Play a classic arcade game with this remake
Missile Command: Recharged is a free mobile remake of the classic shooter arcade video game Missile Command. Developed by Atari, Missile Command: Recharged brings back the fast-paced arcade action wherein you have to defend your base by blasting away enemy missiles. This time, however, there are all-new features you can enjoy, such as new power-ups and an online leaderboard.
Easier shooting
Released in 1980, Missile Command is an arcade game reminiscent of the tower defense genre. You have six cities to defend at the bottom of the screen and must fire at incoming missiles from above to protect them. There is no time limit but the number of dangerous projectiles will increase over time, testing your reflexes and quick judgment. Missile Command was challenging for its controls because of the manual joystick. You had to move the cursor to the missile’s trajectory and destroy it using your own missile’s explosion.
However, Missile Command: Recharged makes use of your device’s touchscreen, granting your more leeway in controlling your shots. Things are much easier and faster to control since you just have to tap where you want to fire. Unlike the original game, though, you can’t choose which of your three missile silos will shoot for you. The game automatically chooses either the nearest to where you touched or the one whose cooldown is over. These cooldowns are another new feature of this version.
There are also new power-ups available that will occasionally fly by. Successfully hitting them will instantly unlock those abilities. You can expect shields, more powerful explosions, and speed boosts among them. Some are activated for a limited time duration—the visual cue being the sky changing color and gradually draining down to the original color to indicate it wearing off. It’s a convenient feature since you’ll be busy focusing on the incoming missiles to dart your eyes around.
All-new features
The game also allows you to upgrade aspects—like the size of explosions, the silo cooldowns, shooting speed, and rebuilding speed—using the points you earn for every game. Speaking of purchases, the game is free to play but offers 3 matches for a set duration you have to wait out. Optional ads can be watched to play a free round but you can play endlessly by getting the premium version. Fortunately, the cool augmented reality mode is free, letting you project a virtual arcade cabinet to the game on.
If you’re feeling competitive, you can also try competing in the global online leaderboards and collect the various achievements available. However, Missile Command: Recharged’s most distinct improvement is its graphic style. From the pixelated raster style to the neon-colored vector graphics, this game gives off a more sci-fi space mission but is still easy enough on the eyes for extended periods of gameplay. Still, the game’s mobile design is great but it could do well with other game modes for extra content, especially in the premium version.
A great descendant
Overall, Missile Command: Recharged is an amazing remake of the classic title of the golden age of arcade. It’s recommended for both old and new fans, and offers new features to keep you engaged. However, veterans may find it lacking game modes if they’re frequent high-scorers. Nevertheless, this game does its original version justice.
