Arnold-KatayevIt's been an awfully long time since we've seen anything related to G.I. Joe brought to the mainstream. But with the upcoming release of the movie, you knew damn well that we'd at least see a videogame based on the movie from a large publisher, and that said videogame will be released on just about every living console. Well, here is G.I. Joe: Rose of Cobra, it'll be available at the end of this Summer for the PS3, PS2, Wii, Xbox 360, PSP, and Nintendo DS.
The game will be based on the movie, but will feature its own storyline, so as to not be limited to solely following every step of the film, but rather taking a creative approach at showing gamers the story from other perspectives. The game picks up from where the movie leaves off, but don't misunderstand though, because you will be able to partake in the key moments from the movie, you just won't be limited to only segments from the film.
Additionally, according to EA, you'll be allowed to go beyond the movie and experience events from the comics and cartoons, in addition to an experience related to the toys. So unlike other game-movie tie-ins, G.I. Joe aims to give its fans the proper mixture of what the whole franchise has to offer. EA hasn't stated how content outside of the movie will tie in to the game, but we're assuming they've carefully chosen unique segments that fit and seamlessly integrated them into the story mode.
There will be a total of 12 G.I. Joe characters to choose from, and you can expect to see each Joe to boast his/her own unique weapons and abilities. Also, because these days no shooter feels complete without a co-op mode, the game's story features single-screen co-op support. No word on if the screen splits automatically when a partner strays out of view, or if you're limited to the distance you can walk when paired up. Either way, we're curious to see how this co-op option will play out.
And yes, you know that this wouldn't be a G.I. Joe title if it didn't feature a whole line of G.I. Joe and Cobra vehicles that come complete with mounted firepower for you to mow down any enemy that stands in the way. These vehicles can be stolen, hijacked, or simply jumped into when you see them, so keep your eyes open, and remember, have a buddy with you to make use of their turrets.
The game is due for a late-Summer release, and from what we've seen thus far, the visuals aren't exactly cutting edge stuff. Animation seems stiff and textures don't look next-gen, leading us to believe that a lower-end game engine is being used for the game in order for quick and easy PS2 and Wii ports. Still, there's plenty of time for the game's development, and anything can happen. Additionally, we're hoping that the game boasts an assortment of online multiplayer mode, as a brand like this is made to be experienced online.
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is set to launch Summer 2009.
