Cobra Triangle (NES) Playthrough

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Published on October 13, 2024 12:00:00 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBTxrvDKEes

Game:

Cobra Triangle (1989)

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Playthrough of Nintendo's 1989 NES racing game, Cobra Triangle.

Cobra Triangle for the NES, released by Rare in 1989, is a unique action game that blends high-speed boat racing with combat and a variety of mission objectives. Designed by the team behind other Rare classics like R.C. Pro-Am, Cobra Triangle takes place entirely on water, with players controlling a heavily armed powerboat that must navigate through dangerous environments, all while engaging in combat and completing mission-based objectives. Its combination of fast-paced action, variety in level design, and tight controls made it one of the more distinctive titles on the NES, though it didn’t achieve widespread popularity compared to other games of the time.

While Cobra Triangle doesn’t feature a deep narrative, its premise is simple and effective. Players control a futuristic speedboat equipped with weapons, traversing various water-filled levels. The objective varies depending on the stage, ranging from races to rescue missions and battles against enemy boats. Although the game doesn’t offer a detailed backstory, the diverse environments and mission objectives suggest a world where the player’s boat is part of an elite force responsible for protecting waterways from hostile forces, retrieving important objects, and neutralizing threats.

At its core, Cobra Triangle is an action game that mixes traditional racing elements with combat and strategic objectives. The game is divided into 25 stages, each with a different mission. One level might task the player with racing through checkpoints while dodging obstacles and enemies, while another might require them to rescue swimmers from hostile boats or destroy enemy targets. This variety in gameplay keeps the experience fresh, as players are constantly adjusting their strategies based on the mission at hand.

The boat is controlled from an overhead, isometric perspective. The player’s boat is equipped with forward-facing cannons that can be upgraded throughout the game. Power-ups collected during levels allow players to enhance their boat's speed, firepower, and durability. Combat is a core aspect of the game, with enemy boats, helicopters, and other hazards constantly attacking. The game balances racing and combat mechanics, meaning players must not only maneuver skillfully but also manage when and how to attack enemies, creating a dynamic challenge.

One of the game’s standout features is the variety of mission objectives. Some levels involve standard racing or combat, but others introduce unique challenges, such as defusing mines, protecting a group of swimmers from enemy attacks, or even facing off against large boss characters, such as a giant sea serpent.

Cobra Triangle is known for its high difficulty, which is typical of many NES games from the era. Enemy attacks are relentless, and the game’s stages often include environmental hazards like waterfalls, whirlpools, and explosive mines. Controlling the boat can be tricky, especially when trying to navigate tight spaces while under fire from enemies. The difficulty curve is steep, particularly in later levels where quick reflexes and precise movements are crucial for survival.

In addition to its challenging gameplay, Cobra Triangle features well-designed stages that keep players engaged. The environments are varied, from open lakes to narrow rivers and dangerous waterways filled with obstacles. The water physics, while simplistic, add a layer of depth to the movement of the boat, making it feel distinct from traditional land-based racing or combat games.

For an NES game, Cobra Triangle offers impressive graphics, particularly in terms of its water effects and the design of the various enemy vehicles. The isometric perspective gives the game a 3D-like feel, and the environments are bright, colorful, and detailed enough to distinguish different types of terrain and hazards.

The soundtrack, composed by David Wise (known for his work on Donkey Kong Country and other Rare titles), complements the action with high-energy music that fits the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of the gameplay. The sound effects, such as explosions and gunfire, are sharp and punchy, providing satisfying feedback during combat.

Cobra Triangle didn’t achieve the same level of fame as some other Rare titles, but it has maintained a strong following among NES enthusiasts due to its unique blend of racing, combat, and mission-based gameplay. The game’s innovative combination of mechanics and Rare’s trademark polish make it a memorable experience, one that stands the test of time for players looking for a challenging and fast-paced action game on the NES.

Though it may not have reached the mainstream success of titles like Battletoads or Donkey Kong Country, Cobra Triangle remains a significant example of Rare's creativity and knack for developing engaging, original games during the 8-bit era.