If you’re anything like us, the sound of “Cobra Kai” immediately conjures images of epic dojo rivalries, iconic karate moves, and the endlessly entertaining dynamic between Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso. The TV series has breathed new life into the Karate Kid universe, and naturally, fans have been eager to step onto the mat themselves. Enter Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising, a video game that promises to immerse you in the ongoing feud. But how does the virtual dojo fare? Let’s dive deep into this brawler and see if it delivers a kick or just a stumble.

You can find Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising and pick your side on Amazon: Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising on Amazon

What is Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising?

Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising is a 3D beat ’em up game that picks up right after the events of the TV show’s fourth season. Unlike its predecessor, this game aims for a more ambitious scope, allowing players to choose their allegiance from the get-go: Miyagi-Do, Cobra Kai, or Eagle Fang. The story mode takes you through various iconic locations from the show, pitting you against rival dojos and familiar faces in a quest for martial arts supremacy. It’s all about recruiting students, upgrading your dojo, and, of course, throwing down in classic brawler style.

Key Features & Gameplay Highlights

The game attempts to capture the essence of the show with several notable features:

Choose Your Dojo Path: This is perhaps the most significant new addition. Instead of a linear storyline, you can experience the narrative from the perspective of Cobra Kai, Miyagi-Do, or Eagle Fang. Each path offers unique character unlocks and story beats, encouraging replayability.
Expansive Roster: Fans will appreciate the generous selection of playable characters, including Johnny Lawrence, Daniel LaRusso, Miguel Diaz, Robby Keene, Samantha LaRusso, Tory Nichols, and many more. Each character comes with their own unique fighting style and special moves.
Dojo Management & Upgrades: As you progress, you’ll recruit new students and upgrade your chosen dojo. This involves training exercises that improve your characters’ stats and unlock new abilities, adding a light RPG element to the brawling.
Arcade Mode: For those who just want to jump into the action, Arcade Mode offers a quick way to test your skills against waves of enemies, reminiscent of classic beat ’em ups.
Authentic Voice Acting: One of the strongest points of the game is the inclusion of the actual voice actors from the Cobra Kai series. This immediately grounds the experience in the show’s universe, making dialogue and character interactions feel genuine.

The Good (Pros)

True to the Source Material: For die-hard Cobra Kai fans, this game is a love letter. The environments, character designs, and especially the voice acting (featuring the show’s cast!) really make you feel like you’re part of the ongoing saga. The fan service is top-notch.
Engaging Story Paths: The ability to choose your dojo and experience the story from different perspectives adds significant replay value and depth that many licensed games lack. It’s fun to see how the narrative shifts based on your allegiance.
Varied Character Roster: Having so many fan-favorite characters, each with their distinct move sets and special abilities, keeps the combat feeling fresh, at least for a while. Finding your preferred fighter is part of the fun.
Accessible Gameplay: The controls are relatively simple to pick up, making it a good choice for casual gamers or younger fans who might not be accustomed to complex fighting game mechanics.

The Not-So-Good (Cons)

Repetitive Combat: While the characters are varied, the core combat can become monotonous after a few hours. Enemies often behave similarly, and once you find a reliable combo, you might find yourself sticking to it, leading to a feeling of button-mashing.
Technical Glitches & Visual Inconsistencies: Players have reported occasional bugs, frame rate drops, and visual hiccups that can detract from the immersion. Graphically, it’s not going to win any awards, sometimes feeling a bit dated.
Short Story Mode: Despite the multiple dojo paths, the individual campaigns are relatively brief, and once completed, there isn’t a huge amount of post-game content beyond the Arcade Mode.
Lack of Depth: While the dojo management is a nice touch, it doesn’t offer significant strategic depth. The RPG elements are pretty light, and the core gameplay loop revolves mostly around punching and kicking.

