Atari is celebrating a franchise’s big 3-0 with a 30th anniversary edition of Missile Command. The new version currently lives in a mini-site dedicated to the game, and adds entirely online multiplayer gameplay, a first for the franchise. Best of all, this new Missile Command is free to play at www.missilecommand.com.

Inspired by the very real threat of nuclear retaliations in 1980, Missile Command has the player protecting six cities from a continuously-larger library of missiles with a trackball control method. Missile Command was an Atari 2600 bestseller.

The online version is the result of an Atari/OMGPOP collaboration, and includes new features like new power-ups, new enemies, upgrades, and online multiplayer co-op. It also features somewhat adaptive difficulty, with the difficulty changing in response to the level of the game and number of players. For being a top player, you even get a little virtual medal to place you on the online leaderboard!

If you visit the official website, you can compare the two versions by playing the original, which is also available. Atari has also created a retrospective that revisits the game’s entire history, from coin-op to today. Speaking of coin-op, if you visit the website, you can even win a refurbished original cabinet from the 80s! You know that would be a standout in your living room.

Want to give the new Missile Command a shot? Scroll down, and enjoy!

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