Gameplay and design
The core gameplay of 1945 II continues the vertical scrolling shooter style of its predecessor. Players choose from six World War II fighter planes, each equipped with both a machine gun and bombs. The machine gun is used to clear regular enemies, while bombs deal massive damage to all on-screen foes and can also serve as a lifesaver in tight spots. This dual-attack design gives players more options in different situations and laid the foundation for subsequent games in the series.
The game features eight stages, but the order of the first four is randomized, meaning each playthrough presents a different combination of stages. This design enhances replayability, keeping players engaged during repeated attempts. The last four stages follow a fixed linear progression with increasing difficulty, culminating in a powerful final boss. This structure was uncommon in shooters at the time and became a hallmark of the game.
In terms of lives, players start with three lives and earn bonus lives at 600,000 and 800,000 points. If all lives are lost, the game offers a continue option, but the score resets, forcing players to be more cautious when chasing high scores. The console versions adjusted this system: from the fifth stage onward, the score resets and players must restart from the stage where they lost all lives, adding to the challenge.
Upon clearing the game, a performance report is shown, including hit rate and number of destroyed enemies, before entering a higher-difficulty loop. The loop system is a hallmark of Psikyo shooters, giving players incentive to keep playing after clearing the game to achieve higher scores and better performance. This design not only extends the game's longevity but also caters to hardcore players seeking the ultimate challenge.
The game's pacing is tight, with enemy formations and bullet patterns that are both patterned and unpredictable. Players must skillfully use machine guns and bombs, mastering timing and positioning to survive the dense bullet hell. The controls are smooth and responsive, allowing players to focus on dodging and attacking, delivering pure shooting fun. These qualities make 1945 II stand out among many shooters.
Background and release
1945 II was developed and published by Psikyo, debuting on arcade platforms in 1997. As the sequel to Strikers 1945, it inherits the predecessor's worldview and basic gameplay but with comprehensive upgrades in content and systems. The story is set after the destruction of the C.A.N.Y. organization in the previous game, when a new threat, the F.G.R. organization, plans to launch a global war using their technology. The Strikers team is reassembled to pilot fighter planes and defend peace.
After its arcade release, the game quickly gained attention. In its November 15, 1997 issue, Japan's Game Machine magazine listed it as the sixth most successful arcade game of the month, reflecting its commercial success in the Japanese arcade market. The arcade version's strong performance laid the groundwork for subsequent console ports and the series' growth.
For console ports, Kuusou Kagaku handled the PlayStation and Sega Saturn versions, published by Psikyo. These versions retained the core arcade gameplay while optimizing for home consoles, such as adjusting difficulty and continue mechanics. In 2000, Success re-released the console versions, giving more players the chance to experience the game.
In North America, Agetec released the PlayStation version in 2001 under the title Strikers 1945, which is easily confused with the original but actually contains this game. In Europe, Midas Games released it at a budget price in 2003, lowering the barrier for players. These release strategies helped the game gain wider distribution globally.
Over time, the game was included in the PS2 compilation Psikyo Shooting Collection Vol. 1: Strikers 1945 I & II, published by Taito, allowing new players to experience both games on a single disc. Additionally, GungHo Online Entertainment released a downloadable version on the PlayStation Network, and Mobirix released STRIKERS 1945-2 on Android and iOS, bringing the game to mobile platforms. These ports and re-releases have kept 1945 II alive to this day.
Development
1945 II was developed by Psikyo, a Japanese company renowned for its shooting games. During development, Psikyo drew on the experience of the previous title to refine and expand the game systems. Although some sources mention Oriental Soft, reliable information indicates that the developer is Psikyo, which is reflected in the game's production. Psikyo's team demonstrated exceptional skill in bullet pattern design and stage layout, making this game a classic in the shooter genre.
The console ports were handled by Kuusou Kagaku, a company specializing in game conversions. They successfully brought the arcade version's smooth experience to the PlayStation and Saturn. During the porting process, they had to deal with hardware differences, adjusting resolution and frame rate while maintaining the game's feel and difficulty balance. These efforts ensured the console versions were well received by players.
On mobile platforms, Mobirix developed the iOS and Android version STRIKERS 1945-2, adapting it for touchscreen devices. S&C Entertainment developed another Android version that removed the shoot button and implemented auto-fire, requiring players only to control movement. This change altered the gameplay, but it is not an official standard; it was just an attempt by the developer to adapt to different platforms, reflecting exploration in adapting to various devices.
During development, Psikyo paid close attention to detail and balance. The six fighter planes have distinct performance characteristics: some are fast but weak, others are powerful but less maneuverable, allowing players to choose according to their preferences. The bomb design also incorporates strategy, with different planes having different bomb effects—some cover the whole screen, others concentrate on a single point—adding depth to the game. These design decisions reflect Psikyo's commitment to player experience.
Additionally, the game's sound and music are noteworthy. The background music has a strong rhythm that complements the tense combat atmosphere, while the explosion and shooting sound effects enhance the sense of impact. Although these details were not uncommon in games of that era, Psikyo's dedication in production made the overall experience more complete. These production efforts collectively shaped the quality of 1945 II.
Reception and legacy
1945 II achieved commercial success in the arcade market, with Japan's Game Machine magazine listing it as the sixth most successful arcade game in its November 1997 issue, proving its popularity among players. The arcade version's success paved the way for subsequent series entries and solidified Psikyo's position in the shooting game genre.
Console versions received mixed reviews. Japan's Sega Saturn Magazine gave scores of 9, 8, and 8 out of 10 from three reviewers, showing high praise. French magazine Consoles + gave both the Saturn and PlayStation versions an 88% rating, while Player One gave the arcade version 88%, reflecting positive reception in Europe as well.
However, not all reviews were positive. GameSpot's Miguel Lopez gave the PlayStation version 5.8/10, stating it was only for shooting game enthusiasts; IGN's David Smith gave it 7.3/10, rating it "good"; Next Generation's Chester Barber gave it two stars out of five, saying the game had not aged well. These differing opinions indicate that the game's reputation varies by player group and evaluation criteria, but its status among shooting game fans is undeniable.
The game was included in the Psikyo Shooting Collection and has been continuously ported to modern platforms, reflecting its classic status. The mobile versions, especially S&C Entertainment's auto-fire version, although changing the controls, also made it easier for new players to pick up. These ports and adaptations have allowed 1945 II to transcend generations and continue to influence new players.
Overall, 1945 II is one of Psikyo's representative shooting games, establishing the series' core mechanics and influencing subsequent shooter design. Despite mixed console reviews, the arcade version's success and ongoing ports prove its important place in gaming history. For shooting game enthusiasts, this game remains a classic worth experiencing.
