Rating: 3
Author: marcoleo

Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening revives Terasawa’s cult manga and anime in the form of a modern action-adventure game. The result is a bold mix of nostalgia and modernization, a title that not only honors its original source but also expands it for new generations. Even if you don’t know the story from the original comic, the game does a good job introducing it and making you care about the characters.

Branching Storyline and Iconic Sci-Fi Arcs Make Cobra’s Adventure Unique

The narrative opens with the main protagonist, Cobra (a mix between Captain Harlock and James Bond), waking from his cryogenic slumber, suffering from amnesia, and being haunted by fragmented memories of past battles against the Guild, a ruthless space pirate organization which he must face once again. The game retells some of the manga’s most iconic arcs but reimagines them with new twists, alternate dialogue lines, and branching choices. Instead of a linear storytelling, the game opts for a hybrid structure: each arc feels like a “chapter,” but players’ decisions affect how characters perceive Cobra, leading to multiple possible outcomes. Even long-time fans will find surprises, as beloved companions like Lady Armaroid are given expanded roles, while lesser-known characters from the manga finally get their moment in the spotlight.

Overall, the story is a mix of pulp sci-fi and space opera, with lots of over-the-top moments that don’t take themselves too seriously. The writing isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s entertaining, and the main character’s charm keeps the story moving.

Screenshot from Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening showing Cobra in action with his signature Psycho-Gun, delivering a powerful shot while the game’s space opera visuals unfold – Gamohol game review.

Dynamic Combat System: Strategic Action and the Power of the Psycho-Gun

At its core, the game is a third-person action shooter, with Cobra’s Psycho-Gun being the main mechanic. Unlike ordinary weapons, the Psycho-Gun feeds directly off Cobra’s mental energy, meaning that reckless use can weaken his defenses. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy: do you unleash a charged blast to vaporize enemies quickly or conserve energy for tougher encounters? Combat mixes cover-based shooting with flashy melee takedowns, emphasizing Cobra’s pirate style.

Screenshot from Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening showcasing Cobra evading laser traps and engaging in futuristic combat while navigating a high-tech platforming section – Gamohol game review.

Boss Battles, Exploration, and Side Quests in Cobra’s Universe

Boss battles are where the combat really shines: big arenas, enemies with unique tricks, and some cinematic flair that makes them memorable. On the downside, regular enemies are pretty dumb, sometimes they just run straight at you or stay out in the open. After a while, standard fights start feeling easy and repetitive. Lady Armaroid acts as both advisor and playable ally during certain missions, offering hacking and support abilities that complement Cobra’s raw firepower.

Outside of battles, the game lets you explore different planets and space hubs. These are semi-open areas where you can chat with NPCs, accept side quests, gamble in smoky bars, or upgrade your gear. Unfortunately, some side missions can be very repetitive, with fetch-quest structures that clash with the otherwise cinematic narrative.

Screenshot from Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening showing Cobra engaging in a futuristic combat scenario with his sword and enemies firing energy blasts, surrounded by high-tech, neon-lit environments – Gamohol game review.

A Retro-Futuristic Visual Experience Meets Modern Graphics and Performance

Visually speaking, the game strikes a balance between nostalgia and modern graphics. The art style is colorful and retro-futuristic, with neon-lit cities, sleek starships, desert planets, and stylish alien designs, while also showcasing modern lighting and visual effects. Character models are slightly stylized to match the anime art design and preserve the series’ identity, while the soundtrack blends reorchestrated versions of the anime’s jazzy score with epic space music that perfectly fits the tone.

Screenshot from Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening featuring Cobra navigating an ancient, laser-filled temple while battling enemies – Gamohol game review.

Stream-Friendly Gameplay with Memorable Characters and Immersive Moments

Performance on PC is generally stable, but it can drop during big battles, and I ran into a couple of minor bugs that broke immersion. Nothing game-breaking, but you can easily notice the rough edges. Still, the game remains consistently engaging thanks to its visual presentation, its characters, and, for fans of the manga/anime, the feeling of playing as Cobra. This is also a good game for streamers who cover video game adaptations or have an audience that loves manga and anime. Cobra is a funny protagonist who constantly drops jokes and one-liners, which makes watching the game entertaining even for people who don’t know the story. Big fights, flashy abilities, and over-the-top bosses make it fun to stream, though some slower or repetitive missions can feel dull on camera if not mixed with commentary.

Screenshot from Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening featuring Cobra and Lady Armaroid in a dialogue sequence, contemplating the discovery of Captain Cobra's ship beneath a grave – Gamohol game review.

STREAMER SCORE

Performance
Streamability
Audience Engagement
Replayability

Summary

Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening is a fun, stylish, and nostalgic adventure that introduces Cobra to new players while still honoring long-time fans. The sci-fi story is interesting, the combat is engaging, and the universe is full of 80s’ charm. A solid choice for fans of space action games.

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