The control scheme for the game is very simple: you move with the left thumbstick and the face buttons control all of your weapons. Joint strike missiles are obtained by getting hit-combos, and bombs are obtained the same way other power-ups are obtained, except that these power-ups shift between replenishing your health and one extra bomb. With that being said, there were countless times where I tried to get more health, and at the last minute, it shifted to bombs and I was stuck with an extra one.

The visuals of the game are pretty good, but nothing’s really mind-blowing, especially when you compare the game to other games like Geometry Wars 2. Where the game does succeed, though, is with the WW2 feel; the visuals remind you of an old Pearl Harbor movie of some sort. The sound, however, is very poor: bad sound effects and a weak soundtrack make for an unpleasant listening experience.

What saves the game, you ask? It’s the online co-op mode. While there aren’t any different modes where you and your friend compete for score or just fight an infinite horde of enemies that grow stronger and stronger, playing the game’s campaign mode with a friend is much more entertaining than playing alone. The joint strike missiles are changed to a much cooler, team oriented attack. Also, the game works much better with co-op on the widescreen: you’re not overwhelmed with enemies from left to right because you and your friend can cover each side.

With that being said, the co-op mode isn’t perfect either. Once your friend loses all of their lives, you can’t give them any of yours. He/she is basically stuck to watch you for the rest of the game, or they have to quit.

Overall, 1942: Joint Strike has a major lack of polish. The game should’ve been tested by players, and I’m sure they would’ve said that the game is too hard. People often complain that a game is too easy, or say “the harder the better,” but once they play this game, I’m positive that they’ll change their minds. The game is fun, but it has no depth and is extremely short; it can be beaten in 30-40 minutes, but only after your tenth try, that is. If the game had some more modes or unlockables, it might have been worth your money, but unless you’re a die-hard 1942 fan or just extremely rich, you should probably pass on this game. It’s not worth your $10.