Producer: Mikrogen
Memory Required: 48K
Language: Machine code
Author: C. Hinsley

Mikrogen make little secret of the fact that this is another 'Missile Command' copy, stating the fact in their inlay to the game. In most respects it turns out to be a very reasonable version. There are the six cities, but only two laser bases rather that the more usual three, each one firing independently. Apart from the incoming missile trails, there are also blue torpedoes to contend with.

COMMENTS

Control keys: poorly laid out; Q/A up/down, L/P left and right, Z fire left base, S/S fire right base
Joystick: Mikrogen
Keyboard play: apart from the ergonomics, reasonable. The inlay states user-definable keys, but there aren't any
Colour: above average
Graphics: good
Sound: average
Skill levels: 1
Lives: 6 cities

Of the ones I've seen recently, this game probably has the best graphics for a 'Missile Command' version on the Spectrum. The graphics are fairly close to the original, in fact the atomic clouds on impact are an improvement. But control of the targeting sight is always a problem. The keys are not well laid out (it's difficult to play this type of game with keys anyway). But if you have a Mikrogen joystick, then definitely buy this version of the game.

Realistic explosions and hi-res graphics make Cruise Attack look good, but the movement of the cross hair is fairly slow and spoils the playability. And the right hand controls are badly placed:

Of the ones I've seen recently, this game probably has the best graphics for a 'Missile Command' version on the Spectrum. The graphics are fairly close to the original, in fact the atomic clouds on impact are an improvement. But control of the targeting sight is always a problem. The keys are not well laid out (it's difficult to play this type of game with keys anyway). But if you have a Mikrogen joystick, then definitely buy this version of the game.

Realistic explosions and hi-res graphics make Cruise Attack look good, but the movement of the cross hair is fairly slow and spoils the playability. And the right hand controls are badly placed.

This is a very passable version of 'Missile Command' with very fine explosion effects. The major difficulty is moving the cross hair because of the control keys, and your missiles seem to take an age to do their job. It seems a shame that they haven't allowed for more than one skill level, and I missed the enemy satellites, although they would have been hard to get without a joystick.
This is a very passable version of 'Missile Command' with very fine explosion effects. The major difficulty is moving the cross hair because of the control keys, and your missiles seem to take an age to do their job. It seems a shame that they haven't allowed for more than one skill level, and I missed the enemy satellites, although they would have been hard to get without a joystick.

Producer: Mikrogen, 48K
£5.95 (2)
Author: C Hinsley

Mikrogen actually say in their inlay that this is a copy of 'Missile Command', and itut to be a respectable version. Six cities but only two independently firing laser bases, and incoming torpedoes as well as missiles. The graphics are very good, one reviewer actually thought they were better than the arcade original, especially the explosions. No user-defined keys despite the inlay claiming it, but reasonable keys provided. Joystick: Mikrogen. Sadly only one skill level. Above average, overall CRASH rating 65% M/C.

ARCADE APOCALYPSE - MISSILE COMMAND GAMES

Our erstwhile arcade sleuths, CHRIS PASSEY & MATTHEW UFFINDELL duet of their track balls and compare some Spectrum 'Missile Command' type games.

'Missile Command' is the arcade classic in which the player defends six cities from enemy missiles. These missiles leave traces on the screen, splitting up at lower levels to make life more difficult. In addition planes and killer satellites move across the screen dropping more missiles. Heat sensitive missiles (or smart bombs) are able to avoid your defensive explosions and have to be hit accurately (direct hit) or deluged with explosions. Defence is by means of three missile bases, each having ten missiles. Any missile you launch will head for, and detonate at the point where your cross wire sight is set. The game continues until all your cities have been destroyed. The control of the sight is achieved by means of a track ball, which gives a very positive, accurate movement (analogue) and is very necessary for this type of game. The Spectrum games, of course, do not have a track ball provision.

Cruise Attack by Mikrogen
Retail Price: £5.95
Memory: 48K

Here we have a game with quite a good key layout. The game is a little different to the original, having only two outer base, each with individual firing. Graphically, things are average and the defending explosions are rather short in duration. A barrage of fire is impossible. Enemy missiles hitting your cities cause a nice little atomic clouds. Only smart bombs nave been included from the original. The game is 'alright' but not particularly exciting. There are no joystick options - the keys are okay (they're supposed to be user-definable, but they're not).
CP

Although Mikrogen say this is a version of 'Missile Command' it isn't a close copy at all, with only two independently firing bases. There are the six cities, but no alien craft. The colour and graphics are above average and the sight movement keys are well placed, not quite so good for the firing keys though. The explosions look good and realistic but the cross hair moves quite slowly which makes it difficult to defend properly.
MU

Note on ratings: To be enjoyed to the full, 'Missile Command' games should be played with a joystick (shame there is not a track ball) because keyboard play, in general, cannot give the same degree of accuracy and control. Although the same may be said for many other types of game, we are sure 'Missile Command' fans will agree that this is the game which needs it the most badly. Therefore the ratings given below have been split in two, one for keyboard only play, and one for joystick play. The two reviewers figures have been averaged as, in general, they turned out to be in agreement.

Ratings are given on a scale between zero and 100 points, and do not reflect what a game may receive in a regular review.