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Atari’s Missile Command (2018) Board Game

ByMichail

Atari’s Missile Command board game is a tabletop adaptation of the classic 1980 arcade game of the same name. Designed by Jamie Keddie and published by IDW Games in 2018, this game brings the nostalgic video game theme to a new medium for players to enjoy.

Game Components of Atari’s Missile Command

  • City boards in different colors for each player
  • Player Screens
  • Planning boards
  • Missiles of various colors
  • Nukes
  • Interceptors
  • GDP tokens
  • VP tokens
  • City Cards with various effects
  • Optional Shields and Telemetry Data upgrades.

    How To Setup Atari’s Missile Command

    To set up, each player receives a city board and a Player Screen. Players should place their planning boards behind the Player Screen. Missiles, Nukes, and Interceptors are arranged by color near their respective players. Each player starts with 15 GDP tokens, and GDP tokens are placed in the center. City Cards and VP tokens are also prepared for use during the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Objective:** The goal is to send missiles to other players’ cities while protecting your own.
  • Trading:** Open and unbounded trading of resources like missiles and GDP, but physical trades are binding.
  • Plan Phase:** Allocate missiles on the planning board to target opponents’ cities.
    – Only one missile per vector.
    – Nukes must be attached to a missile.
    – Cannot aim at a destroyed city.

  • Fire Missiles Phase:** Missiles are resolved simultaneously, but in sequential order for practicality.
    – Interceptors can block missiles and Nukes.
    – Colliding missiles are destroyed harmlessly.
    – Missiles hitting a city trigger effects and award VP tokens to the attacker.

  • Shields and Upgrades:** Optional shields protect cities, while Telemetry Data upgrades can bypass shields.

    Player Experience

    Atari’s Missile Command offers a dynamic and engaging experience, blending negotiation with strategic missile allocation. Players must balance resource management, diplomatic deals, and tactical planning to outmaneuver their opponents. The game is filled with moments of tension and betrayal, making it a fun and unpredictable experience.

    Pros

  • Engaging Negotiation:** Open trading and non-binding deals add a layer of social dynamics.
  • Strategic Depth:** Multiple phases and options for resource allocation and interceptors provide strategic complexity.
  • Quick Gameplay:** Games typically last around 30 minutes.
  • Nostalgic Value:** Based on the classic Atari game, appealing to fans of the original.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup:** Initial setup can be confusing, especially with the placement of screens and boards.
  • Luck and Betrayal:** The game’s nature involves unpredictability and potential backstabbing, which may not appeal to all players.
  • Component Management:** Managing multiple components and tokens can be overwhelming.

    Personal Thoughts on Atari’s Missile Command

    Atari’s Missile Command is ideal for players who enjoy social interaction, strategic planning, and a bit of nostalgia. It’s perfect for game nights with friends who appreciate negotiation and tactical gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer cooperative games or are sensitive to in-game betrayal. Overall, it’s a great addition to any collection for those who enjoy a mix of diplomacy and destruction.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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