Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Platform, Shooter
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Ocean Software
- Publishers: Ocean Software
Cobra (1986)
Introduction
Cobra is an arcade game released by Konami in 1986. It is a side-scrolling action game in which the player controls a character named Cobra, who must rescue his girlfriend, Ingrid, from a terrorist organization. Cobra is armed with a variety of weapons, including a gun, grenades, and a knife, and he must use these weapons to fight his way through hordes of enemies.
Gameplay
Cobra is a fast-paced, action-packed game that requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The player controls Cobra as he moves through a variety of levels, each with its own unique challenges. Cobra must use his weapons to defeat enemies, avoid obstacles, and collect power-ups.
The game is divided into three stages:
- City Scene: Cobra must fight his way through a city street, avoiding traffic and dodging enemy fire.
- Rural Area: Cobra must navigate a forest, avoiding traps and fighting off animals.
- Factory: Cobra must infiltrate a factory, fighting off guards and rescuing Ingrid.
Each stage is filled with a variety of enemies, including foot soldiers, gunners, and even tanks. Cobra must use his weapons and abilities to defeat these enemies and progress through the game.
Weapons
Cobra is armed with a variety of weapons that he can use to defeat his enemies. These weapons include:
- Gun: Cobra’s primary weapon is a gun that fires bullets. The gun has unlimited ammo, but it can only be fired in short bursts.
- Grenades: Cobra can also throw grenades, which explode on impact. Grenades are effective against large groups of enemies, but they have a limited range.
- Knife: Cobra can also use a knife to attack enemies. The knife is a powerful weapon, but it has a short range.
In addition to these weapons, Cobra can also collect power-ups that give him temporary abilities, such as increased speed or invincibility.
Enemies
Cobra must face a variety of enemies throughout the game, including:
- Foot soldiers: These are the most common enemy type. They are armed with guns and will fire at Cobra from a distance.
- Gunners: These enemies are armed with machine guns and can fire rapidly at Cobra.
- Tanks: These enemies are heavily armored and can fire powerful shells.
- Bosses: Each stage of the game features a boss enemy that Cobra must defeat in order to progress.
Graphics and Sound
Cobra’s graphics are colorful and detailed, and the animation is smooth and fluid. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that add to the game’s atmosphere.
Reception
Cobra was a critical and commercial success upon its release. Critics praised the game’s fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and excellent graphics and sound. Cobra was also a popular arcade game, and it was ported to a number of home platforms, including the NES, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum.
Legacy
Cobra is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the 1980s. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and excellent graphics and sound have made it a favorite of gamers for over 30 years. Cobra has also been cited as an influence on a number of later games, including the Metal Slug series and the Contra series.
Conclusion
Cobra is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. Its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and excellent graphics and sound make it a must-play for any fan of retro gaming.
Review Score
8.5/10