G.I. Joe

"Amazing how Destro still defeats me"

Developed by Taxan, G.I. Joe is a 2D action game based on the once popular characters of the same name, who used to have comic books, action figures and animated shows, among others, by the time this game was made.

In G.I. Joe, the task force of the joes has been able to pinpoint the main bases of the Cobra organization, and decided to put an end to their criminal acts. No “diplomatic solutions” here: the idea is to infiltrate the bases, set some bombs and explode all the buildings, not without killing hundreds of cobra soldiers along the way (apparently, this does not seem to be a problem).

The gameplay has a 2D action/platform feel, and is similar to games like Castlevania or Ninja Gaiden. Each stage of G.I. Joe takes place in a different Cobra base and is divided in three sub-levels. During the first sub-level your team tries to gain access to the base, in the second you are inside the building and must place timed explosives in specific key points and, in the third one, be fast and escape before everything comes down.

For each mission (stage), you select three different joes for your assault team. You can play as any of these three and can change your character at any time. Good thing, since each joe may be better under certain circumstances. Also, there is no shortage of bosses in this title: every ten minutes or so, you will be fighting one Cobra officer, including Metal-Head, Destro and even the garish Gollubulus. An interesting feature is that whenever you find a Cobra vehicle abandoned along the way, do not be ashamed, you can get into it and use it to attack your foes.

In terms of graphics, the game is not even close to the best of the system. At least, all the characters are promptly identifiable, be it a vehicle, a joe or a cobra. The backgrounds are clear and colorful, even though they lack complexity and variety, resulting in very similar stages (especially when you are inside the bases). The music, on the other hand, is really nice. Some of the themes are great, like those during Destro’s base and boss battles, and are among my favorite tunes of the NES.

In general, G.I. Joe is very good. I cannot say it is flawless. I cannot say it is revolutionary. It certainly will not change your life. I ensure you, however, that it is a solid and well rounded title which does accomplish its objective: to please G.I. Joe fans. As a matter of fact, the game has turned out to be quite interesting, and even gamers who never heard of the joes may enjoy it. Good enough for a title this old.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/03/04