About Cobra Command
A light gun shooter, Cobra Command puts players in the role of a helicopter pilot tasked with rescuing hostages and taking down enemies. With its interactive shooting mechanics and cinematic presentation, it provides a thrilling arcade experience with multiple levels and action-packed missions.
Developer & Publisher:
The game was developed and published by Taito, a major Japanese video game company that produced numerous arcade hits in the '80s and '90s, such as Space Invaders and Bubble Bobble. Cobra Command was one of Taito’s ventures into the realm of laserdisc-based interactive games, which allowed for real-time animation and full-motion video.
Levels:
Cobra Command is a rail shooter where players control a military helicopter, navigating through various levels filled with enemy forces. Each level presents a unique scenario, such as rescuing hostages or destroying enemy bases, and is presented through a series of cinematic cutscenes with interactive elements. The game uses a laserdisc to show high-quality animation sequences, with the player controlling the helicopter through these scenes using a joystick and buttons for shooting and dodging. Players need to react quickly to incoming enemy forces and obstacles, making choices on where to fly and when to engage enemies. Levels include: Rescue Missions – The player must fly the helicopter to rescue hostages or civilians in peril. Air Combat – Engage in dogfights against enemy aircraft and ground forces. Base Destruction – Destroy enemy bases and military installations. Escape Sequences – Avoid or destroy pursuing enemies while attempting to escape dangerous situations.
High Scores:
High scores in Cobra Command are based on how well players perform during each mission. Points are awarded for shooting down enemies, successfully completing objectives, and minimizing damage to the helicopter. The game's interactive sequences meant that player decisions could lead to different outcomes, encouraging replayability to find the best strategy for achieving the highest score.
Legacy:
Cobra Command is notable for being one of the early laserdisc-based arcade games, a genre that attempted to bring cinematic experiences to video games. Although the game didn’t reach the same widespread popularity as other laserdisc games like Dragon’s Lair, it remains a notable entry in the history of video gaming for its animation quality and use of full-motion video. While Cobra Command did not have as lasting an impact as some of Taito's other arcade classics, it holds a nostalgic place for those who experienced it during its brief arcade run. Laserdisc games were part of an experimental era in gaming, and Cobra Command remains a standout example of early attempts to bring Hollywood-style animation to the arcade.