If you belong to the Showa generation, you must have heard of “Space Adventure Cobra.” The anime, depicting the adventures of Cobra, the outlaw who traverses the galaxy with a cigar in hand, still exudes timeless appeal. This masterpiece has finally been reborn as a side-scrolling action game. Far from being just nostalgia, this title faithfully reproduces episodes 1 to 12 of the original anime while injecting new life into them as an interactive experience. It's a finished product highly recommended not only to long-time fans but also to those who will encounter the world of “Cobra” for the first time.

What is most surprising is the multitude of details that respect the source material. The entire game features Japanese voice acting, and the characters, brought to life by veteran voice actors, speak to you through the screen. Armaroid Lady's coolness, Jane Royal's dignified beauty, and the unsettling presence of Crystal Bowie...... All of these are splendidly reproduced, making you feel as if you are “controlling” the anime itself, transcending the boundaries of a game. Furthermore, the nostalgic opening theme and BGM play throughout, ensuring no lack of fan-pleasing direction.

Another charm of this work is its stylish action that progresses at a good pace. Speaking of Cobra, the “Psychogun” hidden in his arm is, of course, central. The shooting action built around it has excellent controls; sometimes you blast the Python 77 Magnum, and sometimes you maneuver trickily with his extraordinary physical abilities. The stage structure, utilizing 3D elements, subjects the player to constant tension with enemies and traps appearing from all directions, but once you get used to it, the thrill of stylishly rushing through becomes addictive. Every stage has high strategic depth and replayability, making the composition well worth mastering.

The background graphics are more meticulous than imagined, making Cobra's galaxy-spanning adventures feel more real. It's not just a 2D side-scroller; the depth-based structure merges visual depth with three-dimensional gameplay development. Enemies don't just come from the front; there are attacks from the back of the screen, so you can't let your guard down. And once a stage is cleared, you can challenge it again and again. It's full of features to keep you engaged, such as discovering new things or experiencing a sense of achievement by trying item collection or time attacks.

And we mustn't forget the existence of special stages where you can control characters other than Cobra. Playing as fascinating characters like Armaroid Lady or Dominique offers a different fighting style from the main story, deepening your understanding of and immersion in the world. Local co-op play is also supported, offering a unique way to enjoy the game by challenging the galactic battle alongside friends or family. You'll lose track of time while engrossed in time attacks and treasure hunts.