Missing In Action

Missing In Action (Unknown) (Proto) is an unreleased prototype of an ATARI 7800 port of Konami's 1989 run and gun arcade game. The original arcade title, simply called M.I.A.: Missing in Action, was a spiritual successor to Konami's Green Beret and drew heavy inspiration from 80s action films like Commando and Rambo. This prototype build is a rare glimpse into what could have been the ATARI 7800 version, though it never saw an official release on the system. It remains a curiosity for collectors of unreleased home console ports. In the game, you control a lone commando fighting through enemy territory. The core gameplay is side-scrolling run and gun action: you move left and right, jump over obstacles, and fire your weapon at soldiers, jeeps, and other threats. While the arcade original featured stages where you rescue prisoners of war and eventually escape by helicopter, this prototype's content may be incomplete. Based on the genre, expect a straightforward shoot-while-moving loop with a focus on survival against waves of enemies. What makes this title worth trying today is its status as a lost piece of ATARI 7800 history. It offers a look at how Konami's arcade style was adapted for home consoles during the late 80s, a time when the 7800 was competing with the NES. If you enjoy classic run and gun games like Commando or Ikari Warriors, this prototype provides a rough but authentic taste of that era. Just keep in mind it is an unfinished build, so bugs and missing features are part of the experience.