Missile Attack

Introduction to Missile Attack

Missile Attack is a timeless arcade game that captivated players in the early 1980s. Developed by the Cornsoft Group and published by Adventure International in 1980 for the TRS-80 and Apple II, it is a clone of Atari’s iconic Missile Command. In this fast-paced game, players take control of two anti-ballistic missile silos to defend against waves of incoming missiles descending from the top of the screen.

Gameplay: Simple Yet Challenging

Missile Attack’s gameplay is straightforward but deceptively difficult. Players command two missile silos tasked with intercepting waves of enemy missiles before they reach their targets. The controls are intuitive, typically using a keyboard or joystick to aim and fire counter-missiles. The goal is to protect your bases by destroying incoming threats, which increase in speed and number as the game progresses.

Key features of Missile Attack include:

• Wave-Based Progression: Each level introduces faster and more numerous missiles, testing players’ reflexes and strategy.

• Limited Ammunition: Players must manage their missile reserves carefully, as running out leaves bases vulnerable.

• High Score Chase: Like many arcade games of the era, Missile Attack encourages players to compete for the highest score, adding replayability.

The game’s difficulty curve is steep, requiring precise timing and prioritization. As Glenn Mai noted in a 1980 review in The Space Gamer No. 54, “Despite its problems, Missile Attack is a very good game. Recommended for any arcade buff.” Its challenging nature and satisfying mechanics made it a standout title.

Conclusion

Missile Attack is more than just a Missile Command clone—it’s a snapshot of early home computing and arcade culture. Its challenging gameplay, historical significance, and influence on modern titles make it a must-try for gamers and historians alike.