User Impressions & Community Feedback

Community feedback for Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising is somewhat polarized, which is common for licensed tie-in games. Many fans laud its faithfulness to the show, praising the voice acting and the overall “Cobra Kai” vibe. They often highlight the enjoyment derived from playing as their favorite characters and experiencing the rivalries firsthand.

However, a significant portion of feedback points to the game’s technical shortcomings and repetitive gameplay. Gamers who expect a deep, polished fighting experience might be disappointed by the simpler mechanics and occasional jankiness. The consensus seems to be that it’s a solid experience for fans of the show, but perhaps less so for seasoned gamers looking for a top-tier brawler.

Who is Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising Best For?

Die-Hard Cobra Kai Fans: If you love the show, own all the merchandise, and constantly quote Johnny Lawrence, then this game is absolutely for you. The authenticity and fan service alone make it worth considering.
Casual Gamers Looking for a Quick Beat ’em Up: If you’re not looking for the next esports title but just want to unwind with a straightforward brawler, Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising offers a fun, if somewhat simple, experience.
Parents Looking for a Family-Friendly Brawler: With its familiar characters and relatively accessible gameplay, it could be a fun game to play with younger family members who are fans of the show.

Final Verdict & Call to Action

Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising is a game that knows its audience. It’s not a groundbreaking beat ’em up, nor is it free of flaws. However, what it does extremely well is deliver an authentic Cobra Kai experience that fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate. The ability to choose your dojo, the extensive character roster, and the incredible voice acting from the show’s cast genuinely bring the rivalry to life.

If you’re looking for a deep, technically perfect fighting game, you might want to adjust your expectations. But if you’re a devoted follower of Johnny, Daniel, and the entire Cobra Kai universe, and you’re eager to throw some virtual kicks and punches in their world, then this game offers a fun, if imperfect, journey.

So, is Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising worth the mat time for you? If you’re ready to pick your side and unleash some karate chaos, you can find Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising waiting for you on Amazon.

Grab your gi and prepare for battle!

Buy Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising on Amazon Here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B627K5RT?tag=usfm-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1

FAQ

Q. What type of game is Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising?
A. Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising is primarily a side-scrolling beat ’em up game with elements of RPG progression. Players take on the role of a sensei, choosing one of three dojos, and engaging in fast-paced combat while recruiting and training students.

Q. On which platforms is Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising available?
A. Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Q. Does the game follow the storyline of the Cobra Kai TV series?
A. The game features an all-new storyline that unfolds after the events of Cobra Kai Season 4. While it doesn’t directly adapt a specific season, it expands on the show’s universe, allowing players to experience a fresh narrative with familiar characters and themes.

Q. Which characters from the Cobra Kai series are playable in the game?
A. Players can choose to play as and recruit members from Miyagi-Do, Cobra Kai, or Eagle Fang Karate. This includes iconic figures like Johnny Lawrence, Daniel LaRusso, Miguel Diaz, Robby Keene, Sam LaRusso, Hawk, and Demetri, among others, each with their unique fighting styles and skill trees.

Q. What are the main gameplay modes in Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising?
A. The game features a branching story mode that allows players to experience the new narrative from the perspective of their chosen dojo. There’s also a ‘Tournament’ mode for replaying specific challenges, a ‘Training’ mode to hone skills, and a strong emphasis on recruiting students and upgrading your dojo and character abilities.

Q. Does Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising feature any multiplayer options?
A. Yes, Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising includes a two-player local co-op mode. Players can team up with a friend to tackle the story mode or other challenges together, bringing a dynamic tag-team element to the classic beat ’em up gameplay.

Q. How does the ‘Dojo Rising’ mechanic impact gameplay?
A. The ‘Dojo Rising’ mechanic is central to the game’s progression. As players advance, they recruit new students, expand their dojo’s roster, and train them. This involves earning currency and experience to unlock new abilities, improve stats, and customize the fighting styles of their entire team, impacting both combat effectiveness and strategic choices throughout the game.