Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising Review (Xbox)

For fans of the Netflix series, Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising delivers exactly what the title promises: another chance to step into the rivalry between Cobra Kai, Miyagi-Do, and Eagle Fang. What it doesn't always deliver is the depth or polish needed to elevate it beyond a licensed tie-in. Still, beneath the rough edges is a surprisingly enjoyable arcade fighter that understands the appeal of the franchise. The game lets players choose a dojo, recruit fighters, and battle their way toward All Valley glory, drawing heavily on the characters and conflicts that have made the show such a success.

Rather than simply retelling the show's story, Dojos Rising introduces a new narrative while also allowing players to relive famous moments through its Cobra Classics mode. The campaign is a straightforward affair that sees you building up your chosen dojo, taking on rival students, and progressing towards the All Valley Tournament. While the story won't win any awards, it captures the spirit of the show well enough, offering plenty of fan service and recognizable faces along the way.

At its core, Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising is less of a traditional fighting game and more of an arcade-style beat-'em-up with light team management elements. Players begin by selecting one of the series' iconic dojos and gradually recruit fighters to build a roster capable of competing in the All Valley Tournament. This structure gives the campaign a sense of progression, as you're constantly unlocking new students, customising your team, and deciding who should represent your dojo in upcoming battles.

Combat is intentionally straightforward. Characters have access to light and heavy attacks, blocks, grabs, and special moves, making fights immediately accessible even for younger players or fans of the show who don't regularly play fighting games. Pulling off combos is simple enough to feel satisfying, and each character has their own unique abilities that help differentiate the roster. Johnny, Daniel, Miguel, Hawk, Sam, and the other familiar faces all have slightly different strengths and fighting styles, encouraging players to experiment rather than relying on a single favourite.

The downside is that the combat system doesn't evolve much throughout the campaign. While unlocking new fighters and techniques adds some variety, battles often revolve around using the same combinations of attacks repeatedly. Enemy AI can also be predictable, leading many encounters to blur together as the story progresses. What starts out as an entertaining brawler can become a repetitive button-mashing experience during longer play sessions.

Where the game does find its own identity is through the dojo-building mechanics. Recruiting students and creating your ideal roster adds a light strategic element that separates Dojos Rising from the first game. You're not simply controlling one fighter through a linear campaign; you're assembling a team that reflects your chosen dojo's philosophy. It's a simple system, but one that captures the competitive spirit of the show surprisingly well.

The various modes also help keep things interesting. Story battles, online tournaments, and the fan-service-heavy Cobra Classics mode provide different ways to play, even if none are particularly deep on their own. The result is a game that's easy to pick up for twenty or thirty minutes at a time, especially when playing with friends or reliving memorable moments from the series.

One of the game's strongest features is its roster. With 28 playable characters pulled from across the series, there's a good chance your favourite student or sensei is represented. Each fighter comes with their own abilities and stats, adding a little variety to matches, while the dojo recruitment system encourages experimentation with different team combinations. It's a neat idea that gives the game more identity than simply being a sequence of fights.

Visually, Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising is serviceable but far from spectacular. Character models are recognisable, and the colourful presentation reflects the exaggerated nature of the show, but environments often feel sparse and animations can appear stiff during combat. This is very much a budget-priced licensed game rather than a technical showcase, and expectations should be set accordingly. The presentation gets the job done without ever truly impressing.

The online tournament mode adds some longevity, allowing players to test their dojo against others in competitive battles. While fun in short bursts, the relatively simple combat system means the multiplayer lacks the staying power of more established fighting games. Still, it's a welcome inclusion for players who want more than the single-player campaign.

Pros

• Large roster of 28 playable characters

• Captures the spirit and humour of the show

• Easy-to-learn combat system

• Multiple modes including story, Cobra Classics, and online tournaments

Cons

• Combat becomes repetitive

• Limited depth compared to dedicated fighting games

• Budget presentation and stiff animations

• Story mode lacks memorable moments

Ultimately, Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising feels like a game designed primarily for fans. Those invested in the series will appreciate the large roster, familiar rivalries, and opportunity to lead their favourite dojo to victory. Players looking for a deep fighting experience or a highly polished action game may come away disappointed, but if you're after a light-hearted martial arts brawler packed with Cobra Kai nostalgia, there's enough here to earn a few rounds in the dojo.

XPN Rating: 3 out of 5 (SILVER)

Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising is available now!