Missile Command ?-??-81

This is a late beta for Missile Command that was found on a disk of a former Atari programmer.  While the gameplay is all there, there are a few missing options and quirks that need to be ironed out before release.  Oddly it appears that this beta version was accidentally used in a budget Atari UK compilation tape (TXP7100) instead of the released version.  However in that version the command to enable the Trak-Ball mode was changed to Control-T like in the released cartridge.

Prototype Differences

The game name is not displayed on the title screen

The SKIP text is not on the title screen but you can still skip levels with the number keys

Instead of the level skip text (SKIP#) this prototype lists the control method instead (STICK).  Pressing Shift-Control-T will enable the Trak-Ball mode and change the text to TBALL.  This was simplified to Control-T in the released version. (Thanks to Kr0tki for figuring this out)

The game lacks explosions on the 'THE END' screen

The score and high score stay the color of the current wave on the 'THE END' screen instead of reverting back to red

The game doesn't automatically go back to the title screen after the game ends

The red missile tips (on the first two waves) are colored green

The option for the all Smart Missiles variation doesn't exist yet

 

No name on the title screen	Green missile tips?
No cool explosions... Also note that the scores stayed green.	(Chuckles)  I'm in danger!

 

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