For decades, G.I. Joe has been an iconic staple of American pop culture, spanning action figures, animated shows, comic books, and blockbuster movies. In late 2020, GameMill Entertainment brought the franchise back to home consoles with G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout. Designed to tap into retro nostalgia, this third-person hero shooter tries to capture the classic 1980s cartoon spirit. But does it deliver a battle-ready experience, or does it retreat under fire?
Context and Overview
G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout was developed as a mid-budget action game aimed directly at fans of the classic lore. Unlike modern cinematic adaptations, the game leans heavily into traditional character designs and comic-inspired storytelling. It features a 17-mission campaign with single-player and couch co-op modes, as well as local player-versus-player (PvP) multiplayer matches.
Developer and Game Details
Understanding the team behind the game provides context for its design scope and budget:
| Developer | IguanaBee, Fair Play Labs |
|---|---|
| Publisher | GameMill Entertainment |
| Release Date | October 13, 2020 |
| Genre | Third-Person Hero Shooter / Action |
| Modes | Single-Player, Local 2-Player Co-Op, Local 4-Player PvP |
Story and Narrative
The story of Operation Blackout is one of its strongest features, offering an original storyline created in collaboration with comic book writers. The narrative begins as Cobra successfully launches the Blackout Sphere, a device that disables all electronic power and technology across the globe, allowing Cobra to conquer Earth.
The campaign splits the narrative into two distinct perspectives across 17 missions. Players control key G.I. Joe heroes—such as Duke, Snake Eyes, Scarlett, and Roadblock—as they fight to dismantle Cobra's hold. Additionally, missions switch to Cobra's viewpoint, letting players take control of Cobra Commander, Destro, Baroness, and Zartan. Cutscenes are presented in a stylish motion-comic format with full voice acting, preserving the Saturday morning cartoon vibe.
Graphics and Visual Style
Visually, the game adopts a cel-shaded art style intended to look like a interactive comic book. While the art direction fits the franchise nicely and gives the characters strong, recognizable profiles, the technical execution shows clear budget limitations. Environments often feel sparse and repetitive, and animations can appear stiff during heavy action. Despite these technical drawbacks, the vibrant color palette keeps the game looking lively on screen.
Playable Platforms
G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout was released across multiple platforms, ensuring easy access for fans across console generations:
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 4 (Playable on PlayStation 5 via backward compatibility)
- Xbox One (Playable on Xbox Series X/S via backward compatibility)
- Microsoft Windows (PC)
Final Recommendation
G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout is a fun, nostalgic throwback tailored for hardcore fans, but repetitive level design and basic gameplay mechanics limit its appeal for casual shooter fans.
If you are a long-time G.I. Joe enthusiast looking for an entertaining couch co-op shooter with authentic fan service, G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout is worth picking up, especially during a discount. However, gamers seeking high-budget production, online multiplayer, or modern shooter depth may find it overly simplistic.
