Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 2600
- Developers: Western Technologies Inc.
- Publishers: U.S. Games
M.A.D. (1982): A Detailed Retrospective
Released in 1982, M.A.D. (which stands for Missile Attack and Defense) is an arcade action game developed and published by Bally Midway. It is a somewhat similar to Missile Command, but with some key differences.
Gameplay
The player controls a photon cannon at the bottom of the screen, and their goal is to protect six energy stations located to their left and right. Waves of rockets and other ships will fly by on the screen, and occasionally one will drop in an attempt to destroy one of the stations (as a warning on most levels, the enemy will turn white just before it drops). The player must shoot the enemy before it reaches the station and destroys it.
The game is over when all six energy stations are destroyed.
A two-player variation is also included; one player controls the photon cannon, and the second player controls a cursor and can select when and where an enemy will drop. The players alternate between offense and defense in this version.
Development
M.A.D. was developed by Bally Midway’s arcade division, which was led by Eugene Jarvis. Jarvis had previously worked on other classic arcade games such as Defender and Robotron: 2084.
The game was originally conceived as a sequel to Missile Command, but Jarvis and his team decided to make it a more unique experience. They added new features such as the two-player mode and the ability for enemies to drop from the top of the screen.
Release
M.A.D. was released in arcades in 1982. It was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered to be one of the best arcade games of all time.
Legacy
M.A.D. has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Entertainment System. It has also been included in a number of arcade compilations.
The game has been praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, its innovative two-player mode, and its iconic graphics and sound. It is considered to be a classic of the arcade era, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers today.
Critical Reception
M.A.D. was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the game’s simple but addictive gameplay, its innovative two-player mode, and its iconic graphics and sound.
The game was also a commercial success, selling over 10,000 arcade cabinets. It was one of the top-grossing arcade games of 1982.
Awards
M.A.D. won the following awards:
- Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year (1983)
- Arcade Game of the Year (1982)
Cultural Impact
M.A.D. has had a significant impact on popular culture. The game has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and it has been referenced in music and other forms of media.
The game’s iconic graphics and sound have also been used in a variety of products, including t-shirts, posters, and mugs.
Conclusion
M.A.D. is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its simple but addictive gameplay, innovative two-player mode, and iconic graphics and sound make it a timeless classic.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
