Take to the skies in 1942 Mobile

1942 Mobile is a mobile version of the arcade classic shoot-’em-up. In this simple vertical scrolling game, you take on swarms of enemy aircraft, trying to fly for as long as you can until you get short down. This isn’t actually a port of the arcade game — instead, it’s a version of a later Java release.

One plane against hundreds

Vertical scrolling shoot-’em-ups aren’t usually very complicated, and 1942 Mobile is no exception. You move your plane using touch-screen controls to avoid enemy fire, blasting away. You can also do a loop to avoid enemy fire if you time it precisely. As with most games in the genre, you’ll collect various power-ups and achievements along the way. If you want the traditional arcade challenge, play in Classic mode, if you want something more accessible, play in Casual mode. You can collect achievements in either mode. The graphics are a little old-fashioned, but then this is a retro game. Although there is some lag in this game, it scrolls more smoothly than some other clumsy Capcom mobile ports. The control system is simple, easy to use and feels pleasantly responsive.

A nostalgic way to pass some time

1942 Mobile isn’t the most sophisticated game in its genre, but it’s a fun way to pass a little time every now and again, particularly if you’re a fan of the original game.