Missile Command
Six cities, three bases and a sky that never stops raining missiles.
Coming soon to UsuArcade
Votes to bring it to the arcade: 0
In the meantime, head into the arcade and play the cabinets that are already there
- Year
- 1980
- Manufacturer
- Atari
- Players
- 2 players, alternating turns
- Genres
- Vintage classics, Action
- Decade
- '80s arcade games
Missile Command is one of the most nerve-racking games ever to sit in an arcade. There's no hero and no ship: just six cities along the bottom of the screen, missile trails creeping down slow and relentless, and a trackball to stop them. You know from the start that you're going to lose; the only question is how long you can hold out.
It isn't in the UsuArcade arcade yet, but it's on our wishlist. If you want to see it soon, give it your vote.
History
Atari released it in 1980, deep in the Cold War, and the theme hit home right away: the threat of a missile strike was all over the news and on a lot of people's minds. It was designed by Dave Theurer, who went on to make Tempest.
The trackball cabinet with three fire buttons made it instantly recognizable, and its ending, where a massive blast spells out THE END instead of the usual GAME OVER, became one of the most iconic images of the golden age of arcades.
How to play
You roll a crosshair around the screen with the trackball and launch counter-missiles from three bases, each with its own button and limited ammo. Your shot detonates right where the crosshair sits, and the blast takes out anything that flies through it.
The trick is leading your shots: aim where the missile is going, not where it is. Some missiles split into several partway down, and later waves bring in bombers and satellites. Manage your ammo, keep your bases standing, and you'll score bonus points at the end of each wave for every city and missile you have left.
Fun facts
- The game doesn't end with GAME OVER; it ends with THE END.
- Its designer, Dave Theurer, later created Tempest.
- Each of the three bases has its own fire button.
In the arcade
Missile Command is coming soon to UsuArcade. It's on the arcade wishlist and you can vote for it with the “I want to play it” button; the most-wanted games go first.
Until then, the arcade has other classics from 1978 to 1980 with that same last-stand feeling: Space Invaders, Asteroids and Phoenix. They're free to play in your browser, with chat, spectators and arcade high scores.
FAQ
Can I play Missile Command on UsuArcade?
Not yet. It's on the wishlist and you can vote for it with “I want to play it.”
What year did Missile Command come out?
1980, from Atari.
How many players is Missile Command?
Up to two players, alternating turns.
How do you play Missile Command?
Use the trackball to move your crosshair and fire from three bases to destroy incoming missiles before they hit your six cities.
What similar games are in the arcade?
Space Invaders, Asteroids and Phoenix are already free to play on UsuArcade.
