Missile Command (1980): The Arcade Legend
That heart-pounding Atari classic arcade game where you’re the last line of defense against a relentless sky full of incoming doom. One wrong move and your cities go up in smoke. It’s the kind of game that turns a casual quarter into a full-on stress test – and we loved every frantic second of it.
Not quite the very first arcade game (Pong owns that crown), but it sure felt like one of the most intense when it landed in arcades. Let’s dive into its story, how to play it today for free, and where to hunt down a real cabinet if you’re feeling nostalgic enough to clear some garage space.
A Quick Look Back at Missile Command’s Origins
Atari released Missile Command in the Summer of 1980, crafted primarily by designer and programmer Dave Theurer. The spark came from a simple but chilling concept: radar images of missiles streaking across the sky, with the player tasked to intercept them before they hit home. Theurer turned that into a purely defensive challenge – no attacking, just desperate protection of unnamed cities against waves of ballistic threats.
Development wasn’t easy. Theurer poured himself into researching real missile tech, which led to some vivid (and unsettling) dreams about exploding cities that stuck with him long after the game shipped. He pushed for a trackball controller instead of a joystick for pinpoint accuracy, and the result was one of Atari’s standout raster titles of the era, complete with satisfying explosion physics and that grim “THE END” message when everything falls.
It sold tens of thousands of cabinets and became a cultural snapshot of Cold War tension, popping up in movies like Terminator 2 and even inspiring modern nods in games and shows. The high-score initials screen? Pure arcade bragging rights.
The Game Play
You’re in command of three ground bases, each with limited missiles. Enemy projectiles rain down from the top of the screen – some split like real MIRVs, others zip around as smart bombs. Roll the trackball (or mouse in emulations) to position your crosshair, fire to create massive blast radii that catch anything nearby, and try to keep at least one city standing. Survive waves for bonuses; lose them all and… well, the screen says it all. It’s simple controls, escalating chaos, and zero room for error – classic tension that still holds up.
Jump Back In: Play the Original Missile Command Online for Free
No need to hunt for quarters – fire up your browser and relive it right now. These spots run faithful emulations of the 1980 arcade version (mouse works great as a trackball stand-in; desktop recommended for best feel).
- Play Free at Arkadium – Official Atari Retro: Check it out! Easy-to-pick-up version with that authentic feel – works well on mobile too if you’re feeling brave. Plays great on the desktop with a mouse!
- Internet Archive Full Arcade Emulation: True-to-life MAME setup with original sounds and difficulty curve. Coin in with ‘5’, start with ‘1’, arrows to aim, CTRL/ALT/Space to launch from each base. Quite difficult to play using only a keyboard, but it is the original.
Snag a Real Missile Command Cabinet Today
If emulators just aren’t cutting it and you want that glowing marquee in your living room, original 1980 uprights still surface regularly. Prices vary by condition (expect $3,000–$4,000+ for solid ones), with shipping adding up quick for these hefty beasts.
| Type | Details | Price Range | Where to Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original/Restored Upright | Classic Atari cab: rebuilt trackball, fresh monitor/art, often fully serviced for home use | $3,200–$3,800 | Vintage Arcade Superstore • Arcade Specialties |
| Modern Recharged Edition | Atari’s updated full-size with HD screen, LED effects, and multiplayer tweaks (not pure original, but fun) | Around $5,000 | Atari Official |
| Mini/Replicade Versions | 1/6-scale collectibles with working trackball and original ROM – desk-friendly nostalgia | $150–$250 | New Wave Toys site or eBay |
Check local arcade groups or Facebook Marketplace for deals – sometimes you score a gem that just needs a little TLC.
Missile Command nailed that mix of strategy, reflex, and sheer “oh no” panic better than most games ever have. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best arcade thrills come from trying (and failing) to hold back the inevitable – with explosions. What’s your survival record on the later waves? Drop it below!
More retro games on the way. Our last post was on the like first ever video game I played, Space Invaders – stay tuned to TA2Web blog.