Space Adventure Cobra: Everything We Know

In a bid to resurrect Cobra, a well-known eighteen-volume anime and manga series that originally ran its course between 1978 and 1984, Microids has signed a publishing agreement with TMS Entertainment. In light of this agreement, fans of the beloved manga will have the opportunity to delve into the galactic bounty hunter’s weighty boots and embark on epic adventures—episodes that stay “faithful to the spirit of the anime series.”

Unfortunately, as the recent announcement did go on to mention that the project was in pre-production, it does mean we’re still a ways off from seeing it come to light. Having said that, here’s everything we’ve been able to gather on the subject since hearing of its existence.

What Is Space Adventure Cobra?

Space Adventure Cobra is an upcoming video game adaptation of the universally acclaimed anime and manga, Cobra. Announced earlier this week, Microids told fans of the franchise that it would be teaming up with TMS Entertainment, the studio behind the anime, to bring a full-fledged adventure to consoles and PC. Of course, being in its pre-production phase, it did fail to mention a release date. That said, it’s believed that it will be launching in Q4 2024 at the earliest. This is merely speculation, however, so it’s best to take it with a major grain of salt.

“We are extremely excited to work on this adaptation of Space Adventure Cobra, a legendary anime which has inspired a whole generation of fans,” Microids CEO Stéphane Longeard said in a press release. “We are committed to respecting the universe and characters created by Buichi Terasawa, while providing an immersive gameplay experience, faithful to the spirit of the anime series. The Cobra game promises to be a great adventure for fans and gamers looking for a rich and compelling universe.”

Story

Since making the announcement earlier this week, Microids has been a bit touch and go with the whole plotline. Point is, there isn’t anything of the sort written down on paper yet—hence the pre-production state. Having said that, we do know that the story will be adapted from the anime series, Cobra. But as for where in the timeline it will take place is still anybody’s guess.

For those who don’t know, Cobra follows the story of the space pirate, Cobra, a Psycho Gun-wielding adventurer who works to both unravel and dismantle various evil schemes laid out by an intergalactic tyrant and its loyal followers. In a bid to save the universe, Cobra reunites with his former partner Lady Armaroid, and embarks on an epic quest to defy the odds forever against his favor.

Gameplay

Little known fact: The Space Adventure: Cobra does already have a spot on the Sega CD. That said, it’s unlikely Microids will be using the near-thirty year old title as an anchor point for its gameplay features. Fact is, there isn’t a whole lot else to go on, other than what the studio has already made clear. And so, we can’t say for certain what the upcoming game will look, sound, or even play like.

Of course, anyone with the faintest idea of what Buichi Terasawa’s cult manga captured back in 1978 will no doubt have an idea of the direction Microids will take it. If not, then one can only imagine it’ll be action-heavy, and that it will feature the beloved space pirate’s Psycho Gun, and a mythical universe that’s both bright and bursting with mysteries to solve.

Development

Microids, the studio and publishing house that has helped breathe life into an entire network of video games, expressed its interest in adapting Cobra earlier this year. As a result of the mutual interest between the publisher and TMS Entertainment, the division behind the anime, the two made it official—signing an agreement to bring a game to both consoles and PC.

“We were very impressed with the passion and professionalism of the Microids team, and we are confident that Cobra fans will be thrilled with the new video game. We are looking forward to the final product, which promises to delight the fans”, Tadashi Takezaki, CEO of TMS Entertainment.

Trailer

If you’re wondering whether or not Microids has revealed a trailer yet, then there’s only bad news to share. As it stands, there isn’t anything of the sort, nor is there likely to be anything for quite some time. If, by chance, the studio does reveal a sneak preview at any point this year, then we’ll be sure to let you know.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

So, when exactly will we get the chance to play Space Adventure Cobra? Well, that’s just it — we don’t know. That said, Microids did make it clear that it would be bringing the game to “consoles and PC,” suggesting a Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch release. And it’s actually pretty likely that it ends up on the latter, too, given the fact that Microids has brought pretty much every one of its games to Switch.

As Microids is still ironing out a lot of the details—the product title, for one—it’s hard to say whether or not the game will launch with any special or collector’s editions. If anything of the sort does come to light, then it probably won’t receive a formal announcement until much further down the line. 2024, if we’re lucky.

For more information on the Space Adventure Cobra release, you can follow the official social feed here. Alternatively, you can check out TMS Entertainment for any potential updates. If anything interesting does happen to pop up between now and its eventual launch, we’ll be sure to fill you in on all of the details right here on gaming.net.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Space Adventure Cobra when it eventually releases on consoles and PC? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.