Sweep the leg

I was excited when I heard Cobra Kai was being made, but I never got truly enamored with it until it hit Netflix. I binged both seasons and am eagerly awaiting the third coming next year. So, when I heard they were making a beat ‘em up game based on the story and characters, I was ready to sign up. While the game follows a simple pattern for the genre, it does add some flair to the mix alongside the cheesy modern 80s aesthetic of the show. Unfortunately, it also falls victim to some of the genres disappointing tropes.

The story takes place during the events of the second season. Players can choose to side with Cobra Kai or Miyagi-Do and thus determine which characters they will play as. There are not a ton of differences between the campaigns outside of who you play as, so picking one doesn’t mean missing out on certain plot points.

MSRP: $39.99
Platforms: XB1 (reviewed), PS4, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $29.99

Each side has a unique cast of characters and within that a host of diverse moves. For example, characters like Hawk have the signature back tattoo from the show. His special move extends the wings for a sort of ultimate ability. Players can switch on-the-fly between characters and each one feels entirely unique. This keeps the game play fresh through most of the campaign. The upgrades and items also help to diversify the action.

The pieces where the game falls apart for me are pretty common for the genre. The stages are robust and sometimes a lot longer than I would have liked. I prefer shorter, more compact sections as opposed to overly long, multi-tiered environments when it comes to these types of games. Combat can also start to feel repetitive after the 300th skull-faced enemy. Thankfully there are a nice mix of enemy types and taking them down requires different strategies. I just wish they changed more than their outfit colors, but it comes with the territory.

Another gripe I had was the hit detection feels awkward at times. I could get into a combo animation facing away from my enemy. There was no easy way to cancel out of it, so I spent a few seconds simply swinging at air. I am sure this contributed to my time in levels, but the combination is both frustrating and boring at times.

Visually I like the look. The game keeps that modern 80’s aesthetic and environments feel like they are ripped out of a neon-infused Streets of Rage sequel. Oh, they already made one of those? Still this game is a lot more colorful. It also helps that all the voice actors have reprised their roles in the game and the soundtrack, while not chock full of licensed music like the show, is still a banger.

Cobra Kai is a fun game that falls victim to a lot of the genre’s downsides. I enjoyed it for what it was, but have a hard time recommending it mostly due to the $40 point of entry. The game has enough content, but it drags at times. This leads to a game that would have been an easy win if it was priced a little lower. I understand why with having the actors portray their roles, but this game could have done better with soundalikes and a lower price point.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.