Missile Command: Recharged
- November 1, 2022
- SneakyBox
Missile Command: Recharged updates the classic arcade game with new power-ups, enemies, and challenges. The game features more intense action and co-op play across all modes, as well as a new soundtrack from Megan McDuffee. Players can test their skills in 32 challenge levels or the classic Arcade mode, with power-ups offering special tools like powerful missiles and shields.
Reviews
- Missile Command: Recharged is a fun homage to the original game, offering updated controls that work well with mouse operations.
- The game features varied gameplay modes, including Arcade and Mission modes, which provide different challenges and keep the experience engaging.
- Despite its simple graphics, the gameplay is enjoyable and offers a nostalgic experience for fans of the original Missile Command.
- The gameplay can feel repetitive and lacks depth, leading to a loss of interest over time.
- Some players feel that this version does not capture the spirit of the original 80s classic and is more of a rehash than a true remake.
- The price point is considered high by some, and many recommend waiting for a sale to get better value for the experience.
- story20 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The game's story is primarily conveyed through its mission mode, which features 36 distinct scenarios that challenge players with varying tactics and objectives reminiscent of classic arcade gameplay. Each mission, creatively named and designed, requires players to prevent missiles from reaching their cities, offering a nostalgic yet imaginative experience that enhances the overall narrative. While the scoring system can be confusing, the engaging missions provide a fun and dynamic storytelling element that keeps players invested.
“Where Recharged pushes into reimagined territory is in mission mode.”
“In another mission, you're showered with an overwhelming downpour of missiles; time-slowing power-ups float by like life preservers, each lasting just long enough until the next appears.”
“It all reminds me of that scene in the 1983 film Wargames where Joshua, upon cracking the launch codes, runs a frenetic series of simulations testing out an entire playbook of strategies like the 'Albanian Decoy' and the 'Nicaraguan Thrust.' Missions in Recharged, with names like 'Ridge Infiltration' and 'Urban Opposition,' are the pages of Joshua's playbook.”
“The scoring is a bit weird in mission mode. They show your score for that mission, but there is also a combined score from all missions. Just kind of weird you don't see how you did across all missions for that particular game.”
“The missions feel more like the old Missile Command with breaks in between waves, but a lot more imaginative variations.”
“It all reminds me of that scene in the 1983 film Wargames where Joshua, upon cracking the launch codes, runs a frenetic series of simulations testing out an entire playbook of strategies like the 'Albanian decoy' and the 'Nicaraguan thrust.' Missions in Recharged, with names like 'Ridge Infiltration' and 'Urban Opposition,' are the pages of Joshua's playbook.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics in the 2022 game are generally considered an improvement over its 2020 predecessor, featuring fancier visuals and backgrounds that evoke the classic Missile Command aesthetic. While some reviewers find the graphics to be pedestrian or cartoonish, others appreciate their faithfulness to the original design. Overall, the visuals are seen as a mixed bag, with some players wishing for a more significant upgrade.
“So this 2022 offering differs from that now delisted 2020 game in that the graphics in general are a little fancier and this one has graphical backgrounds, which kind of emulate the look on the original Missile Command screen.”
“The graphics are fantastic and faithful to the original game.”
“I just wish the graphics were much better than this.”
“This version does have extras (as it should) - new ground and air-based enemies; graphics are more cartoonish now and it is much, much harder.”
“At first glance, I wrote it off as Missile Command reskinned, a Missile Command rehash with vector-style graphics and a thumping soundtrack.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it repetitive and lacking depth, leading to a loss of interest. However, others appreciate the fun mechanics and nostalgic elements, noting that the updated version offers a more polished experience while remaining true to its roots. Overall, it seems to cater to fans of the original but may not hold long-term appeal for newcomers.
“This is all about the gameplay and doesn't try to annoy you with 3D, loot boxes, or other dubious 'innovations.'”
“Yeah, the graphics are pedestrian, but the gameplay is fun.”
“The gameplay itself feels great and far more thought out than the original Missile Command: Recharged.”
“The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks depth, which makes it easy to lose interest.”
“Gameplay-wise, I just couldn't get into it.”
“It had better music, effects, gameplay, etc. No idea why Atari did away with the 2020 version, but this is definitely not an upgrade.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, fitting the game's vibe and enhancing the overall experience, though some players feel it lacks uniqueness. While some reviews suggest it resembles previous versions, the sound effects and soundtrack are praised for their quality and appropriateness to the gameplay.
“The music fits the game and the vibe, very well done.”
“Sound and music are excellent, nothing to complain about and is apropos to the action and setting(s).”
“At first glance I wrote it off as Missile Command reskinned, a Missile Command rehash with vector-style graphics and a thumping soundtrack.”
“It had better music, effects, gameplay, etc. No idea why Atari did away with the 2020 version, but this is definitely not an upgrade.”
“At first glance, I wrote it off as Missile Command reskinned, a Missile Command rehash with vector-style graphics and a thumping soundtrack.”