Defend Your Cities: A Look Back at Missile Command

Missile Command is a classic arcade game released by Atari in 1980. It is a game of strategy and quick reflexes, where players must defend their cities from an endless barrage of incoming missiles. The game was designed by Dave Theurer, who was inspired to create it after seeing news coverage of the Cold War arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The objective of the game is simple: protect your cities from destruction by shooting down incoming missiles. Players use a trackball and buttons to control a cursor that moves around the screen. The cursor is used to aim and fire missiles at incoming enemy missiles. Each city has a limited number of missiles and must be defended at all costs. Once all the cities have been destroyed, the game is over.

One of the unique features of Missile Command is its use of multiple cursors. As the game progresses, the number of incoming missiles increases, and players must use multiple cursors to defend their cities. This adds an extra layer of challenge to the game and requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking.

Missile Command was a massive success in arcades and was also ported to home consoles such as the Atari 2600, Atari 5200, and the Atari 7800. The game's popularity was due in part to its timely release during the Cold War era, where the threat of nuclear war was a constant fear for many people.

The game's enduring popularity is evident in its continued availability today. It is included in many classic game collections, such as the Atari Flashback, and can also be played online. Missile Command has also inspired many other games over the years, such as the popular mobile game, Tower Madness.

In conclusion, Missile Command is a classic game that has stood the test of time. Its combination of strategy and reflex-based gameplay, along with its timely Cold War theme, make it an enduring favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts. Whether you're a fan of classic arcade games or a newcomer to the genre, Missile Command is definitely worth checking out.