Missile Command (1981) arcade shoot ’em up game developed by Atari, designed by Dave Theurer. Players defend six cities from a relentless barrage of ballistic missiles, some splitting mid-air, by launching counter-missiles from three bases. Utilizing a trackball, players aim and intercept enemy attacks, with each base housing a limited missile supply. The game escalates in difficulty with the introduction of smart bombs and enemy aircraft. Notably, “Missile Command” reflects Cold War-era anxieties, simulating a nuclear attack scenario. Its innovative gameplay and thematic resonance contributed to its commercial success, selling nearly 20,000 arcade cabinets. The game was later ported to various platforms, including the Atari 2600 in 1981. It remains a seminal title from the golden age of arcade games, influencing numerous clones and remakes. The game’s inevitable conclusion, marked by the destruction of all cities and the message “The End,” underscores the futility of war, leaving a lasting impact on players.