The game closely follows the first 12 episodes of the 1982 anime. Direct clips from the show routinely integrate through the game. I love how the anime clips aren’t overtly cleaned up or filtered to match the more modern in-game art style; all of the show’s graininess and color scoring remains intact here.

And there’s a surprising amount of cutscenes interspersed throughout the adventure. We’re talking a tad less than an hours-worth of classic cutscenes from the show’s first 12 episodes, contributing to the feeling of playing through the show yourself, if just a tad bit. I especially appreciate how organic the cutscenes feel when played. You can be in the middle of stage when you come upon a gravesite. The screen then transitions to a grainy cutscene of Cobra reminiscing about the grave’s connection to him, and then back to the run and gun gameplay. These transitions never felt too abrupt or intrusive to the gameplay since they usually occur in-between the action or, more common, before and after the stage.

"I love how the anime clips aren’t overtly cleaned up or filtered to match the more modern in-game art style."

If you’re not a fan of classic anime, and are especially averse to the campy pulp action tone, the option to skip cutscenes is always available. Space Cobra is unabashedly campy, and very 80s. With the English dub, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the old Legend of Zelda cartoon. Cobra’s one-liners never hit the full cringe of Link’s infamous “Well, excuuuse me!” but sometimes edges close to that over-the-top tone. I personally find this tone to be a breath of fresh air among all the seriousness in media. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and isn’t afraid to wear well-worn tropes on its sleeve with pride. And all of that pulp action finds itself perfectly at home in video game format. You’re a galactic bounty hunter with a brief bout of amnesia and a debt to settle. The story arcs won’t blow anyone’s minds, but they are a fun glimpse at a bygone era.

And you didn’t think a modern adaptation of a classic show wouldn’t have some secrets and nostalgia bonuses, did you? About three chapters in, you unlock Cobra’s base of operations and personal starship, the ‘Turtle’. While you can’t manually fly it around like Starfield or anything, you can peruse some concept art through a series of rooms aboard the ship. It’s a very simple yet effective way to showcase a media gallery besides the old ‘main menu’ option, which I appreciate. Of course, unlocking these goodies first requires getting through stages, so it is there we turn to next.

"Stages are separate from each other with no interconnected map."

Space Adventure Cobra’s stage design is a careful balance of pure run-and-gun action and puzzle-platforming. Locked doors often require the player to hit a series of targets situated cleverly around a room. These targets are typically hit in a sequence using Cobra’s Guided Shot, which can be slowed down and tracked with ultimate precision. There are a variety of puzzles like this that spruce up stage variety nicely.

But to be clear, stages are separate from each other with no interconnected map. Heck, there’s not a map to speak of in the game. But while each stage isn’t interconnected in a holistic, seamless manner, branching paths within them tease the player to return with a future upgrade or piece of equipment. I like the spirit behind this kind of design; after all, who can complain about added replayability?

"A variety of puzzles spruce up run and gun gameplay nicely."

But without stage checkpoints or a proper map, this design is undercut. Some checkpoints are painfully spaced apart, making it an ordeal and a half to return to the spot you died at. The lack of a map further discourages me from exploring these “upgrade” paths further. I can see value in it if the campaign were playable with a friend. But alas, the game’s meager co-op mode only consists of a couple independent episodes. This discussion of replayability brings me to the core meat and potatoes: the gameplay.

Fans of Mega Man will feel right at home with this game. While the controls aren’t quite as tight or fluid, the Psychogun bears a strong resemblance to the Blue Bomber’s iconic Buster Cannon. At its core, Space Cobra is a run-and-gun platformer. Enemies come at you fierce and fast, with your kill count reaching into the hundreds for each stage. Given how often the Psychogun is used, an auto-fire option would have been nice. But alas, you must rapidly press the Psychogun button to shoot, since holding the button down is reserved for a charged shot. Hope you enjoy button mashing!

But at least the general movement is quick and slick for the most part. Running speed feels reminiscent of the Contra games, with a variable walk when the stick is gently nudged. You can change direction midair on a dime, which helps when getting stung by an unnoticed turret or two on the ceiling. In general, the controls are passable. What stops this from reaching the highs of other action platformers is the stilted wooden animations and ability restrictions. While you can’t make ultra-precise jumps à la Mega Man or Celeste, the movement is serviceable, if not a tad above.

