Check out our RetroGamer post on this arcade classic here:
https://www.retrogamer.net/retro_games8 ... e-command/
Story: You're a regional military commander in charge of protecting six cities from being destroyed by a barrage of incoming missiles.
Gameplay: This video game introduced many gamers to the roller ball (track ball) controller. Use the track ball to move a cross hair around the screen while launching defensive missiles to blow up incoming attacks. As you progress through levels, the enemies begin to fire new weapons. These weapons include smart missiles that can evade defensive attacks as well as satellites that can launch additional missiles.
Play: While it can definitely get hectic quickly, the game still brings something to the table for fans of retro games. Check it out in your browser by clicking here:
http://www.arcadedivision.com/classicga ... mmand.html
Popular Culture: While not directly referenced, I'm of the firm belief that Missile Command was a big influence on the visual style of "game play" used in the film War Games. More directly, MC was referenced in one of my favorite tv shows as a kid, Barney Miller. It was also an influence on an episode of the series, Check, on NBC.
Fun Fact: Adding this type of controller to Missile Command adds a realism most players would never notice because track balls were originally created for military use. The six cities you are charged with protecting in the game were based on six California cities; Eureka, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, and San Diego.
Missile Command was an early example of "realistic" military games that used the technology available at the time to give players a glimpse into the ramifications of modern warfare. Was this a game you played as a kid, or later in life?
