Combat

About

Combat is a straightforward action game from the Atari 2600 era that lets you control tanks, planes, and jets in head-to-head battles. You can fire missiles, dogfight in the sky, or bounce shells like a video game version of ping-pong. The 27 included modes vary from simple shootouts to scenarios where one player commands a squad while the other pilots a lone bomber. Controls are basic but responsive, and the game emphasizes quick reflexes over complex strategy. Two-player matches made it a favorite for couch co-op when the system first launched. Released in 1977, this title helped define the early shooter genre with its variety of conflict types. Tanks can turn invisible or launch projectiles that ricochet unpredictably. The jet and plane modes add layers like multi-aircraft teams and asymmetric objectives. Though primitive by modern standards, its simplicity and direct competition have kept it playable for retro fans. Community archives note it's one of the most durable titles in Atari's first wave of releases.