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1942

Capcom was a powerhouse during the 80's and 90's for a reason.  They produced fantastic arcade and console games.  1942 is a shining example of what Capcom was doing during the mid 80's and is one of the very best of the first generation NES titles.

 1942 is an arcade port that found its way onto the NES in 1985.  It's a simple, arcade style shooter featuring combat planes.  Shooters are all but extinct now, and it's unfortunate, because their challenge level and sheer button mashing fun is unparalleled.

     1942 plays as good as it looks

 From a graphics standpoint, 1942 looks great for the time it was released.  Bright colors, some background changes and some nicely animated explosions are real highlights in this title.  There is a little dust on it, it's beginning to show its age, but it's certainly nothing to complain about, particularly not considering it was a very early NES cart.  It's too bad that you won't get to enjoy much in the way of graphics, due to the frantic game play.  It's not at all uncommon to see 10+ enemies on the screen at any given time.  Some will move in formations, some will act independently, and they will come from all directions.  Make no mistake about it, this game is very difficult.

 The controls are smooth; the plane reacts the way you expect it to.  The only gripe I have is the inclusion of a practically useless roll maneuver.  I nearly always forgot it was there until it was too late, and when I did remember, I regretted it.  The animation for the roll is too long, so often you come back up in the thick of things, causing you to die.  A bomb or other super weapon would have been more useful.  It's a minor thing, but it's something that bugged me during most of the game.  The real problem with this title is the sound.  The background music is repetitive and impossible to enjoy.  High pitched beeping is NOT my idea of pleasant sounding tunes.

                                                 I saw this screen....alot.

 Aside from the sound complaints and minor issue with the game play, 1942 is a fantastic title that should be in any shooter fans library.  Like I said before, this game definitely doesn't coddle you, it's a very difficult title, and would be impossible to beat without the continue feature.  It's not one for small children or the easily frustrated.

Final Score- 7/10
Good: Super Graphics, Great Control, Very Challenging
Bad: Sound, May be too challenging for some, The roll is useless
Recommended to Play? Yes
Recommended to Purchase? Yes