1941: Counter Attack (SuperGrafx) Playthrough

Описание: Playthrough of 1941: Counter Attack, Hudson's 1991 SuperGrafx port of Capcom's shoot 'em up with the same name.

Released in 1991, 1941: Counter Attack for the PC Engine SuperGrafx is Hudson Soft’s home adaptation of Capcom’s arcade shoot ’em up. Set in an alternate World War II scenario, the game continues the 19XX series’ tradition of vertical scrolling aerial combat, placing players in control of a fighter plane against waves of enemy aircraft, ships, and armored war machines. The SuperGrafx version is widely regarded as one of the console’s most impressive technical showcases, pushing its upgraded hardware well beyond what most titles achieved on the standard PC Engine.

Visually, 1941 is a standout production. The game features crisp sprite work, smooth parallax scrolling, and large, detailed enemy craft. The variety of environments—from ocean battles and cityscapes to mountain passes and railways—keeps the visuals engaging throughout its six stages. The SuperGrafx hardware handles the action fluidly, even when multiple enemies and projectiles fill the screen. Sound and music are solid, providing energetic accompaniment to the combat, though the audio quality is not as striking as the visual presentation and can sound compressed compared to the arcade version.

Gameplay remains faithful to the arcade original while introducing several refinements. Players can choose between two aircraft—the P-38 Lightning or, in two-player mode, the de Havilland Mosquito. The most notable change to the series’ formula is the addition of a vitality meter, allowing the player to sustain limited damage instead of being destroyed in a single hit. This system adds a layer of strategy, encouraging riskier play and rewarding careful use of health-restoring items. Another key mechanic is the charge shot, which allows players to hold the fire button to unleash a powerful burst. The game also includes power-ups that expand weapon range and strength, adding variety to the offensive options.

Level design is straightforward but effective. Each stage offers unique patterns of enemies, mid-bosses, and large-scale bosses that fill the screen. The challenge ramps up steadily, with the final stage presenting an intense test of reflexes and endurance. Although the charge shot adds tactical depth, its practicality diminishes in the more chaotic later stages, where constant movement and rapid firing tend to be more effective. Some design choices—such as the inability to shoot backward—can make certain enemy placements feel unfair, especially when surrounded.

1941: Counter Attack is a demanding game. Its six stages are short but packed with action, requiring memorization and precision to complete. The adjustable difficulty settings and cooperative two-player mode add replay value, but once mastered, the experience remains largely linear. Still, the game’s tight pacing and intense action ensure it remains enjoyable even after multiple playthroughs.

As a whole, 1941: Counter Attack is an impressive technical and design achievement for the SuperGrafx. It combines refined gameplay mechanics with striking visuals and smooth performance, standing out as one of the console’s finest titles. While its brevity, steep difficulty, and limited sound design hold it back from perfection, it succeeds as both a showcase of the hardware and a challenging, rewarding shoot ’em up. For fans of classic vertical shooters and retro hardware, it represents one of the most polished and enduring experiences available on the platform.