It's 1942. As WWII reaches a climax in Europe, the battle in the Pacific rages relentlessly on. A devastating sneak attack on Pearl Harbor has enabled the enemy to gain a foothold that seems nearly insurmountable. After long and bloody battles--Bataan, Iwo Jima, Corregidor--the balance of power in the Pacific begins to shift. The enemy is on the run. The only obstacle to peace is the remaining enemy aircraft based in Tokyo.

1942 is a vertically scrolling shooter for one or two players. You begin and end each of the numerous levels on an aircraft carrier and then fly your plane into battle against the enemy over both sea and land. After destroying certain plane formations you can collect several different power ups to increase your fire power and chances of survival. You can also make your plane roll to avoid enemy attacks 3 times per life. There are 24 levels, the first being Midway and the last The Final Area.