Summary
- Release Year: 1981
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, Atari 2600, ColecoVision, Intellivision, MSX, NEC PC-6000 Series, Odyssey 2 / Videopac G7000
- Developers: Konami
- Publishers: Parker Brothers, Sega, Stern Electronics
Super Cobra (1981): A Retrospective
Super Cobra is a vertically scrolling shoot ’em up arcade game released by Konami in 1981. The player controls a helicopter gunship on a mission to destroy enemy forces and rescue hostages. The game is notable for its fast-paced action, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of 3D graphics.
Gameplay
The player controls a helicopter gunship that can move up, down, left, and right, as well as fire bullets and missiles. The goal of the game is to destroy all of the enemy forces on each level and rescue the hostages. The game becomes increasingly difficult as the player progresses, with more and more enemies and obstacles to contend with.
Graphics
Super Cobra was one of the first arcade games to use 3D graphics. The game’s backgrounds are rendered in a simple but effective 3D style, giving the game a sense of depth and realism. The enemy sprites are also well-drawn and animated, and the game’s explosions and other effects are impressive for the time.
Sound
The game’s soundtrack is composed of a catchy and upbeat tune that perfectly captures the game’s fast-paced action. The sound effects are also well done, and they help to create a sense of immersion.
Difficulty
Super Cobra is a challenging game, even for experienced shoot ’em up fans. The game’s difficulty is due to the large number of enemies and obstacles, as well as the game’s fast-paced action. However, the game is also fair, and it gives the player a sense of accomplishment when they finally complete a level.
Legacy
Super Cobra was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the early 1980s. The game has been ported to a number of home platforms, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today. Super Cobra has also been cited as an influence on a number of later shoot ’em up games, including the Gradius series.
Critical reception
Super Cobra was praised for its fast-paced action, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of 3D graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 200,000 arcade cabinets worldwide.
Accolades
- Super Cobra was ranked number 12 on IGN’s list of the “Top 100 Arcade Games of All Time”
- The game was also inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2015.
Ports and sequels
Super Cobra has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, ColecoVision, and Commodore 64. The game has also been released on a number of compilation discs and digital storefronts.
There have been two official sequels to Super Cobra: Super Cobra II (1988) and Super Cobra 2005 (2005). Both sequels were released to mixed reviews, but they both offer a similar gameplay experience to the original game.
Conclusion
Super Cobra is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. The game’s fast-paced action, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of 3D graphics make it a must-play for fans of shoot ’em up games.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