"The inability to properly aim and move simultaneously can cause issues."

The Psychogun, your main weapon, can rotate a full 360 degrees—but only when stationary. Oh, you can certainly aim the ol’ arm cannon while running, but aiming is locked to your directional movement unless stationary. This inability to properly aim and move simultaneously resulted in many pitfalls and enemy ambushes. I’m fine with a properly difficult platformer that limits the player’s offensive capabilities, but with a game so fast-paced and combat-focused, this restriction just seems counterintuitive.

That’s not the only case of restrictive controls, however. The Cigar Explosive cannot be aimed, only thrown in the imprecise vicinity Cobra is facing. What’s more, hanging on ledges restricts you to just your Psychogun and Guided Shot, but puts you in a tight spot if enemies have shields that require your pistol or explosive to blast through. Speaking of the traditional pistol, it cannot be aimed or directed at all; it merely points horizontally. Overall, Cobra’s various abilities and tools, which can be upgraded and improved of course, fulfill the action equation of this action-platformer quite well. It’s just a bit of a shame the controls for most of your tools are somewhat limited and rigid in their application.

Lastly, let’s talk about a mainstay in these kinds of games: boss fights. Space Cobra has ample amounts of boss encounters, sometimes three or more in a single stage. A typical boss attacks you with three to four different patterns, which increase in rapidity and intensity as you deplete the health bar. I think this game pretty much nails what an action-platformer boss should be. All of your resources and tools are tested, and often required. Bosses keep the player jumping and dodging across platforms to avoid damage and aim at weak spots. Some boss designs reappear throughout the game, like the Drone Robot variations, but there’s generally good variety between them.

"Bosses keep the player jumping and dodging across platforms to avoid damage and aim at weak spots."

Platformers of every variety have been my bread and butter for as long as I can remember, and Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening delivered an impressive and fun time. I’ll probably return to this game in a couple years to grab the secret stuff that I can’t be bothered to backtrack for now. It’s certainly enjoyable and challenging enough for speed run challenges too, if you’re into that. Space Adventure Cobra is a fun action-platformer with a nostalgic 80s wrapper that comes recommended. And if you’re a big fan of the show, it’s an absolute must-play.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

Update: We had mistakenly published the review with a score of 7. This has now been promptly corrected to an 8.

Mafia: The Old Country

Almost nine years after Mafia 3, Hangar 13 is going back, at least chronologically, with Mafia: The Old Country. Set in 1900s Sicily, players control Enzo Favara as he transitions from an indentured labourer to a Torrisi family mafioso. Quaint countrysides and ruins replace sprawling cities while Enzo engages in as many knife duels as gun fights. As more of a linear narrative, Mafia: The Old Country could be the revival that the series needs when it launches on August 8th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Echoes of the End

Announced four years ago, Echoes of the End launches on August 12th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. As Ryn, players work alongside Abram Finlay to explore the fantasy world of Aema and stop a conspiracy. With a healthy mix of magic, exploration, puzzle-solving, platforming and, of course, combat, Myrkur Games promises a new yet also comfortingly familiar adventure.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (PS5)

After debuting on PS4 (and PC) all those years ago, Senua finally returns with her latest adventure, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, which launches on August 12th for PS5. “Adventure” is probably being a little kind since she ventures to Iceland to battle the Northmen, draugar and other horrors, all while managing her psychosis. Still, with gorgeous visuals, a cinematic presentation and a new update that adds 60 FPS, it may be worthwhile for PS5 players.

Madden NFL 26

Madden NFL is back yet again, and we can’t even say it’s personal. Nevertheless, Madden NFL 26 does offer a few new features, including the new Sphere of Influence system in Career Mode, new coach archetypes for Franchise mode, extreme weather conditions that affect gameplay, and a revamped presentation. It’s out on August 14th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Drag x Drive

Honestly, I don’t know what Nintendo is thinking with Drag x Drive. As unique as the concept is and how much the Switch 2’s mouse controls are interwoven, the marketing has been mysteriously sparse. Nevertheless, there’s some hope that the actual game offers much more than we’ve already seen (which looked solid, if nothing else). We’ll find out when it launches on August 14th for $19.99.

