A retro classic re-enters the skies

Those of you who remember the Laserdisc title Dragon’s Lair — which, incidentally, is also available on the iPhone — will be instantly at home with this retro classic. Placed in the cockpit of a high-tech attack chopper, it’s your mission to eliminate a terrorist threat across several different locations. It’s just like playing a cartoon from the 1980s, with traditional hand-drawn animation and a cheesy soundtrack to match.

However, because you’re controlling the chopper’s guns and missiles — as well as occasionally steering to avoid obstacles — it feels a lot more involving than most full-motion video titles. The only niggle is that the controls take quite a bit of getting used to, but thankfully the training mode explains things in a reassuringly robust fashion. It might not be to everyone’s tastes, but Cobra Command is well worth a look if you seek an action title with a difference and it contains just enough retro charm to keep you gunning away for a few hours, more than justifying the price tag.

Rating 4 Star