger.
We prepared this review with a digital copy for the PS5 version of the Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening for the PS5 version provided by Microids. 🚬✨
