1942 is a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up made by Capcom that was released for the arcade in 1984. The goal is to reach Tokyo and destroy the entire Japanese air fleet. The player pilots a plane dubbed the "Super Ace" . The player has to shoot down enemy planes; to avoid enemy fire, the player can perform a roll or "loop-the-loop". During the game the player may collect a series of power-ups, one of them allowing the plane to be escorted by two other smaller fighters in a Tip Tow formation.

You and daring fighter pilot "Super Ace" are engaged in realistic, thrilling and challenging high-flying battles with the enemy. Over land, on the sea and in the air, your own skill and dexterity combined with Super Ace's flying mastery, duel enemy pilots in fighter and bomber aircraft. 1942... It's airplanes taking off and landing on ocean-going aircraft carriers, disrupting enemy formations ready to attack, intercepting enemy air warriors you must defeat by blasting 'em out of the sky. Will it be victory? Or defeat? It's in your skillful hands!!!