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Cobra Triangle

NES

NES

There are 25 stages in the game, including bonus stages. Each series of five generally contains one of each type of mission. The fifth are generally the boss stages. The bosses are a sea serpent (as seen on the cover), a giant crab, a giant squid, a red and black version of the sea serpent and a ...

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Developer
Rare

Released on
1989

Size
1 Player

Version
NES

Requirements
Nintendo Entertainment System

Downloads
Racing

Publisher
Nintendo

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

There are 25 stages in the game, including bonus stages. Each series of five generally contains one of each type of mission. The fifth are generally the boss stages. The bosses are a sea serpent (as seen on the cover), a giant crab, a giant squid, a red and black version of the sea serpent and a giant shark. The game uses a powerup bar similar to the Gradius series. Powerup pods are collected to move the selector to different powerup items. When the desired powerup is highlighted, the player can select it, after which the menu returns to an unhighlighted state. Menu options are “Turbo” (increase the speed of the boat), “Fire” (increase the number of bullets the primary gun fires), “Speed” (increase speed of shots and rate of fire), “Missile” (improves missiles) and “Force” (a force field around the boat plus replenished health). The speed boat used for game play starts with a single gun which can be upgraded to a quadruple spread shot. Missiles can also be added to the boat’s arsenal and can be upgraded to heat-seekers. Between stages which are not connected by water, the Cobra Class has a helicopter style propeller that extends from the roof of the cabin. However, this flying state of the boat is never used in gameplay. The boat has a 12-point damage bar which can be reduced by contact with obstacles or enemy fire.

Cobra Triangle

Overview & History

Developed by Rare and published by Nintendo in 1989 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Cobra Triangle is a cult-classic vehicular combat game that merges top-down racing with arcade shooting. Unlike Rare's platforming hits of the later SNES and N64 eras, this 8-bit gem challenged players to pilot an advanced, high-speed armed motorboat through treacherous aquatic courses. Composer David Wise provided an iconic, high-octane chiptune soundtrack that elevated the intense pacing of the game's diverse stages, which ranged from navigating winding river rapids and rescuing stranded swimmers to battling screen-filling aquatic bosses like a giant mechanical sea serpent.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The game consists of alternating mission types across multiple winding waterways. Players must maneuver their speed boat upstream against aggressive currents, leap over wooden barriers and waterfalls using precise timing, and obliterate hostile watercraft, floating mines, and amphibious beasts. Power-ups scattered throughout the levels allow players to upgrade their vessel’s weaponry—transforming standard forward shots into wide spreads or powerful lasers—and enhance engine speed or armor. Distinct stages require unique tactics, such as towing a bomb to detonate an enemy base, defending friendly boats from marauding pirates, or surviving a chaotic whirlpool arena.