G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra – The Game (2009)

System: Xbox-360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii, PlayStation Portable, Wireless, Nintendo DS

Scores: Graphics: 60, Sound: 80, Gameplay: 80, Overall: 74

ESRB Rating: T for Fantasy Violence

Review: I’ve been a G.I. Joe fan for most of my life, having grown up with the action figures and Saturday morning cartoon. I never really believed that they could make a halfway decent live action film from this cartoon action hero. I was wrong, the film was actually quite decent!

So, when I got my copy of EA’s video game based on the film, I thought… this might be good? I was right. Most of the reviews I’ve come across are pretty terrible. Some say the game is lazy and uninspiring, but even with very low expectations, I found that the game to be quite entertaining. The graphics do leave something to be desired, but the sound and vintage style gameplay certainly makes up for it.

I say forget the reviewers, give it a chance and “Get G.I.Joe Tough”!

Game Description: As COBRA unleashes its deadliest plot yet, the G.I. JOE Team is counting on you and your hand-picked team of heroes to lead the counterattack. Every mission is critical and so is every G.I. Joe character. Picking up where the live action film leaves off, G.I. Joe The Rise of Cobra is an accessible third person action-arcade shooter that allows players to recreate and relive the greatest moments from the film, cartoon series and action toy line.

Choose from 16 playable characters (four of which are unlockable COBRA characters) — each with a unique set of abilities and weapons. Then gear up with the latest in high-tech gadgets (like the film-inspired Accelerator Suit) and high-powered vehicles and take your forces across 20 levels to face the worst threats in Cobra Commander’s arsenal. Adding to the adrenaline rush will be an intense single-screen co-op mode allowing two players to easily unite as a team in a classic struggle between good and evil as they work together to defeat the powers of the COBRA organization.

Game Features:
* Exclusive all-new storyline that picks up where the film ends.
* Two player co-op lets players choose an elite team and call in support from other G.I. JOE characters.
* Choose from 16 playable characters — each with a unique set of abilities and weapons.
* Characters are classified into one of three units: Commandos who do well at close range, Heavys who possess extraordinary shooting skills but do it best from a distance and Combat Soldiers who are a balance between the two.
* Gear up with the latest in high-tech gadgets like the film-inspired Accelerator Suit which makes you invincible and gives you short bursts of additional fire power.
* Drivable G.I. JOE and COBRA vehicles designed for two-player co-op.
* Three difficulty levels — appealing to players of all ages and skill levels (Casual, Advanced and Hardcore).
* 20 levels — each with 3-5 areas to explore – across four environments.
* 75 file cards and various intelligence items hidden throughout the game which can be used to unlock additional playable characters, special missions, 4 PSAs and other bonus content