1942: Joint Strike - PS3 Network review

Thumb-numbing shooting like it’s 1984

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Classic vertical shooting

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    Bosses are big challenges

  • +

    Fun super weapons

Cons

  • -

    Some exploitable bosses

  • -

    Powerups could have done more

  • -

    Not hugely ambitious

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Joint Strike works. The gameplay hasn’t changed since 1984 and this is a good thing, if you’re making a 1942 game. This is a classic vertical shooter, waves of planes swirl and spin from all areas of the screen, red planes offer powerups, bombs and health; standard planes offer points, lots of points. Combos are awarded for continuously shooting waves of the little fellas and add to your Strike weapon – a rocket barrage that can be powered up to eight shots. So, the more you shoot the more Strikes you can launch and the better you do. It’s a nice addition that keeps you pumping bullets and makes progress a skilful journey.

Just like the old games, the action will vary between attacking ground targets and surviving aerial attacks. Bosses are big challenges that fill the screen and offer some tactical thought. Like the old classics, you’ll want to survive long enough to reach the next giant tank, airship or installation. Develop some interesting attack patterns, challenging enemies and a fun weapons system, then throw it all at one little plane trying to survive amid a screen-full of dangerous dots. It’s a fun and engaging game.

Where Joint Strike does slip-up is in its ambition and attention to detail. The power-up and Strike system could have been taken a step further, the bosses have some serious flaws – sit over a central turret of the ground vehicles and blast away unharmed as their attacks all spray out from the center. There is a sense of deja vu about the whole thing, but hey, this is a retro game. 1942: Joint Strike is a fun rehash of an old formula that isn’t a perfect example of the genre, but won’t offend. There’s some skill to completing it and unlike Commando 3, a real challenge in racking up a hi-score thanks to a decent points combo system. Our childhood memories are bruised, but intact.

Jul 29, 2008

More info

GenreArcade
DescriptionConsistent since 1984 - big bosses, lots of explosions and classic shooter gameplay - 1942 Joint Strike is a good play through but not that ambitious.
Platform"PS3"
US censor rating"Everyone 10+"
UK censor rating""
Release date1 January 1970 (US), 1 January 1970 (UK)
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Ian Dean

Imagine FX and Creative Bloq editor Ian Dean is an expert on all things digital arts. Formerly the editor of Official PlayStation Magazine, PLAY Magazine, 3D World, XMB, X360, and PlayStation World, he’s no stranger to gaming, either. He’ll happily debate you for hours over the virtues of Days Gone, then settle the argument on the pitch over a game of PES (pausing frequently while he cooks a roast dinner in the background). Just don’t call it eFootball, or it might bring tears to his eyes for the ISS glory days on PS1.