Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening review (PS5)

It’s been a long time coming, but Cobra has finally made the leap to modern gaming. Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening marks the first full adaptation of Buichi Terasawa’s classic anime series on current consoles, and on paper it’s a dream project: a mix of side-scrolling action, platforming, and larger-than-life boss battles wrapped in the charismatic style of its space-pirate antihero. The result is a game that is both faithful to its source material and somewhat uneven in execution, delivering a nostalgic ride that occasionally struggles to stand tall against today’s best action-platformers.

At its best, The Awakening captures the pulpy space opera feel of the anime. Cobra’s wit, the bond with Lady Armaroid, and the overarching storyline about the Royal Sisters and the ever-menacing Crystal Bowie all make for a strong narrative hook. The story is told through cutscenes that closely mirror the original series, which fans will appreciate for their authenticity. For newcomers, the episodic structure works as an introduction, though the storytelling can feel abrupt at times, assuming a degree of familiarity with the characters and world.

Gameplay mixes old-school platforming with modern touches. Cobra’s psychogun is the star of the show, offering satisfying ranged combat when combined with his Colt Python and a handful of gadgets. Grappling hooks and traversal mechanics keep levels from feeling too linear, and boss encounters demand smart use of the arsenal rather than simple button mashing. However, the platforming itself is more functional than inspired. Level layouts rely on familiar tropes, from spike traps to moving platforms, without the kind of clever design seen in more refined titles of the genre. Still, the variety of enemies and set-piece battles help inject energy into the campaign.

The game also experiments with multiplayer, allowing a second player to jump in for co-op. It’s a welcome feature that adds replay value, though its implementation is fairly barebones – more of a shared run through the campaign than a fully fleshed-out mode. The three selectable difficulty levels, on the other hand, are a smart addition, letting players choose between enjoying the story and facing a real challenge. Hardcore fans will appreciate how the hardest setting demands precision, while the lower ones open the game up to a wider audience just looking to enjoy the story.

Visually, The Awakening is striking in parts but inconsistent overall. The art direction nails Cobra’s flamboyant style and the colorful sci-fi backdrops, with environments ranging from neon-lit cities to alien landscapes. Character models and cutscenes are lovingly done, staying true to Terasawa’s designs. But while it looks sharp in stills, the animations can appear stiff during gameplay, and some levels lack the detail that would really bring this universe to life. On the audio side, the game fares better: the soundtrack pays homage to the anime’s jazzy, adventurous tone, and the voice work helps sell Cobra’s roguish charm.

As a package, Space Adventure Cobra – The Awakening feels like a labor of love that will resonate strongly with fans of the anime. Its faithfulness to the source material and Cobra’s timeless swagger carry it a long way, even when the gameplay design feels more retro than revolutionary. For players looking for a polished modern action-platformer, there are sharper alternatives. But for those eager to finally see Cobra fire up the psychogun on PlayStation 5, this is a fun – if occasionally rough – revival of a cult icon.

Score: 7.2/10