1942: Joint Strike Co-Op Review
Review System(s): Xbox Live Arcade Playstation Network
Growing up, I always looked forward to trips to Bruno's Pizza. Not because they had some seriously bangin' pizza (which they did) but because they had a 1942 Arcade Machine. 1942 is a classic arcade title from Capcom, it's a traditional style top down shooter set in a World War 2 motif. Capcom's latest remake, 1942: Joint Strike is a complete overhaul of the original game adding in 3d graphics, new enemies and co-op specific attacks.
The folks at Backbone Entertainment have done an amazing job with the game's look. From the little 1940's style overlay filter that plays before and after the missions, to the small detailed battle that is taking place on the ground below; every nook and crannie of the game has been given the special graphical treatment. The new co-op attacks (that's the "Joint Strike" portion) also add something unique to the game. There are 3 different attacks that you can choose from. The first of these are the lightning attack which when activated fuses a bolt of lightning between the players planes. The second attack is a missile based one which launches a group of missiles in the middle area between the two planes. The third is a tricky attack which actually bounces shots off your counterpart's plane. The lightning attack definitley seems the most effective of the three.
With three planes to choose from, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as three joint strike attacks there's plenty of replayability here in co-op. Plus there are four difficultly levels, though I'm not sure how much harder they make the gameplay - they seem to only change the amount of lives you start with. The bottom line is if you love top down scrolling shooters, and you love playing them with friends, you are going to really enjoy 1942: Joint Strike.
The Co-Op Experience: Team up with a buddy to dogfight your way through an alternate WWII. Choose from one of three planes, and one of three co-op specific attacks.
Reader Comments 
Great review, I'm hoping to find time to pick this game up tonight. Played the heck out of 1942, 1943, and that 1943 add-on (1944?). Love the short video reviews on this site. Let's me get a quick peek at the games.
I would like to give this game a try myself. I'm trying to convince a couple of friends to get the game so we can co-op this one. Based on this review I think I'll pick it up.
I wouldn't mind the game either. I tried the demo and really enjoyed it...regardless I'll probably pick this one up for PS3...
I remember playing this game in the arcades. Back then I was just a kid and died in less than a minute
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Yeah, I've run through the game 2-3 times now and I'll say it's definitely worth the MS points for it. Boss battles are especially nice, hard, but not impossible like many modern SHMUPS.