Black Myth: Wukong (Xbox Series X/S)

One year after launching on PS5 and PC (no timed exclusive deal, by the way), Black Myth: Wukong launches on August 20th for Xbox Series X/S. With over 20 million sold in its first month and Overwhelmingly Positive reviews on Steam, it’s finally time for Xbox players to witness the legend first-hand. Of course, if you’re craving a stellar action-adventure title with fun boss fights, gorgeous visuals and a unique art direction, Wukong is more than worth the journey.

Gears of War: Reloaded

It’s yet another end of an era for Xbox as Gears of War: Reloaded brings the cover-based shooter to PlayStation for the first time. Even if you’ve already enjoyed the original, there are plenty of reasons to revisit it, including 4K and 120 FPS support in multiplayer, no loading screens in the campaign, and improved shadows and reflections. Best of all, it’s free for all Ultimate Edition owners on Xbox and PC.

Helldivers 2 (Xbox Series X/S)

Arrowhead Game Studios’ hit co-op shooter Helldivers 2 is finally diving onto Xbox Series X/S on August 26th, bringing all the bug stomping, Automaton crushing and Illuminate…battling to a brand new audience. Crossplay is the biggest feature, which should bolster the already healthy player count, even as would-be fans hope for some kind of crossover with the likes of Halo. Whether it happens or not, Helldivers 2 is a must-play for those on Xbox.

Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening

Among the many anime adaptations out there, few may have expected a side-scrolling platformer based on 1982’s Space Cobra. Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening follows the titular Cobra once more, as they venture forth across planets to save the universe. On top of blasting foes with the Psychogun, you’ll have to platform and avoid traps, either alone or in two-player co-op. Whether you’re seeking a new action platformer or a faithful adaptation of the anime’s first 12 episodes, Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening launches on August 26th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World

Even after all these years, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is still a great 3D platformer. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition enhances the visuals and adds Star-Crossed World, where a mysterious meteor has altered various levels. There are new paths and enemies to deal with alongside new Mouthful Modes and a new Wild Mode for a higher difficulty. Is it worth dropping $80? Probably not, but if you own the original, the $20 upgrade might be worthwhile when the Switch 2 version launches on August 28th.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Another classic franchise that’s being revived almost a decade later (we don’t talk about 2018), and this time, it’s arguably Konami’s most iconic yet. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater arrives on August 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, featuring revamped environmental textures, character models, and effects. The classic narrative remains, but Konami (with help from Virtuos) has added a new over-the-shoulder perspective and quality-of-life features. Of course, those who want the original’s control style and camera can still enable the same.

Lost Soul Aside

There are games which have been in development for a long while, and then there’s Lost Soul Aside, which took inspiration from Final Fantasy 15 when it was still called Versus 13. Despite numerous delays – including one this year already – it’s finally launching on August 29th for PS5 and PC. A lot is going on with its art direction and story, but most importantly, the combat has held up remarkably well all this time. For those seeking a more character-driven action title, Lost Soul Aside could be the answer.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance channels the brutal side-scrolling action of the classics with a drop-dead gorgeous 2D art style courtesy of Lizardcube. Between the combo-based action, stellar Ninja Arts, detailed environments and seamless movement, you couldn’t ask for a better revival. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is slicing its way onto Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC on August 29th.

The Rogue Prince of Persia

You’d be hard-pressed to recognize The Rogue Prince of Persia since it entered early access last year, but it’s seen an art style change and heaps of new content since then. The essence of the premise – the Prince being stuck in a time loop as he tries, again and again, to save his kingdom – still holds, but there are more levels, weapons, branching paths, and bosses. Version 1.0 promises to cap it all off when it launches in August – here’s hoping it can top Evil Empire’s previous work on Dead Cells.

Sword of the Sea

From the studio behind ABZU and The Pathless comes another meditative exploration title where you, the Wraith, must restore the ocean to a mysterious barren Necropolis. You’ll traverse it on a Hoversword, which simultaneously allows for surfing, grinding and snowboarding while appreciating the incredible vistas (and vibes). Sword of the Sea launches on August 19th for PS5 and PC.