Thursday, December 15, 2011

0014 - Missile Command (1980)

Played: Summer 2011
Played before: Yes
Heard of before: Yes
Time spent: 12+ hours
Completed: No
Mastered (0-100%): 15%

Used platform: Played this on MAME, and on a windows pc using Google Chrome. I believe that that is the current best option if you want to enjoy this game. I could not find an original arcade cabinet of this game.

Brief description:  You control a number of missile turrets, and must protect a city/cities from incoming missiles and bombs. The latter being dropped from planes flying in. You only have a limited number of missiles, and you missile turrets are destroyed if they take a hit. This game draws on one of the major fears of the 1980's, the all-ending nuclear war. When you die (not if), the screen erupts in one big explosion, giving you a feeling that this was something final. The world just ended.
Story: 4/10 There is a connection to the political situation of then. Which I like.
Gameplay: 8/10 You quickly find it quite important to protect the little inhabitants of your city.
Sound: 5/10 Really basic
Graphics: 5/10 Hard to judge, but it's clear to see what is going on.

Epic win: Reaching the next level.
Epic fail: Keeping an eye on your cities, only to lose a turret.
Moment of strongest impact: Losing the game and watching the world end.

Overall: 75% 
Frantic gameplay, connection to basic fears, political commentary. What's not to like?

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