1944 - the loop master (000620 Japan)
1944 - the loop master (000620 Japan) Overview
1944: The Loop Master is a vertically scrolling shooter that hit arcades in 2000. Developed by Raizing and published by Capcom, it runs on the CP System II hardware and serves as the fifth entry in Capcom's long-running 194X series. This is the original Japanese release, so booting it up greets you with menu text in Japanese rather than English.
The action picks up where 19XX: The War Against Destiny left off, dropping you into World War II dogfights. You pilot either a P-38 Lightning or a Mitsubishi A6M Zero, blasting through waves of enemy planes and ground targets. The core loop is straightforward: scroll upward, dodge bullets, and destroy everything that moves while collecting power-ups to upgrade your weapons. A key twist is the "loop" mechanic - pressing a button lets your plane perform a tight loop, which can be used to evade attacks or reposition for better shots.
As a later entry in a classic arcade series, 1944: The Loop Master refines the fast-paced, bullet-heavy action that 194X fans expect. It's not a revolutionary game, but it's a solid shmup with crisp visuals and responsive controls. For players who enjoy retro vertical shooters, this Japanese version offers a piece of arcade history that still feels good to play today, even if the menus require a bit of guesswork.
How to Play 1944 - the loop master (000620 Japan) Online
Getting Started
After inserting a coin (press 5 on the keyboard) and hitting Start, you'll see a title screen in Japanese. Use the Arrow Keys to move the cursor and press the A button (X) to select options like "1 Player" or "2 Players." If you're unsure which menu item is which, the top option is typically single-player, the second is two-player co-op.
The core gameplay is simple: your ship automatically scrolls upward, and you hold down the attack button (S) to fire your main weapon. Collect red "P" power-ups to increase your shot's strength and spread. When a tough enemy or bullet cloud appears, tap the Loop button (the assigned Y button, Z on your keyboard) to perform a quick 360-degree twist, which can dodge enemy fire and also deliver a close-range pulse that destroys small enemies.
Boss fights appear at the end of each stage. They have pattern-based attacks - watch their movement and learn when to loop to avoid damage. This Japanese version doesn't include English text, so memorizing the power-up icons and stage flow helps. If you die, you restart at a checkpoint with reduced firepower, so losing a life can set you back considerably.
1944 - the loop master (000620 Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: Joystick / Movement
- X: Button 1
- S: Button 2
- Z: Button 3
- A: Button 4
- Q: Button 5
- E: Button 6
- Enter: Start / 1P
- V: Coin / Insert
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