I recently checked out an alpha version of the game on a 360. The graphics looked sharp, with light sepia effects evoking a news-reel quality at times. Other times, colors popped against high-definition backgrounds. While the 3D world exists in a top-down angle, tall buildings leaned with the perspective, adding another visual hook to the shooter.
The responsive gameplay seemed similar to other scrolling shooters. Lots of action bursted on-screen, and two players can collaborate on a single system or online. But other than a team-attack that drew a lightning net over enemy swarms, I didn't notice much that sets it apart in a crowded market. Players earn power-ups, fight bosses, and otherwise follow other games in the well-established genre. But if shooters are your game, 1942: Joint Strike could win your $10 or 800 Microsoft Points when it lifts off soon.
