If you are bat-shit crazy enough to ask yourself the question “Does Tyler really like the 1942 series?”, then you need to go HERE.
Done?
M’kay. Take all of what you just read and bump it up a half letter grade for a complete graphics overhaul and inventive 2 Player additions and you there you have 1942: Joint Strike. At it’s core, this is the exact same game as it’s predecessors. Swarming enemies with differing abilities/attacks, reflexive movement and dodging requirements, quick strategery to gain decisive power-ups and massive boss battles all come in for a smooth landing with this renovation of the series. The main focal point of this game are the graphics though.
Joint Strike is exactly the kind of update you want to see one of you favorite games become. Since the original was rooted in a graphically realistic domain such as the Pacific Theater (unlike Pac-Man CE’s infinite electronic maze-scape) , 1942:JS benefits beautifully from the washed out detailing it has received.
Problems? Fine, if you want to be fair and evenhanded, there were a few gripes I had about the game. One thing is that I couldn’t find one single game open for mutiplayer. Not one! That’s a shame. This game is meant to be played with another person, it’s even in the title! I couldn’t beat the 4th level alone, so look me up if you’re feeling the need…. the NEED FORawww forget it.
Also, the game was less a vertical shooter as it was a perpendicular shooter. Since the screen of most every good shmup is taller than it is wide, the dimensions of the gamespace feel a little contorted on in the widescreen format. If only you could turn the image 90 degrees clockwise and stand your $2000 Bravia on it’s side like the champs do for Ikaruga.
Overall, one of my favorite games to hit XBLA since Cloning Clyde.
JK
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