G.I. Joe: Cobra Strike

About

G.I. Joe: Cobra Strike is a fast-paced arcade shooter where you defend a military training camp from a massive robot snake operated by Cobra forces. In solo play you control two laser cannons at the bottom of the screen trying to land eight hits before the enemy breaks through your shield. The snake spits venom and fires lasers while soldiers hide behind cover. Two-player modes split control between friends either working together to survive or one taking the Cobra side to try and overwhelm the other. This 1983 title marked the first video game using the G.I. Joe license though the U.K. sold it as Action Man: Action Force. It offers simple but tense gameplay with limited but effective mechanics for the Atari 2600. Fans of 80s arcade action might appreciate the competitive mode letting players swap sides. The game's straightforward defense objective and rapid fire combat made it a brief but notable entry in early licensed gaming.

Storyline

The Action Force training camp is under siege from a giant Cobra Combat Machine built by the evil Baron Ironblood. As the Cobra looms over the camp the Action Force recruits run to shelter from its vaporizing venom and piercing laser beams. Man your positions! Defend the camp! Use missile attack cannons and atomic-powered energy shields to fight the deadly Cobra.