1942

1942 - the 1986 vertical shooter for Commodore 64 from Elite Systems.

Fly the P-38 up the screen through waves of fighters and bombers while
threading bullet patterns. Shoot down formations for power ups, use the
limited loop to dodge, and land on the carrier to push the campaign.

Core loop
- destroy enemy waves and bomber formations for score and upgrades
- collect power ups to widen fire and add side fighters
- survive to the end of the stage under a strict life stock

Systems and items
- loop maneuver - press space to roll out of danger - three uses per life
- power ups - faster shots - spread fire - twin wingmen side fighters
- extra loops - occasional pickup that restores your roll count

Level design and feel
Fast vertical scrolling with dense but predictable patterns. Carriers bookend
runs and stage waves repeat with rising intensity. After stage 24 the game
loops to stage 1. Mark Cooksey’s title theme is pure C64 energy.

Why it is notable
- C64 conversion programmed and drawn by Stephen Green - music by Mark Cooksey
- faithful to the arcade structure with the signature loop mechanic

Tips
- fire into bomber formations to force power up drops
- stay a third up from the bottom to read patterns without getting trapped
- save loops for bullet walls or pinch spawns near carriers

At a glance
Year - 1986
Developer - Elite Systems
Design and programming - Stephen Green
Music - Mark Cooksey
Publisher - Elite Systems
Genre - Vertical shooter
Players - 1
Controls - Joystick in port 2 - space to loop