The first Missile Command was released in 1980 and has recently been re-released onto newer consoles. After previously launching six other titles in the Recharged series Atari took its first game and upgraded it so that a modern-day age of gamers could enjoy it’s addictive, but difficult gameplay. The premise of the game is simple protect your city from invaders. However, just because the premise is simple that doesn’t mean the game is easy because it won’t be long until the player must do whatever it takes to protect their cities.
There are two main game modes in Missile Command: Recharged, there is the arcade mode and the mission mode. The arcade is the main mode of the game and in it the player protects their city from all forms of enemies for as long as they can. There are many enemy types that the player needs to defend their city against from slow and fast projectiles, different types of bombers, explosives, ships with laser cannons, ground tanks etc. In arcade mode the only way to finish it is either by getting your city destroyed by the enemy or just turning off the game. The arcade mode is also the most addictive part of the game, and the reason why is because the game mode features a Leaderboard system where the longer the player survives plus the number of enemies that get destroyed the points add up on both the worldwide leader board and the players friends leader board which gives off a sense of accomplishment when getting a high ranking. The mission mode gives the player 32 missions each one more difficult than the last. The mode ends with the player having to face a final boss. Unlike the Arcade mode the mission mode only allows the player to have a certain amount of ammunition which means the player must play both smartly and quickly to complete each mission.
The gameplay is easy once the player gets used to it, there are three turrets and six cities that need to be protected. To protect them the player needs to fire their turrets at the enemies before their projectiles hit the city. However, for the player to destroy the projectiles and the enemies who fire them the turrets need to destroy them using area of effect damage and not collision damage. This means that the turrets ammo needs to explode before it can destroy any enemy projectiles and vehicles. The player also needs to keep in mind of where the enemy projectiles are going and what they are targeting because in order completely protect the cities the cannons need to shoot where the enemy is going instead of where the enemy currently is. There is also a chance that destroying enemy projectiles causes their own area of effect damage that can destroy your cities if their too close or destroy other projectiles and vehicles if they are close to them.
There are also many new features added to the game like power ups which can help players protect their cities these power ups range from things like powerful missiles, shields, and even a bomb that can clear the screen of enemies. An upgrade system in the arcade mode that allows the player to upgrade the power, speed, reload time, and rebuild time of the cannons. There is also a Local Co-op mode so that the fun can be shared with a friend. All of these features can help the player last longer in the arcade mode and give them a higher chance of earning more points for upgrades and ranking higher in the leaderboard.
The visuals and sound design have also been upgraded with a complete overhaul that gives it a much more modern arcade look and feel as well as smooth animations and visuals that make it both fun to play and enjoyable to look at. The is also now a new original soundtrack that was made by award-winning composer Megan McDuffee.
I had a fun time playing this game. It was difficult at first because of how I had to adapt to its fast-paced gameplay and swarms of enemies, but after a while I got used to its gameplay mechanics. The game is very fun and addictive especially the arcade mode. The missions mode is also fun as well as challenging to complete. Arcade mode became even more fun after I upgraded my defenses and used more power ups which helped me last longer and earn more points for upgrades. This game is a good way to pass the time and it is available on many consoles and mobile devices. I recommend checking out this game especially if you are a fan of Atari or arcade games.
Score: 9 out of 10
Reviewed on Nintendo Switch