At the end of Level 1, with Bodan destroyed, a somewhat annoying pointless bonus round appears. You are chased down the screen by the end-of-level-5 boss whilst avoiding fighter aircraft coming the other way. Medals are dotted around the minimal playing area that can be collected for points. Hit too many enemy planes, or allow the boss to make contact with your craft and the level ends. Completing this section of the game becomes a chore on each replay, and interrupts the chaotic, satisfying flow on the main levels. 

Level 2, 3, 4 and 5 are more of the same – each end of level boss becoming more difficult to destroy and having more ludicrous armament. 1942 may seem like a chore to some players, where each level follows a standard, familiar old-school formula. This is a game that you’re either going to love or move on after playing the trial for five minutes. Marmite anyone? 

Killing the level 5 boss sees the game abruptly ending - which for me is a total anti-climax to 25 minutes of button mashing. A more satisfying conclusion would be for the game to return the player to level 1 and work to increase the score.  

Special mention also has to go to the superb pseudo-3D scenery that scrolls below on each of the themed levels. Shooting down Big Ben and huge battle ships feels fantastically rewarding. 

There’s co-op play for two players, both local and online offering a truly fantastic, frantic experience. Instead of the missile attacks from solo play, you can now use special Joint Strike attacks in conjunction with your companion. Each player gets to choose their own plane along with their preferred attack. Shot Link allows you to ricochet a powerful attack off your partner; Clash Blast pulls up a crosshair between the two planes and destroys anything in that area and Chain Lightning creates an arc of electricity between both players that can then be used to trap and kill enemies. 

1942:Joint Strike is a modern take on an old-time classic formula. To Capcom’s credit, they have produced an extremely polished sequel to an all time favourite that is easily accessible to all, but only mastered by those with a quick eye and a motivation to see their name atop of their friends high score leader board. I’m at the top of mine, are you?