Cobra Command – Review
By
BradT
On April 20, 2010
Our rating: 
By: Revolutionary Concepts
Version #: 1.0 (iPhone OS 3.0 Tested)
Date Released: 2009-12-02
Developer:
Price: 4.99
User Rating:
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In the 80’s, Don Bluth revolutionized the video game concept by having animated sequences as a video game in laserdisc consoles like Dragon’s Lair and Space Ace (both now available for the iPhone). Another company called Data East did a similar sort of concept in 1984 and called it Cobra Command. Remember this comes from the era of G.I. Joe as a cartoon.
For me, this game has a nostalgia value to it that the games of today just don’t have. It’s easy to tell how dated the program is because the Twin Towers feature prominently in the New York City scenes.
The game itself is a bit counter-intuitive. Your mission is to shoot down enemy fighters either in New York City or the Grand Canyon (you choose the location). However, you can’t control the direction the helicopter goes in. You can only aim and shoot. You also have to be careful about shooting down debris or that could easily make the game switch to the cartoon footage of your helicopter blowing up (you can’t dodge it).
Once I learned of this game’s existence, I remembered playing it in video arcades during my misspent youth. Had I not become aware of it during its "free app a day" promotion, I might have picked it up anyway. However, I recognize that not everybody shares my nostalgia, but it is a lot of fun reliving that era of games.
Quick Take
Value:Medium to High.
Would I Buy Again:Now that I'm aware of it, probably.
Learning Curve:Medium.
Who Is It For:Those that remember obscure video games like this one.
What I Like:Accurate recreation of the game.
What I Don't Like:Tough to control and use with the iPod touch's controls.
Final Statement:This game is great for 80's enthusiasts. Probably not so much for everyone else.
Read the Developer's Notes:
In 1984 Data East released what was the most cinematic and immersive gaming experience the world had ever seen, an arcade machine called Cobra Command that featured movie-like visuals and surround sound that were years ahead of their time, to put you in the pilots seat of a futuristic attack helicopter.Now 25 years on Revolutionary Concepts and licensor G-mode bring that same game in all it's glory to the iPhone and iPod Touch!Better yet, the addition of touch screen controls, tilt steering, enhanced h.264 widescreen video, vastly improved graphics and online scoring, makes for a game unlike anything you've likely ever experienced.Incredibly this is only possible on the iPhone and iPod Touch and not todays most powerful gaming consoles. The world is under attack and you are in command of the most awesome combat machine ever designed! Armed with sophisticated weaponry your ultra modern Cobra Attack Chopper will take you through 10 dangerous missions ranging from New York, to the Pacific Ocean, the Middle East, and everything in between.In your quest you will find you are engaged in combat with a seemingly never-ending stream of enemy combatants, who will throw everything they have at you including helicopters, jets, bombers, tanks, ships, gun emplacements and rocket launchers, with more than a few surprises along the way.While you view the action from the relative comfort of your cockpit, you engage each of these enemies on a kill or be killed basis. Get ready for the ride of your life! Not for the faint hearted, Cobra Command will redefine your idea of what is possible on the iPhone. But remember, saving the world wasn't meant to be easy, and only the best will survive. Note: In the screens below we feel it important to point out that what you are seeing are actual in-game captures of real full motion animated action. These aren't static backdrops.Seatbelt and/or airsick bags not supplied.
Article By BradT
bradt has written 504 awesome app reviews.
