Man, beat ’em ups are totally back! You know, those old-school arcade games where you scroll sideways and just plow through tons of enemies until you get to a big boss? They’re making a huge comeback, and I’m loving it. The new game, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, is leading the way. It’s made by Tribute Games and the art style is seriously awesome – it reminds me of those classic 90s Marvel Super Heroes and Marvel vs. CAPCOM games. They threw a ton of Marvel characters in there, heroes and villains, and it’s one massive, galaxy-spanning adventure. It even includes some of the smartest tacticians Marvel has to offer!
Two games really stand out by blending classic beat-em-up action with a strong nostalgic vibe for the 1980s, especially for those who grew up with the toys and cartoons of that era. One is available now, while the other is set to release in 2026, and fans are incredibly excited about it.
First up is G.I. JOE: Wrath of Cobra. Released in late 2024 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, this game appeals to both fans of retro games and collectors of G.I. Joe toys. It really captures the classic look and feel of the original toys and vehicles, even more so than the cartoon series did.
buy g.i. joe; wrath of cobra on nintendo switch right now
The game starts by letting you pick one of four heroes: Duke, Snake Eyes, Scarlett, and Roadblock. Each character fights differently and has a special move. Duke is a strong fighter who uses bombs, Roadblock is slow but packs a punch with a minigun, Scarlett is quick and stuns enemies, and Snake Eyes is a precise swordsman sometimes aided by his wolf, Timber (a nod to the original 1985 toy!). You can unlock two more characters by collecting floppy discs dropped by defeated enemies – a fun throwback to the 80s.
The game lets you explore locations from the classic cartoon series and battle familiar Cobra enemies like robotic B.A.T.S. and the Crimson Guard. You’ll also see vehicles that look just like the original toys, including Cobra ATVs, H.I.S.S. tanks, Flight Pods, and S.N.A.K.E. armored suits.
The game G.I. JOE: Wrath of Cobra is packed with fun references for fans – for example, the cardboard cutouts of Cobra soldiers in the firing range mirror the pose on the original action figure’s packaging. You can find it on Nintendo Switch and other platforms for only $25.
If that sounds interesting, keep an eye out for He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction, coming in 2026. This new game, developed by Limited Run Games, plays like the classic arcade hit Golden Axe. You’ll get to control He-Man, Teela, Man-at-Arms, and Orko—and maybe even more characters—as they battle Skeletor and his evil forces, all wielding powerful, legendary weapons. The game draws inspiration from the original 80s cartoon and toy line, aiming to be a nostalgic experience for fans of classic arcade games, toy collectors, and cartoon enthusiasts alike.
You can pre-order He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction on Steam today, even though it doesn’t have a confirmed release date yet.
By the power of…Yo, Joe?
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2026-01-09 03:40