Do You Remember 1943? | NES | ep2
Wow, just got swept away in nostalgia playing 1943: The Battle of Midway on my trusty NES again! It's incredible how some games just stick with you, and this Capcom classic is definitely one of them. For anyone who's curious about the 1943 NES gameplay, let me tell you, it's still as challenging and thrilling as I remember from my younger days. The core of 1943 is a vertical-scrolling shoot 'em up, and it really puts your reflexes to the test. You're flying a P-38 Lightning, code-named "Super Ace," through waves of enemy fighters and massive battleships. The controls are simple – D-pad to move, A to shoot, B for your special move (which is crucial!). What makes it stand out from other shooters on the Nintendo console is its unique power-up system. Instead of just picking up upgrades, you actually collect 'POW' icons and then press the B button to cycle through options like the powerful Shotgun spread, the rapid-fire 3-Way Shot, or even a super helpful Auto mode that automatically fires for you. My personal favorite has always been the Shell, especially against those bigger, tougher enemies, as it can clear a path right through projectile spam. When I see the '1988 Capcom Co. Ltd.' on the start screen, it just brings a smile to my face, knowing the quality that awaits. Speaking of tough enemies, the bosses in 1943 are iconic. You'll face screen-filling battleships and aircraft carriers, each with their own attack patterns you need to learn. Mastering when to use your special moves, the Loop-the-Loop (for temporary invincibility and dodging) and the Mega Crash (clearing the screen of weaker enemies), is absolutely key to survival. I remember countless evenings yelling at the TV as I tried to perfectly time my evasions, especially when those bullet hell patterns started appearing. The difficulty ramps up pretty quickly, making every stage feel like a real accomplishment when you clear it, and managing your limited special moves becomes a tactical decision. One thing I've always loved about the 1943 NES gameplay is the feeling of progression. As you shoot down enemies, you gain experience points that can upgrade your plane's speed, attack power, or defense. It adds a nice RPG-lite element that was quite innovative for its time. And who can forget the awesome soundtrack? It just pumps you up for battle! There’s a real satisfaction that comes from seeing your plane become more powerful, which is essential to tackle the later stages of this Battle of Midway inspired game. Even today, 1943: The Battle of Midway holds up surprisingly well. It's a fantastic example of Capcom at their peak during the NES era, delivering tight controls, exciting action, and a fair but demanding challenge. If you've never played it, or if it's been a while, I highly recommend digging out that old Nintendo console or finding an emulator. It's a timeless retrogaming experience that truly defined arcade-style action for a generation. The classic 'push start button' prompt is all it takes to transport you back. What's your favorite power-up in 1943? Or perhaps a level you found particularly challenging?
