Microsoft is offering us a double whammy for Xbox Live Arcade tomorrow.

First up is Capcom’s 1942: Joint Strike, a top-down vertical shooter inspired by the popular 80’s arcade series but featuring updated 3D HD graphics. Take to the skies, facing enemies and avoiding missiles as you fight enemy bosses in dogfights with new weapons and power-ups.

Developed by Backbone Entertainment, who recently brought us Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3, 1942: Joint Strike allows two players to team up and perform the new Joint Strike attacks (which combine both aircraft’s power) either locally or online. The game will be available for 800 Microsoft Points.

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If you were playing games in the ‘80s then hearing this news is going to make your day. Arcade junkies will have fond memories of the hours spent playing the 194X’s series of this vertical arcade shooter from Capcom. This new addition to the series is titled 1942: Joint Strike and whilst it will retain aspects of the 194X series, it will be unique in its own right. The game features a 2D appearance with a full 3D engine working behind the scenes to bring it to life in HD. Whilst the HD will no doubt be impressive, listen out for the new score which has been created by Norihiko Hibino, an international composer renown for his work creating music for the Metal Gear series.

The game is set in a WWII like era, with all the relevant vehicles and weapons to bring the environment to life. Fear not, this is not another WWII FPS, 1942: Joint Strike takes places on a world not of our own, with a different history and technological advancements to keep it fresh. Fortunately, bar the technical advances, the winning formula of waves of enemies followed by epic end stages bosses has not been compromised and is sure to deliver the goods. It will support 2 players in a local mode or through online missions. This multiplayer component allows players to employ a new feature called “Joint Strike attacks,” whereby players combine the power of their individual aircraft to unleash massive devastation.

The game will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade and through the PLAYSTATION Network. It is currently targeted for release in summer 2008.

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