Missile Command Bombards Xbox Live Arcade

Microsoft has announced that this Wednesday's regular Xbox Live Arcade update will see the release of an updated version of Atari's arcade classic Missile Command, featuring two-player support and newly designed graphics and special effects. Developed by Stainless Games, the same studio responsible for the Xbox Live Arcade remake of the classic 1987 Mac title Crystal Quest, Missile Command is the latest of six previously announced titles from Atari that are planned to be made available for the service. Previously released Atari classics include both Centipede and Millipede, which were added to Xbox Live Arcade in April. The game was first introduced in 1980, and has players defending the planet Zardon from an endless barrage of missiles and smart bombs by tracking and shooting down the assault from stations based on the planet's surface. Among the enhancements confirmed for the new version include newly enhanced HD graphics, new special effects, and surround sound to complement the classic gameplay to complement Missile Command's classic gameplay. The game will be playable by one or two players, either locally, or over Xbox Live. The title will cost 400 Microsoft Points ($5), and will be available for download worldwide on Xbox Live Arcade on the Xbox 360 starting at 9:00 a.m. GMT on Wednesday, July 4, 2007.