Defender

 GameCube
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
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  1. Nintendojo
    93
    Defender is all about defense, which may be a major turn-off for many gamers out there.
  2. Nintendophiles
    80
    One possible complaint is that the game, for all its excellent aesthetic features and options, may simply be too difficult for the average gamer, even in the “novice” difficulty mode.
  3. GameZone
    78
    The bad thing about this game is that it is extremely easy, and at times, will still feel a bit redundant.
  5. IGN
    70
    If you've played the original Defender, Midway's modern update to the classic will find a deeper hook to your soul.
  6. Yahoo!
    70
    Stands pretty well on its own merits, especially considering the slightly reduced price tag.
  7. Cheat Code Central
    70
    Sadly, the game doesn't have much in the way of replay value. It's short and sweet.
    All this publication's reviews
  8. GameSpot
    69
    Fans of the genre or of the original game would be better off renting this one first, as it doesn't really go too far out of its way to distinguish itself.
  9. Gaming Age
    67
    With great gameplay, varied missions and solid controls, Defender is another Midway classic tuned for a new generation of gamers.
  10. Gamer's Pulse
    64
    Gameplay is fun and quick, yet grows tiresome due to repetition. Graphical presentation is good, and the sound average.
  11. Nintendo Power
    62
    It doesn't innovate in the way that the original game did. [Feb 2003, p.156]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. NintendoWorldReport
    60
    A reasonably well-made game that desperately needs a soul.
  13. Play Magazine
    60
    The action is always set on high and the immediacy of the appeal lends itself to strong replay. [Dec 2002, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. XenGamers
    50
    Essentially the game takes the original premise, adds a few minor twists, and slaps some mediocre next-generation 3D graphics onto the product.
  15. TotalGames.net
    40
    Suffers from a lack of any true excitement, and you really won’t care whether you win or lose. The narrative is dull, it looks like an old PC game in places, the FMV is juddery, the story a no-brainer and the controls fiddly.

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Best GameCube Game of 2002
82
#82 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2002
44
#44 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. neojotic
    Aug 26, 2020
    5
    Great to see a classic franchise comeback in gen 6 however, this game is a perfect example of how you need more than a name to keep aGreat to see a classic franchise comeback in gen 6 however, this game is a perfect example of how you need more than a name to keep a franchise going. If this was an early to market Gen 5 game we'd probably feel more warm and fuzzy about it.

    This is just an average title. The game is not terrible by any means, in fact it would be a decent pickup for a bargain bin buyer. The graphics and sound are pretty standard and the controls can be confusing for newcomers.

    Maybe worth giving it a shot in multi player mode with a friend when all the old standards start to feel old.    … Full Review »
  2. TripleZ
    Jun 14, 2005
    6
    It's OK I guess.... yeah the controls are kinda odd. Fun for a while, really nice cutscenes.
  3. EricL.
    Apr 29, 2004
    5
    It's ok, nothing special. good graphics, wierd controls, hard not in a challenging kinda way
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