Cobra Kai gets beat-em-up video game
Cobra Kai, the hit series spinoff of The Karate Kid movies, is getting a video game adaptation. Titled Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues, this side-scrolling beat-em-up is set to be released for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on October 27, 2020 according to GameMill Entertainment.
The video game brings the rivalry of Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence to the small screeen in this two-player couch co-op side-scrolling beat-'em-up format in the classic style of arcade fighting games like Double Dragon and Street Fighter II.
Voiced by original actors Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, the video game will lead playable fighters from either Cobra Kai or Miyagi-Do Karate dojo throughout multiple levels. Next generation fighters Miguel, Sam, Robby, Hawk and more are part of the eight-character roster.
Each fighter will have their own combos, special moves (including Daniel’s iconic crane kick as seen in the trailer), upgrades, and skill trees to max out. Players need to complete both the Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do Karate campaigns throughout 28 story missions. including boss fights in order to unlock the game's ultimate ending. Players will have to complete both dojos’ story arcs, which takes storylines from the Cobra Kai series, to get to the game’s ultimate conclusion.
Ok, I loved the first two seasons of the show, but to be honest, this game looks like a mobile game that Johnny Lawrence might play on his first ever smart phone while chugging down bottles of Coors Light on a boring afternoon. I know the retro throwback is intentional, but not every movie and series needs a video game tie-in. I hope I’m wrong and that this game will play better than it looks.
Cobra Kai originally premiered on YouTube's Red service, gaining a massive following on the streaming site. The move to Netflix is expected to hype its popularity even more ahead of Season 3, which will be released in 2021.
Cobra Kai Season 1 and Season will drop on Netflix this August 28. Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues video game will be available to purchase on October 27.
(Images via GameMill Entertainment)