Missile Command

Missile Command: Defending the World, One Pixel at a Time

Released in 1980 by Atari, Missile Command is one of the most iconic arcade games of all time. Designed by Dave Theurer, it places players in the role of a missile defense commander, desperately trying to protect six cities from a relentless barrage of enemy attacks. A game that emerged during the height of Cold War tensions, its simple yet addictive gameplay and increasing difficulty made it an instant classic. While the arcade version gained legendary status, it was the Atari 2600 port that truly brought the experience into homes, delivering a thrilling challenge despite hardware limitations.

Arcade version

Gameplay: A Game of Reflexes and Strategy

The gameplay in Missile Command is straightforward yet nerve-wracking. Players control a set of anti-missile batteries, firing counter-missiles to intercept incoming enemy projectiles. The game starts slow but quickly ramps up in intensity, requiring quick reflexes and precise aiming.

The strategy lies in resource management—each missile battery has limited ammunition, and losing a city is permanent. As the game progresses, enemies introduce faster and more unpredictable attacks, making survival increasingly difficult.

Atari 2600 version

Graphics and Sound: Minimal but Effective

The Atari 2600 version of Missile Command naturally had to simplify the graphics from the arcade, but it retained the essence of the experience. While the cities and explosions were blocky, the gameplay remained smooth, and the tension of impending destruction was still palpable. The sound effects, consisting of missile launches and explosive impacts, were effective in maintaining a sense of urgency.

Controls: Simple but Challenging

In the arcade, players used a trackball to target enemy missiles, offering precise and fluid control. On the Atari 2600, this was replaced by the joystick, which, while functional, made targeting slightly more difficult. Players had to adjust to a slower aiming system, adding an extra layer of challenge to an already tough game.

Missile Command on Other Platforms

While the Atari 2600 version is one of the most well-known ports, Missile Command was released on various platforms, each bringing a slightly different experience:

• ✔ Arcade (1980): The original version with a trackball controller and colorful vector graphics.
• ✔ Atari 5200: A more advanced version with better graphics and smoother gameplay.
• ✔ Atari 8-bit Computers: One of the best home ports, closely replicating the arcade experience.
• ✔ Commodore 64: A solid version with improved graphics and sound.
• ✔ Game Boy & Game Boy Color: Portable adaptations with different control schemes.
• ✔ Modern Collections: Included in various Atari compilations and remastered versions.

While no version fully replicates the arcade’s trackball precision, each port brings something unique, ensuring Missile Command remains accessible across generations.

Memories of an '80s Kid

Missile Command was the first game I ever played on my brand-new Atari 2600. I was about 5 years old—it was 1982. It's hard to describe the sense of wonder I felt when I saw, on my own television, the game I had glimpsed in an arcade.

After inserting the cartridge, I spent some time trying to understand the mechanics, overwhelmed with excitement. Then, my climb to the highest score began. I don't remember the exact score I reached over time, but I do recall that a single game would last for hours, with barely any lives lost. Sometimes, I had to turn off the console mid-game when my parents called me for dinner, leaving my progress unfinished. Another thing that has truly taken root in my memory is the sound of the Atari 2600 version: the explosions, the sound of the score updating, and the missile alert before each round.

Missile Command is a game that truly leaves a lasting mark on those who were lucky enough to experience it at its peak. It wasn’t just a game—it was an experience that defined an era.

Legacy: A Game That Defined an Era

Missile Command is more than just a video game—it’s a reflection of its time. Created during the Cold War, the game’s themes of nuclear destruction and defense resonated deeply with players. It has since become one of the most recognized titles in gaming history, influencing everything from modern tower defense games to strategic shooters.

Verdict

The Atari 2600 version of Missile Command remains a fantastic adaptation of the arcade classic. While the joystick controls add an extra layer of difficulty, the game’s core experience—intense, strategic, and endlessly replayable—remains intact. A must-play for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Pros

✔ Highly addictive gameplay with increasing difficulty.
✔ Smooth performance on the Atari 2600.
✔ Retains the tension and strategy of the arcade version.
✔ A true classic that remains fun decades later.

Cons

✘ Joystick aiming is less precise than the arcade’s trackball.
✘ No ending—the difficulty keeps increasing until you lose.

Final Score

Arcade:

92%

Atari 2600:

85%

Atari 5200:

88%

Atari 8-bit Computers:

90%

Commodore 64:

87%

Game Boy:

80%