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Missile Command for the Atari 2600, released in 1980, is a classic shooter game where players defend six cities from incoming ballistic missiles. The main objective is to protect these cities by intercepting enemy warheads with limited anti-missile batteries. The game challenges players to strategically deploy defensive missiles before the cities are destroyed.
The pace of Missile Command is fast and progressively intense, as the number and speed of incoming missiles increase over time. A unique mechanic involves targeting enemy missiles on a map-like screen using a cursor, requiring precise timing and resource management. Players must balance missile usage carefully, as ammunition is finite and replenished only after each wave.
This 1980 Atari 2600 shooter stands out for its simple yet tense gameplay loop and strategic defense concept. The unusual idea of protecting multiple points simultaneously against a barrage of attacks created a distinctive challenge that helped define the early shooter genre. The title remains a significant example of early arcade-style shooting games on home consoles.