This is where it began for the 194X series and where it had almost just begun for Capcom. Released in 1984 and only their fourth release after
Vulgus, Sonson, and Pirate Ship Higemaru. With an almost self-flagellation approach to games design, the Japanese based Capcom essentially allow the player to pilot a western fighter plane to shoot the bejesus out of wave after wave of Japanese planes. I understand that when basing a game on the pacific dogfights of WWII you have to stay somewhat true to the history but to create a game which sees your own countrymen shot to shit strikes me as odd. Perhaps they wanted closure?
Heading over to Twin Galaxies, it’s no surprise to see at large amount of submissions for 1942 considering it’s popularity over the years. Capcom report a total of 1.2 million copies sold across all formats since it’s initial release. In total there are 64 MAME submissions with the lowest being 6,190 and the highest score being 12,413,510 by Simon Beck. I first encountered 1942 when my parents had it installed in their pub back in the day. The day being 1986. Aaaahh the memories. I was shit at it then. I wonder if my years of gaming has helped me improve any?
Probably not and I can’t remember my score from 23 years ago anyhow…
So lets begin. Ahhh. That wonderful tappy tap whistle drum roll when you put a coin in. Ahh, the fantastic variation on that drum roll and ‘flute’ that makes up the theme tune. Oh Jesus. I forgot all about this. You’re greeted with the not-so-welcome message “LAST 32 STAGE”. 32 stages? This is going to be a bloody slog and a half. The other thing which strikes me is that after coming off the back of 1941: Counter Attack how sedate this is. 1941 was full on whereas in comparison 1942 is like taking the dog for a gentle stroll round the park. Obviously that would be a P-38 Lightning shaped dog and the park would actually be the sky and you’re not feeding ducks but actually shooting them and you don’t get an ice cream if it’s a hot day you get a power up and and and…well you get the idea.
After a couple of goes I make it through to stage 2, my first score is 64,850 and already I’m having to break out of the 1941 mindset. In 1941 you only have one life but you do have a health bar and rolls to avoid enemy planes which deplete your energy when used. In 1942, it’s typical old school one hit and you’re out of it but you do have three lives and three rolls per life so it’s not all bad. Bottom line is whereas in 1941 I could take a few hits and try my hardest to not use the rolls in this it’s the reverse.
…..
Attempt No. 7 and I reach level 5 with a score of 171770 and already i’m 41st… It turns out that level 4 is a “( % and point up stage )” which, and I’m just guessing here, is an attempt to translate to Bonus Stage. Just a guess mind you.
…..
208,190 which places me at 31st and now patterns begin to emerge. The first enemies are pretty dumb pilots in grey planes. They appear from the top and at times will kamikaze it towards you but are still far from a formidable enemy and are easily disposed of. After a few waves of these comes a combination of small tricky green planes, medium sized planes which require a few hits and mahoosive planes which cheekily appear from the bottom of the screen and take even more hits to dispose of. The grey planes then make a useless return which signals you’re coming to the end of the level and the safe haven of your aircraft carrier.
The power ups are limited to the level you’re on and not random. Green ‘POW’ on first stage for quad shot, White ‘POW’ on second stage for a smart bomb, Grey Orange ‘POW’ on stage 3 for additional side planes and a red pow at various times for a 1000 point bonus.
Every now and again a solitary green plane will sneak in to the screen in either bottom corner. Shoot it and it will spin out of control, die and leave behind a Yashichi giving you a 5,000 bonus.
…..
281,460, 6th level, 24th in the world and that 1st position is looking a long long way away. I’ll make my milestone 300,000+ and call it a day.
…..
302,440, 7th level and still 24th. Progressed to the end of level 7 and came face to face (or should that be propeller to propellor?) with a big boss of some kind. Unfortunately, I had no lives left and my wingmen decided to chicken out and leave me to fight a solitary fight. Alas, a few seconds in and I was killed by the barrage of bullets he’s produced. With my milestone of 300,000+ met it’s time to submit this to Twin Galaxies.
So, yes, it seems that after 23 years I’m still shit at this… However, like 1941 before this I know for sure that I’ll be drawn back to this before not too long. Next up; 1943: The Battle of Midway
Download the inp for playback in WolfMAME 0.106