1942: Information from Answers.com

Release Date: 1984
Genre: Shooter
Style: Vertical Scrolling Shooter
Similar Games: 1943: The Battle of Midway (Nintendo Entertainment System), 1943 Kai (Arcade), 1943 (Commodore 64/128), Xevious (Commodore 64/128), Xevious (Atari 7800), 1941 (Arcade), Xevious (Nintendo Entertainment System), 1943 (TurboGrafx-16), Xevious (TurboGrafx-16)

Game Description

Designed by Yoshiki Okamoto, who would go on to architect the Street Fighter and Final Fight franchises, 1942 is a fondly remembered vertically scrolling shooter in which players control a WWII-era plane through 32 levels of enemy-filled sea and landscapes. The first game in the "194x" series, 1942 features a special roll button that allows players to avoid dangerous situations by temporarily looping out of the 2D playfield. This, in addition to perfectly balanced gameplay, colorfully detailed graphics, and some nifty power-ups make the game a true classic.

~ Brett Alan Weiss, All Game Guide

Roots & Influences

This was the first in Capcom's famous series of World War II shoot-'em-ups, also known as the 194x series.

~ Brad Cook, All Game Guide

Review: Overall

Anyone who visited the arcades in the early 1980s will remember fondly the classic "194x" series of action games. 1942 was the first of what would be three scrolling action games based on the same game play dynamic. Even though it's naturally the most simplistic of the three, it's this same simplicity which makes it ultimately engaging as a classic.

Game play balance is perfect. It's difficult to the extent that the game doesn't allow you to advance very far on your first or second try, but shows you enough of what's to come to make you want to try again. The addition of the "roll" feature gives you the opportunity to bail out of a dangerous situation if you're quick enough to mash the button in time. Power-ups aren't dispensed too frequently, so it's especially important when they are obtained to work hard to stay alive and utilize them.

As engaging as the game play is, the graphics Capcom was often known for at the time cinch the game's appeal. Colorful and detailed, they make the game that much more approachable. Explosions look excellent, and the backdrop is varied enough to provide visual variety. Sound is fairly standard and neither improves the quality of the game nor hurts it compared to other action games of its time.

1942 was a very popular game in the '80s, and it's easy to see why once you've had a round or two with it. Not only is it easy to get into, it's engaging enough from a graphics and game play balance perspective to be considered an arcade classic.