Atari, one of the first household names when it came to home video game console systems, is back with an old friend known as Missile Command. This new version is meant to commemorate the 30th anniversary of theclassic title, where it has undergone an expected update as well as reimagination thanks to OMGPOP, operator of the omgpop.com website. Within the website lies a mini-site that is dedicated to the game, where the remixed Missile Command will capture the original iconic DNA of the 1980’s phenomenon, throwing in compelling new dimensions and attitude that include online multiplayer gameplay.

The year was 1980 and all across the planet people had the very real fear that one day the world’s super powers would finally use their nuclear arsenals. Missile Command was in many ways a reaction to those fears. The premise of the game was simple: the player must protect six cities from an ever increasing swarm of ballistic missiles. Control was taken care of by a fast and accurate trackball that was notorious for pinching the skin of players’ fingers. That didn’t seem to affect the public appeal of the game which became an immediate arcade smash hit and one of the biggest sellers of the Atari 2600 system. Now Atari and OMGPOP have built upon that legacy with this exciting online version. With enhanced features such as power-ups, new enemies, upgrades, and an entirely online multiplayer co-operative gameplay option, the new Missile Command has all the makings of a modern classic.

Among the new gameplay elements in this 30th anniversary include online co-op gameplay that allows up to seven players to duke it out with each other in real time, the joy of unlimited levels that spell a definite death when you run out of skills, an unique difficulty scaling that is based on the number of players and level progression into the game, a bunch of entirely new power ups, new enemies and an award system. Hey, it is free, so what is there to complain about?

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