Missile Command

"Little square line against the lightning aliens... very cool"

The first thing you have to remember is that the Atari 2600 is about 20-25 years old now, and not a lot of people have one that works. The game Missile Command is a better and more unique than most Atari 2600 games.

Gameplay 10/10
This game looks really easy, but it sure isn't that easy as you get into it! You need the Joystick controller for this game. You are a little rectangle bar, which is actually the location the flak from your assault battery will land in order to destroy the oncoming aliens. Move the little bar to below the aliens, and press the joystick button to shoot an explosive blast from your assault battery. If it hits the alien, it kills it. The objective is to kill all the aliens before they can either: 1. Hit your assault battery, or 2. Hit a house. If all 6 houses are destroyed, you lose. Every 10,000 points is an extra house. Every level you beat, the next level is harder, and the aliens move faster. If your assault battery gets hit, you lose one load of ammunition. You don't have a lot of ammo to waste!

Story 10/10
There is a story and a reason for what you have to do in Missile Command, and here it is: The Krytolians have launched a missile attack on your peace-loving planet of Zardon. As commander of Zardonian defenses, you must launch a counter-attack, using your powerful antiballistic missiles (ABM's.) Battle conditions can change dramatically! Not a long story, but very telling indeed!

Audio/Video 10/10
The graphics and sound are awesome! The graphics consist of cool backgrounds, flak explosions, incoming aliens, and exploding houses. The sound is just as good! The sound ranges from explosions, houses being hit, little spaceships, and game over. Well rounded, and not far from what I would call perfect!

Replayability Yes!
Missile Command, like most Atari 2600 games, is a game you will replay and replay and replay! The reason these games are so good to replay is because they were made to replay, not to play through and be done. The thing with Atari games, is that you always want to do better, and do more. You can't get away from this game!

To buy Yes!
If you come across this game, you should buy it! Same thing goes for almost any Atari game! They cost about $1.50 - $3.50, and are really good buys. The problem is, nobody sells their systems much anymore. If you have an Atari, get this game!

Glitches/Problems No!
The way this game is set up, there is practically no way for glitches or secrets!

Verdict Excellent!
If you like to be a button pusher, then this game is for you. It provides great fun for the entire family! A really well made game!

Don't delay, play today!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/23/01, Updated 03/23/01