Defender

November 07, 2002

Platform: Microsoft XBOX
Developer: Midway
Publisher: Midway
Reviewed by: search66

Gameplay: [9] Graphics: [8] Audio: [7] Replay: [3] Overall: [8.0]

Defender. Just saying the name brings back memories to a handful of gamers that are still around. One of the original Atari games that was ported from the arcade and then to the 2600, finally makes its next generation debut on the most powerful system on today’s market.

The origination of shooters
To my knowledge, the original Defender was one of the first (if not THE first) shooters by today’s standards. While games like Galaga usually took the cake back then as far as vertical scrollers go, the genre evolved quickly with each generation of video game console, and all but died before the 64-bit era. The Sega Dreamcast had a few notable shooters, but for the most part the newer generation of gamers have yet to experience the classic lure of old-school flavor.

For the most part, Midway have recreated the familiarity of Defender quite flawlessly. The structure of the level and the overall feel still oozes with 80's style. For us "Generation X'ers" out there (haven't heard that in a while, eh?) the controls are perfectly calibrated for today’s standards. There is nothing worse than rehashing an antiquated game, and bombarding it with a plethora of options, combinations and new "features". It was a breath of fresh air to play the game initially, for it took me back to an era that I remember quite well. The days of wearing parachute pants, lined with quarters and playing stand-alone arcade games at the roller skating rink are back...

As stated, the controls are ultra-simplistic and there are no obscure button combinations to pull off maneuvers. What you are left with is simply, moving back and forth avoiding the barrage of enemy fire, while at the same time, trying to blow up everything in your path. Sounds easy enough, but Midway not only recreated the overall feel of the original, but also the difficulty. Luckily, the first two missions are more-or-less training missions and should get you on par with the control of your ship. Keeping pace with the original, your mission is not only to blast the onslaught of Manti (the baddies), but also to save the poor saps stranded on the ground. This is where the stereotypical "shooter" breaks from the pack. There is a bit of strategy involved in rescuing the colonists and shipping them back to drop-off points. This is originally why I preferred Defender over a Galaga even back then. I loved the multi-roled gameplay, and was pleasantly surprised to feel the same intensity when trying to rescue our arm-waving friends.

When I say the game has strategic points to it, it is by no means an RTS. But, it is refreshing that the overall gameplay engine was slightly modified and also to see the incorporation of thought into a resurrected shooter. Adding another layer of strategy to the game, is the actual processes of the colonists. After rescuing them and dropping them off at a nearby base, they provide you with two important things. Health and weapons. These weapons can be produced by the colonists to help (here comes) defend. Placing these tanks, and big guns strategically throughout the levels is crucial to overall success of the current mission.

Still, when it comes down to the nuts and bolts of the engine, Defender is still your classic shooter. While the tenacity of most shooters is never apparent (at most there are a dozen enemies on the screen at one time), the action never dulls from start to finish. But, here in lies the most recognizable flaw... game length. Right as I really started to get hooked on the game, it ended. Boom. Done. Game over... literally. Even the cool boss endings, tons of awesome power-ups couldn't save this game from harsh critique. I was able to finish the game easily within six hours. Even non-fans of shooters should complete this in less than 10 hours. This seems to be an anathema for many shooter type games, and the replay value is short-lived.

Even though the game was short, and I was basically blue-balled; I figured the multiplayer aspects would at least bump up the replay value a few notches. I was wrong. The multiplayer functions were uninspiring and everything but fun. The "deathmatch" was simply mind-numbing and after a few matches I had to take a shower for I felt Midway violated me. On a bright note, the co-op mode was quite engaging and if anything added a notch to the proverbial gun.

Nevertheless, the lack of decent multiplayer fun just added salt to the wound of the shortness of the game.

This ain't yer daddy's Atari, son
The first thing I said when I actually saw Defender in my XBOX was (and I quote), "Yipee!". My "yippee!" wasn't because the graphics were stellar, but because they were totally carbon copied from the original. It was almost as they cloned the games visuals, and just threw a nice new paint job over top of it. While most of the spatial effects, texture designs and bit-mapping are a bit low compared to today’s industry’s standards, they do fit the bill nicely. Effects, are mostly dynamic, and watching the effects of your weapons are accurate and rewarding.

The ship renditions are the most impressive of the graphic lot, and have a nice gritty feel to them. As far as performance, the XBOX didn't even bat an eye. Even during the most hectic firefights, or end-level bosses, the engine purred like a kitten. While I noticed a slight change in frame rate during co-op play, it was barely noticeable and didn't affect gameplay at all. The mission briefings and cut scenes were equally impressive, and fit snugly with the aura of the game.

The audio portions of the game go hand-in-hand with the graphics. Perfect renditions of the original allow those of us who remember the score to soak in the goodness of the classic beeps and zooms. While many might not appreciate the simplicity of the soundtrack and effects, it was done purposely by Midway to recreate the feel of the 80's counterpart.

66 Says:
Each time I play the game, I come down with a temporary case of bi-polar disorder. I love the game and in the same breath hate it. One minute I want to cuddle up with the gamedisk on my pillow, and the next minute want to take it to practice skeet. Recommending Defender is a tough call. Without hesitation, those who have grown up with old arcade shooter and watched as gaming has progressed, will fully appreciate it for everything it is. For those, who may have never played the original will despise it for everything it's not.

I don't regret the purchase in the slightest. Sure I'm more than disappointed in the length of the game, and really wish they would have doubled the levels, but overall I feel rewarded and satisfied. With that said, for most people a rental would suffice. Unless you are fiending to relive the era of multiple Swatches, OP shorts and Docksiders... skip the purchase and give it a rent.

Plea	Game	Strategy Guide
If you plan on buying the game, and feel that we helped you make a decision, why not support netjak at the same time and pick this up online? (did that sound too whiney?)	DEFENDER	DEFENDER OFFICIAL STRATEGY GUIDE