1942 is a vertically scrolling shooter for one or two players. The year is 1942, and you are a daring fighter pilot "Super Ace". 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 three times per life. There are 24 levels, the first being Midway and the last The Final Area.
The gameplay is fast-paced and challenging, requiring precise timing and quick reflexes to navigate through levels and defeat enemy planes. With various power-ups available, players can customize their experience to suit their playing style. As you progress through the game, the difficulty increases, with more aggressive enemies and complex level layouts to contend with.