Strikers 1945 (World)

Pilots take to the skies in Strikers 1945, a fast-paced vertical scrolling shooter from Psikyo released in 1995. Following World War II, a clandestine organization called CANY emerges with advanced weaponry and a mission to conquer the globe. Players control Allied fighter planes, battling through stages set across multiple nations as they confront CANY’s forces – including rockets and mechanical walkers - working cooperatively or solo with up to two players. The gameplay focuses on intense aerial combat, requiring precision maneuvering to dodge enemy fire and destroy waves of approaching aircraft and ground targets. Successfully completing each stage within a time limit, achieving high accuracy in shooting, and fully clearing the enemies awards gold medals; earning three unlocks a glimpse at the pilots behind the planes, revealing their names and appearances. A unique quirk of the game prevents players from entering “SEX” on the high score table, replacing it with a smiley face accompanied by a message. Strikers 1945 launched a successful series that would continue through the late 1990s, establishing itself as a popular title within the vertical scrolling shooter genre.