“Our Job is to do the unthinkable… and be forgotten” -General Hawk
Cobra Strike (1983)
Published by Parker Brothers (now known as Hasbro Gaming), this was the first video game for the G.I. Joe team, released on the Atari 2600. Players had to defend their base from a giant cobra by controlling the GI Joes positioned on either side of the screen. The objective was to protect the Joes as they advanced towards the “Cobra stronghold”. Despite its simplicity, it was a novel concept at the time, and fans appreciated the chance to defend freedom from a literal cobra.
A Real American Hero – Apple II (1985)
Developed by now defunct Epyx for the Apple II and Commodore 64, this game allowed players to control a team of G.I. Joe members on a mission to stop Cobra’s latest plot. With a top-down view, players navigated through various terrains, battling Cobra troops and vehicles. The game was praised for its strategic elements, allowing players to choose different paths and manage resources, which was quite advanced for its time.
A Real American Hero – NES (1991)
This NES game by (now defunct) Taxan put players in the boots of various G.I. Joe characters, each with unique abilities. The side-scrolling action game had players battling through enemy territory, culminating in boss fights against iconic Cobra villains. The game was well-received for its faithful representation of the franchise and the ability to switch between characters, providing a diverse gameplay experience.
The Atlantis Factor (1992)
Capcom’s sequel to the 1991 NES game, The Atlantis Factor had players once again taking on Cobra, this time with an expanded roster of characters and more complex level designs. The game introduced RPG elements, allowing players to upgrade their Joes as they progressed. It was noted for its challenging gameplay and was a worthy follow-up to the original NES title.
A Real American Hero – Arcade (1992)
Konami’s arcade hit was a third-person rail shooter that allowed up to four players to join forces as different G.I. Joe characters. The game was set across various locations, with players gunning down Cobra forces and battling bosses. It was praised for its cooperative gameplay, detailed graphics, and faithful adaptation of the G.I. Joe universe.
The Rise of Cobra (2009)
Tying into the movie of the same name, this game by Electronic Arts was released on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360, and more. It was a third-person shooter that allowed players to choose from a variety of G.I. Joe characters, each with unique weapons and abilities. The game featured a campaign mode and multiplayer options, but received mixed reviews for its repetitive gameplay and lack of depth.
Operation Blackout (2020)
Developed by IguanaBee and Fair Play Labs, this game was published by GameMill Entertainment in North America and Maximum Games in Europe. It was a third-person shooter that featured both single-player and multiplayer modes, with a roster of 12 characters from the G.I. Joe universe. The game’s story involved Cobra taking over the world with a device called the Blackout Sphere, and the Joes’ mission to stop them. While it offered a modern take on the franchise, it received average reviews, with criticism aimed at its execution, design, and lack of online multiplayer.
G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra (2024)
Developed by Maple Powered Games and published by Freedom Games, this game takes place in the original television series universe “A Real American Hero”. Based on the sneak peeks and trailers, this game is shaping up to be a total blast from the past with a fresh coat of paint. It’s got that classic side-scrolling beat ’em up style that’ll hit you right in the nostalgia. The pixel art is looking sharp, and the character roster is stacked with all the fan-favorites like Duke, Scarlett, and Snake Eyes.
The gameplay looks smooth and action-packed, promising to deliver that satisfying arcade experience on modern platforms. Plus, with local and online co-op, it’s gonna be a great game to play with friends. And let’s not forget the soundtrack – it’s got those retro vibes with a modern twist that’s sure to get the adrenaline pumping.
From what’s been shown, G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra seems like it’ll be a solid addition to the franchise and a fun throwback for fans of the series. It’s definitely one to watch out for!
And there you have it, the full dossier on G.I. Joe’s video game history. Each title brought something unique to the table, and whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for some action-packed gaming, G.I. Joe’s got you covered. So gear up, and let’s keep the legacy rolling!
General Hawk said in the very first issue of the Marvel comic, “Our Job is to do the unthinkable… and be forgotten”. Well, a lot of these titles have done just that, from the forward scrolling of the arcade game, to not having online support in Operation Blackout. While some are winners, a lot of have been forgotten to time.
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