It arrives in early 2024 for Switch, Windows, macOS and Linux.

‘G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra’ Keeps Retro Beat-Em-Ups Alive

Adarsh V.KSeptember 1, 23 Gaming, Nintendo Switch

Today, Hasbro, Maple Powered Games, and Freedom Games revealed the upcoming release of G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra, a new beat ’em up game. This retro-style game will allow players to assume the roles of beloved characters such as Duke, Scarlett, Snake Eyes, Roadblock, and other iconic figures from the series. With the addition of G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra, along with TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge and the Double Dragon reboot, it is evident that 2D side-scrolling punch-fests are experiencing an unforeseen resurgence in the 2020s.

The game’s developers promise multiple language areas that you can punch and punch your way through as you try to defeat Cobra. “Navigate land, air, sea and even space through iconic locations such as Cobra Island, the Pit, Cobra’s top-secret underwater base and more as you thwart the wily Cobra Commander’s latest plan to take over the world,” the game’s announcement reads. . It promises an arsenal of weapons, explosives and more.

(Image credit: Hasbro / Maple Powered Games / Freedom Games)

G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra features story and arcade modes, each supporting up to four co-op players (online or local). It features “lovingly hand-drawn pixel art” and “classic cartoon style scenes”. Composed by Tee Lopes (composer of its spiritual sibling TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge), the soundtrack appears to feature a modern take on the animated series’ classic theme song. (No word yet on whether the “Knowing Is Half the Battle” PSAs will survive the timeouts.)

“G.I. Joe is one of the most iconic brands from the ’80s and it was the golden age of arcade gaming. To celebrate the growing popularity of retro-themed games, we’re excited to partner with Maple Powered Games and Freedom Games to bring G.I. Joe fans our first Hasbro Retro Arcade experience in this exciting interpretation of the classic 2D beat ’em up,” said Eugene Evans, Hasbro’s director of digital strategy and licensing.

G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra will be released on Switch, Windows, macOS and Linux in the first quarter of 2024. You can choose to add the game to Steam and Epic today.