Space Adventure Cobra - The Awakening [Review]

Space Adventure Cobra - The Awakening initially presents as a Contra or Mega Man-style game, rich in story and emotional depth and the gameplay of Point A to Point B was amazing and left me wanting more. However, it quickly and unexpectedly transitions into an incredibly easy Metroidvania after the first chapter.. There's a common online misconception about whether the game supports co-op, but I can confirm it does not. It features a half-hearted co-op mode that's essentially a single, ten-minute level, hinting at the game's potential if full co-op had been implemented. While this brief co-op experience was fantastic, it feels like a missed opportunity.

The game draws inspiration from the Space Adventure Cobra anime, following the protagonist Cobra as he changes his identity to escape those who wish him harm. Unfortunately, the stage design is uninspired and repetitive, featuring the same bland templates, switches, and layouts throughout, leading to a tedious and uneventful experience.

Despite these flaws, The characters, humor, writing, and world-building are exceptional and genuinely captivating. The compelling narrative was the sole reason I continued playing, even when the gameplay itself became a chore. Ultimately, I found more enjoyment in watching the anime and movie for the first time thanks to this game, both of which are fantastic. While fans of the anime might appreciate this game, it's ultimately a generic, cookie-cutter Metroidvania.