Deep Dives

Arcade Action Reborn: G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra Hits Hard on Launch

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The G.I. Joe franchise has been a beloved part of pop culture for decades, with its action-packed stories of American heroes taking on the evil forces of Cobra. From toys and comics to animated series and blockbuster movies, G.I. Joe has captured the imaginations of generations. Now, the franchise returns to the world of gaming with a nostalgic twist in the form of "G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra", a retro-inspired side-scrolling beat ‘em up game that is already generating buzz among fans of the genre.

G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra – A Tribute to Classic Gaming

If you grew up in the ‘80s or ‘90s, the side-scrolling beat 'em up genre probably holds a special place in your heart. Games like "Streets of Rage," "Final Fight," and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time" defined the arcades and home consoles of that era. With their simple controls, engaging multiplayer modes, and action-packed combat, these games provided endless hours of entertainment.

"G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra" builds on this legacy, delivering an experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The game features the classic side-scrolling format, where players can take control of various G.I. Joe members as they brawl their way through hordes of enemies. The combat is easy to learn, but with depth that rewards skill and timing, providing an experience that is approachable for new players but challenging for veterans of the genre.

Published by Indie.io and developed by Maple Powered Games, the title brings back the classic G.I. Joe action, pitting players against Cobra's legions in a satisfying old-school combat style. To celebrate its release, Playsum is offering a launch discount on our store. Plus, we’ve teamed up with Indie.io and Maple Powered Games to give away five Steam keys for it! Read on to find out more about this exciting new release and how you can enter to win!

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from the game:

1. Retro Pixel Art Style

The developers have gone all-in on the retro aesthetic, with vibrant pixel art that evokes memories of classic arcade cabinets and 16-bit home consoles. Each character is lovingly crafted, with fluid animations that make every punch, kick, and special move look and feel impactful. The game also features richly detailed environments, from bustling urban streets to Cobra’s secret bases, all drenched in the cartoonish charm of the G.I. Joe universe.

2. Co-Op Gameplay

Beat 'em up games are always more fun with friends, and "Wrath of Cobra" is no exception. The game supports local co-op, allowing you and a friend to team up and take down Cobra’s forces together. Whether you’re sitting on the couch or playing online via Steam’s Remote Play Together, working as a team will be essential as you face increasingly difficult waves of enemies and powerful bosses.

3. Iconic G.I. Joe Characters

One of the game’s major draws is the ability to play as some of the most iconic characters from the G.I. Joe universe. From the skilled hand-to-hand combat of Snake Eyes to the heavy weaponry of Roadblock, each character has a unique move set and playstyle. The roster is sure to appeal to longtime fans of the franchise, while also giving newcomers a great entry point to learn about these legendary heroes.

4. Epic Boss Fights

No G.I. Joe game would be complete without showdowns against Cobra’s most notorious leaders. In "Wrath of Cobra," you’ll face off against Cobra Commander, Destro, The Baroness, and other members of Cobra's villainous hierarchy in epic boss battles. These encounters are designed to test your reflexes and strategy, making for some truly memorable and intense fights.

5. Challenging Levels and Variety of Enemies

The game features a wide variety of enemies, from Cobra soldiers to mechanical beasts and futuristic weapons of destruction. Players must adapt to the specific behaviors and attack patterns of each enemy type, all while navigating hazardous environments. Each level offers new challenges, ensuring that the gameplay stays fresh as you progress.

G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra – The Franchise's Storied Legacy in Gaming

The G.I. Joe franchise has long been a staple of American action entertainment, but its history in video games goes back several decades. Starting in the late ‘80s, G.I. Joe games have appeared on a range of platforms, from the NES to the Commodore 64. While some earlier titles leaned heavily into the strategy and military themes of the toyline and comics, "Wrath of Cobra" marks a return to the fast-paced, action-heavy format that fits perfectly with the heroes-vs-villains premise of G.I. Joe.

For those unfamiliar with the G.I. Joe universe, it revolves around an elite team of soldiers from various military and tactical backgrounds, each with unique skills, dedicated to thwarting the plans of Cobra, a global terrorist organization bent on world domination. The storyline is simple but effective, serving as the perfect backdrop for intense, action-packed gameplay.

The characters in "Wrath of Cobra" take direct inspiration from their counterparts in the long-running comic series, animated shows, and toys. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the G.I. Joe universe, the game offers a rich experience filled with nostalgia for older gamers and a chance for younger players to discover the world of G.I. Joe.

Launch Discount at Playsum Games Store

To celebrate the release of G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra, Playsum is offering a launch discount for a limited time. This is the perfect opportunity to grab the game at a reduced price, whether you're looking to relive the golden age of arcade beat 'em ups or introduce a new generation to the thrills of G.I. Joe action.

Make sure to visit the Playsum Games Store to take advantage of this special offer. But hurry – the discount won’t last forever, and you won’t want to miss out on this exciting new game at its lowest price!

Win a Free Steam Key for G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra

We’re not stopping at just offering a discount! Playsum has teamed up with Indie.io and Maple Powered Games to give away five free Steam keys for G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra. You can visit our giveaway page for all the details, but here's the gist of how you can enter to win:

  1. Follow Playsum on social media (Twitter, Instagram, TikTok).
  2. Like and share our giveaway post.
  3. Sign up to Playsum at app.playsum.live

Winners will be chosen randomly and announced in a week’s time, so keep your eyes peeled for updates! This is your chance to score a free copy of the game and dive into the action alongside the best of G.I. Joe.

Why You Don’t Want to Miss G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra

"G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra" offers a fantastic blend of retro gaming goodness and modern gameplay mechanics, making it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you're drawn in by the classic G.I. Joe lore, the thrilling co-op gameplay, or the chance to face off against Cobra’s most dangerous leaders, there’s something in this game for everyone.

Key reasons you should pick it up:

• Nostalgic, retro gameplay
with a fresh, modern feel.
• Iconic characters
from the G.I. Joe universe, each with unique abilities.
• Challenging co-op levels
for you and a friend.
• Stunning pixel art
that pays homage to classic arcade games.
• Available now at a discounted price through Playsum.

Conclusion

G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra is more than just a retro revival – it’s a love letter to fans of the franchise and the beat 'em up genre. With its smooth controls, impressive art, and faithful adaptation of G.I. Joe's timeless story, it’s set to be a hit among gamers who crave action-packed, side-scrolling fun. Don’t forget to grab your copy at a discount from the Playsum Games Store, and enter our Steam key giveaway for a chance to win a free copy!

So, are you ready to Go Joe and take down Cobra once and for all?!

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