G.I. Joe: Cobra Strike

G.I. Joe: Cobra Strike (also known as Action Force) is an action game released for the Atari 2600 in 1983 by Parker Brothers. In the game G.I. Joe's archenemy Cobra is attacking a training camp! Appearing in the form of a giant snake, Cobra is attempting to capture recruits from the camp; the cobra can shoot venom from it's fangs or laser beams from it's eyes which will transport any recruits in the line of fire directly to Cobra headquarters. The goal is to protect the recruits by defeclecting any attacks and destroying the cobra.

The game screeen consists of a giant cobra which moves along the top and the recruits running from right to left along the bottom attempting to escape. Just above the recruits is a shield which moves horizontally and gun turrets on the left and right. The shield can be moved to block Cobra attacks and pressing the fire button launches a missile against the Cobra. The missile can be guided using the paddle controllers and must hit one of the Cobra's eyes to cause damage. If four recruits are captured, the game is over. If the Cobra is hit eight times, the Cobra is destroyed and the game moves on to the next, more difficult level.

The game can be played by one to three players; depending on the number of players, both the G.I. Joes and Conbra can be player controlled. The game options are as follows:

1. One Player Game: A single G.I. Joe battles a computer controlled Cobra.
2. Two Player Game: Two G.I. Joes battle a computer controlled Cobra; gameplay is simultaneous so two shields appear on screen.
3. Three Player Game: Two G.I. Joes battle a player controlled Cobra. This version doesn't have increasing levels and instead ends when either the G.I. Joes win by destroying Cobra or the Cobra captures four recruits.

There are four game variations available which affect the speed of the Cobra and the shields. Points are earned for recruits which reach safety, hitting the Cobra, and for making bonus shots. Additional recruits are awarded for every 10,000 points; only the G.I. Joes earn points, in the three player game the Cobra does not have a score.