Long-time gaming icon Atari has announced a reimagining of their classic arcade hit for mobile devices and aims to release Missile Command: Recharged this spring in celebration of the original game's 40th anniversary. The company has been making some noise with their crowdfunded Atari VCS console, Atari video game-themed hotels, branded merchandise, and cameo appearances in films such as Blade Runner 2049 and the Wreck-It Ralph series. There has been a large resurgence of retro reboots including former Atari competitor Intellivision remaking the classic Night Stalker.
The core gameplay of Missile Command finds players defending their grounded bases from an endless barrage of missiles raining down from the sky. Players must destroy enemy missiles by anticipating their trajectory and launching counter-missiles at the right time so their diffusing explosion clouds contact the tips of enemy missiles before dissipating. The game's difficulty compounds over time with increased speed and amount of projectiles hurtling towards the player's bases. Whoever lasts the longest and destroys the most missiles before inevitable demise will earn the high-score.
Developed by Nickervision Studios, this action-packed, modern take on Atari's classic hit will release on the App Store and Google Play with compatibility for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. Missile Command: Recharged, with neon wire-frame graphics reminiscent of vector-based games of the '80s, will be available in two versions: free with ads and ad-free for a cost. The core gameplay will stay relatively the same but with many new features including power-ups, achievements, global online leaderboards, upgrades, and even an Augmented Reality mode. Tony Chien, VP of Marketing for Atari, elaborated on what fans can look forward to with the reboot:
“Missile Command: Recharged aims to reinvigorate the storied Missile Command IP by appealing to fans of the original arcade and classic console releases. Fans can expect the familiar and addictive missile-destroying gameplay but with modern mechanics optimized for touch-screen devices. Missile Command: Recharged is a perfect pick-up-and-play title for short high-intensity gameplay sessions.”
The company is best known for ushering in the golden age of gaming in the late '70s and early '80s with arcade hits like Pong and Missile Command and their iconic Atari 2600 home console. After the video game crash of '83 and the start of the third generation of consoles, Atari found it hard to be heard amongst the ensuing cacophonous clash between Japanese titans Nintendo and Sega. After decades of hard times and debt, they finally found new life in 2013 under the hands of current CEO Frederic Chesnais after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Since then, the now small company has found fair success in developing mobile apps with their biggest savior being an entry in the revived RollerCoaster Tycoon IP.
By the looks of it, Missile Command: Recharged promises to deliver a fresh spin on an already engaging experience. Although its roots run deep, it doesn't need its heritage to appeal to all demographics with fun and exciting gameplay. It is difficult, however, for some older gamers to stay enthused by the constant re-releasing of games that they have been playing for the past 40 years. On the other hand, for younger gamers and those looking for a nostalgia trip, the latest release and celebration of this gaming icon will deliver another enthralling arcade experience like it first did back in the day.