Welcome to a brand new episode of Defunct Games Decides, the show that isn't afraid to get to the bottom of classic video game arguments. Today we're taking a trip back to World War II, courtesy of Capcom. This is a series that brought the violent skies over the Pacific to life, spawning a number of sequels and ports. The Nintendo Entertainment System had both 1942 and 1943: The Battle of Midway, so the question that has to be asked at this point is witch one was better? Or were they basically the same game repackaged and sold under slightly different titles? I will take a closer look at both games and decide once and for all which WWII shooter is best.

1942 vs. 1943: The Battle of Midway

1942: Released in 1984 by Capcom, 1942 puts you in the cockpit of the "Super Ace" as you battle your way across the Pacific to Tokyo, destroying the whole Japanese air fleet and collecting power-ups along the way. The less hectic/slower pace of 1942 allows you to maneuver your way through waves of attacking enemy fighters, allowing for slow but steady progress through each stage of the game. I certainly find that my thumbs hurt less than when I play the much faster and often chaotic game that is 1943. Seriously, 1943 will push your thumbs to their limits.

1943: Faster, and more energetic than its predecessor, the 1987 sequel 1943: The Battle of Midway delivers on the parts where 1942 simply falls short. With a continuous soundtrack and blazing speed, this game really keeps you on your toes. Wave upon wave of enemy fighters come at you right from the start, and you will need all your reflexes and determination to dodge and shoot your way to victory. Oh and did I mention that you can summon lightning? Yeah, that's right, lightning. Take that Japan!

VERDICT: While neither of these games have amazing graphics, they both get the job done in terms of depicting a challenging battle in the skies over the Pacific. In the end, though, 1943: The Battle of Midway clearly wins out over its predecessor for two reasons. The first being that 1943 actually has a sound track. Sure your thumb will take a beating while you play this thing, but having a sound track and somewhat shorter, or at least quicker levels makes this game feel less tedious. The second reason has to be the lightning attack. Yes, they are only available in a limited quantity like the evasive loops you have in 1942, but come on ... lightning.

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