Hasbro, in collaboration with developer Maple Powered Games and publisher Freedom Games, has announced the release of a new G.I. Joe beat ’em up game called “G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra.” This upcoming retro-style game will allow players to assume the roles of iconic G.I. Joe characters such as Duke, Scarlett, Snake Eyes, Roadblock, and many others. With the resurgence of 2D side-scrolling punch-fests in the 2020s, “G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra” joins the likes of “TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge” and the reboot of “Double Dragon” as evidence of the genre’s unexpected popularity.
The game’s developers have promised a diverse range of environments that players can explore and battle through as they strive to defeat the nefarious organization known as Cobra. From Cobra Island to the Pit and Cobra’s secret underwater base, players will navigate through land, air, sea, and even space to foil Cobra Commander’s latest scheme to conquer the world. The game also boasts a wide selection of weapons, explosives, and other tools to aid players in their mission.
“G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra” features both story and arcade modes, with support for up to four cooperative players either online or locally. The game incorporates lovingly hand-drawn pixel art and classic-style cartoon cutscenes to capture the essence of the G.I. Joe animated series. The soundtrack, composed by Tee Lopes, who also worked on the soundtrack for “TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge,” includes a modernized rendition of the classic G.I. Joe theme song. Whether or not the game will include the memorable “Knowing is half the battle” PSAs remains unknown.
Eugene Evans, Hasbro’s Senior VP of Digital Strategy and Licensing, expressed excitement about the partnership with Maple Powered Games and Freedom Games, stating, “G.I. Joe is one of the most iconic brands from the 80s, and it was the golden era of arcade games. To celebrate the growing popularity of retro-themed games, we’re thrilled to bring G.I. Joe fans our first-ever Hasbro Retro Arcade experience in this exciting interpretation of a classic 2D beat ’em up.”
“G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra” is set to launch in the first quarter of 2024 and will be available on the Nintendo Switch, Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. Interested players can add the game to their wish-list on Steam and Epic Games Store. With its unique blend of nostalgic gameplay, beloved characters, and innovative features, “G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra” aims to captivate fans of the franchise and entice new players into the exhilarating world of G.I. Joe.