As the world eagerly awaits the release of the highly anticipated G.I. Joe: Wrath of Cobra, a new chapter in the franchise's video game history has emerged, shedding light on the fate of a previous title that captured the hearts of fans. G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout, a team-based third-person shooter released in 2020, has now been announced to be delisted from Steam, leaving players with a limited window to experience this unique take on the beloved military action series.

Exploring the Highs and Lows of G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout

A Clash of Titans: G.I. Joe vs. Cobra

G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout offered players the opportunity to step into the boots of either the heroic G.I. Joe team or the villainous Cobra organization, each with their own unique set of playable characters. The game's core gameplay revolved around intense team-based battles, with modes such as Capture the Flag, King of the Hill, Assault, and the iconic Deathmatch Arena. This dynamic allowed players to experience the eternal struggle between the forces of good and evil, as they vied for control of the battlefield.

Divided Opinions: Metacritic Scores and Fan Reactions

Despite the game's promising premise, reviews gathered by the score aggregator Metacritic painted a mixed picture, with average scores ranging from 51 to 56, depending on the platform. This suggests that while some players found the game engaging, others were left wanting more from the G.I. Joe experience. The varying opinions among fans highlighted the challenges of delivering a title that could truly capture the essence of the beloved franchise.

A Fleeting Opportunity: Delisting and Limited Availability

In a surprising move, publisher GameMill Entertainment has announced that G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout will be delisted from Steam on December 31st, 2024, meaning the game will have been available on the platform for just over four years. This decision not only affects the base game but also its downloadable content, which included additional skins and cosmetic items. For those who have yet to experience the game, the limited window of availability presents a unique opportunity to dive into this chapter of the G.I. Joe saga before it disappears from digital storefronts.

Pricing Variations Across Platforms

The pricing of G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout varies across different platforms, offering players a range of options to consider. On Steam, the vanilla edition is currently available for $11.21 CAD (67% off), while the Digital Deluxe version, which includes additional content such as skins, a digital soundtrack, and an art book, can be purchased for $11.60 CAD (80% off). Over on the Nintendo Switch, the base game is priced at $49.99 CAD, but the Digital Deluxe version is available for $11.99 CAD, a significant 80% discount. On the Xbox platform, the base game is $12.49 CAD, while the Digital Deluxe version remains at the full price of $59.99 CAD. The PlayStation version, which received the lowest ratings, is priced at $39.99 USD for the vanilla edition and $49.99 USD for the Digital Deluxe.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Revenge - A Promising Companion

As the G.I. Joe franchise continues to captivate fans, another beloved property, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, has also made headlines with the upcoming release of Rita's Revenge. Previews from GameSpot and IGN have provided a glimpse into the game's unique features, including the ability to pilot the iconic Dinozords and Battle Bikes, as well as the cooperative Megazord gameplay. The time travel element, where players must destroy Time Disruptor crystal containers before the game rewinds, adds an intriguing twist to the classic beat-'em-up experience. With the Power Rangers franchise's enduring popularity, Rita's Revenge promises to offer a complementary experience for fans seeking more action-packed adventures.In the ever-evolving landscape of video game adaptations, the story of G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the challenges of translating beloved franchises into successful interactive experiences. While the game may not have resonated with all fans, its limited availability and the emergence of other exciting titles, such as Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Revenge, suggest that the thirst for immersive military and superhero-themed adventures remains strong. As the G.I. Joe and Power Rangers franchises continue to captivate audiences, the future of their video game adaptations remains a tantalizing prospect, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in these iconic sagas.