Asteroids Atari 2600/VCS

One of my favorite games on the 2600, Asteroids uses the hardware well to create an addicting game with a fun premise. Everyone like space shooters, and the idea of being a rogue fighter pilot is classic. It's almost as if the display could actually be a representation of a futuristic ship, something of a remote-control Ender's Game type situation. 

After a few practice runs, I managed to roll the score over twice and get 247,940 points tonight. My strategy is pretty basic: I never fly around, just spin and shoot the closest asteroid. Getting the angles right is key, but the game remains challenging. I never have more than 10 lives stored up, and when one life is lost, a few more tend to follow. 

Asteroids is reason enough to own an Atari, and it and Missile Command are available on most of the Atari reproduction consoles and collections.

In some ways, I like this version better than the arcade original. The arcade game tends to be about keeping 1 asteroid on the the screen and farming UFOs. That's not how you play the one on the Atari, and in that sense it's a much better game. Having to farm UFOs (or spiders in Centipede) can only hold one's attention for so long, and I think that's the reason game with progressive levels (Missile Command, Galaga, Galaxian, Pac-Man) continue to be more popular.

There is no reason to ever be bored if you own Asteroids for the Atari 2600. 

Missile Command 67,945

Another high score. I'm determined to break 100k. Playing on "stupid" missile settings also, so this should be an attainable goal. The Atari 2600 version of Missile Command is probably the second best game on the system after Pitfall!

Missile Command Atari Settings

This table (below) will de-code the different game modes available on Missile Command for the 2600. Thanks to AtariAge.com for the typed up manual.

The official story:

1. YOUR COMMANDING ORDERS

Aliens from the planet of Krytol have begun an attack on the planet Zardon. The Krytolians are warriors out to destroy and seize the planet of Zardon. Zardon is the last of the peaceful planets. The Zardonians are skillful and hardworking people. Their cities are built-up and rich in resources. It is truly a planet void of crime and violence.

Zardon has built a powerful defense system. Several antiballistic missile bases have been established within the cities of Zardon. The Zardonians are ready for this attack, and are prepared to fight to save their cities. 

As base commander it is your responsibility to protect and defend six cities on the planet of Zardon. The Krytolians have begun firing interplanetary ballistic missiles. They are aiming at your cities and missile bases. Your only defense is to fire back with antiballistic missiles. But watch out, the Krytolians are sly, they also have cruise missiles. 

Cruise missiles look like satellites, but they are just as deadly as the interplanetary ballistic missiles. Use your antiballistic missiles (ABMs) to stop the enemy before your happy and harmonious planet is destroyed.

Table of Game Settings:

ONE-PLAYER GAME NO.     1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

FAST TARGET CONTROL     -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  C
SLOW TARGET CONTROL     X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  H
DUMB CRUISE MISSILE     X  X  -  -  X  X  -  -  X  X  -  -  X  X  -  -  I
SMART CRUISE MISSILE    -  -  X  X  -  -  X  X  -  -  X  X  -  -  X  X  L
FIRST WAVE              1  1  1  1  7  7  7  7 11 11 11 11 15 15 15 15  D



TWO-PLAYER GAME NO.     1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

FAST TARGET CONTROL     -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  C
SLOW TARGET CONTROL     X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  X  -  H
DUMB CRUISE MISSILE     X  X  -  -  X  X  -  -  X  X  -  -  X  X  -  -  I
SMART CRUISE MISSILE    -  -  X  X  -  -  X  X  -  -  X  X  -  -  X  X  L
FIRST WAVE              1  1  1  1  7  7  7  7 11 11 11 11 15 15 15 15  D

Visit AtariAge.com for more epic Atari information.

Note: Games 17 and 34 are extremely easy settings meant for children. Source: manual.

Missile Command 56,910

My Missile Command high score for the Atari.

Atari Missile Command Screenshots

Atari Missile Command Screenshots.

Play Missile Command Online!

Missile Command is my favorite arcade game. It's challenging, the graphics are awesome, it flashes a lot, and you don't kill on the offensive. Your role is purely defensive, and I like that.

The game has a really fascinating history, the developer even had nightmares about nuclear war during creation.

Originally, the game was going to be a huge cabinet with external LED boards like a pinball machine, but the design was scrapped in favor of the materialistic approach that the world would spend thousands of quarters attempting to beat.

The Atari 2600 version isn't bad, but why not head over to Missilecommand.com, the official site and play their web-based version? The controls are great; you can fire from any turret like in the arcade, or let the game choose the closest turret. I nice option addition for this web-release!