Have you ever dreamt of soaring through the sky in a classic fighter plane, engaging in dogfights, and saving the day? If so, then Pacific Strafe by indie developer Insane Software might be the game to satisfy that old arcade itch. Set during World War II, players take on the role of a brave pilot fighting to liberate islands from an invading force.

Get ready to protect your carrier from torpedo planes, lead attacks on enemy battleships, and assist your landing craft in reclaiming precious territory. So buckle up and prepare for an exciting adventure high up in the Pacific skies.

In-game development video

Pacific Strafe offers players a chance to fly one of five classic World War II fighter planes that played critical roles in the war. Choose from the P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang, F4U Corsair, A6M Zero, or the B-25 Mitchell. Each plane has its strengths and weaknesses, making the player's choice of aircraft critical to the outcome of each mission. Practice makes perfect, so don't give up after a few defeats. Players will gain more experience with each attempt and improve their flying and shooting skills.

The arcade-style gameplay is fast-paced, with missions that range in difficulty and objectives. For example, players may be tasked with protecting their carrier from incoming torpedo planes while simultaneously taking out enemy fighters. On another mission, players may need to coordinate with their squadron to escort bombers and sink enemy battleships. With each mission, players will earn points and unlock new skills, weapons, and planes. The abilities gained will prove critical for later missions, as the game ramps up the difficulty considerably.

While Pacific Strafe undoubtedly takes its charm from arcade classics like 1942 and Striker, it does have some limitations. One, if you're hoping for a coherent storyline, well, let's just say it's not the game's strong suit. Sure, there are plenty of special effects, but without a directorial campaign to connect them, you'll be left scratching your head as to how the Americans pulled off their unlikely victory. Second, the game's difficulty level can be frustratingly high, and the lack of checkpoints means that players will need to start from the beginning each time they lose their lives.

Despite still being in its early release stage, it already shows significant promise. The developers have big plans for the game and intend to continue working on it over the next few months until it reaches completion. As a result, players can look forward to exciting updates, including new planes, weapons, and enemies, along with graphics, sound, and design improvements.

By purchasing Pacific Strife now, customers will gain access to all future updates, making it an enticing purchase for any aspiring fighter pilot who enjoys old-school arcade action. So buckle up and prepare to take flight into a world of intense dogfighting and thrilling aerial battles that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

View Pacific Stafe on Steam.