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July 2nd, 2016 
Carl Williams 
Today, we don’t really have arcades anymore. Rewind to the 1980’s and arcades were the place to be if you were a gamer. Arcades were still rocking. These new electronic games were taking over from pinball and games of skill. Games like skee ball and the like (those ticket games). Playing off common fears was one method arcade games were marketed. Such as nuclear war with Russia or aliens invading. Missile Command took on the story of Russia attacking the United States. The trackball controls were unique against the myriad of other arcade games. The premise was just right.
A product of the time
As with most games from this period, Missile Command is a minimalist game. The graphics work fine though and that is what probably helped make this game so popular. It is simple to learn, simple to play but a bitch to master. There are people that set world records playing over 50 hours straight. Reportedly one man play for over 80 hours – not sure how though.
Missile Command keeps it simple
The gameplay is simple. You have cities at the bottom of the screen and must protect them. To defend against the incoming salvos you have three artillery batteries, also at the bottom of the screen. Shoot just ahead of the incoming salvo, enemy plane or UFO and watch as it is destroyed. Simple. Use up your munitions too early and watch as missiles take out your last city. Go ahead. I will wait.
Battle of the ports
Missile Command has seen release on many platforms over the years. From the Atari 2600 to the Nintendo Entertainment System and on newer platforms via compilation releases. The gameplay is timeless, even with better graphics via certain releases, and the challenging fun is as always solid.
Have you played Missile Command, if so, let us know where. Double points if it was in an arcade in the last decade.
Grab your copy of Missile Command on eBay.
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