- Publisher: Midway
- Release Date: Oct 22, 2002
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The revamped gameplay manages to stay fresh, but is still able to keep that special something that made the original game so engrossing.
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About the only downside to Defender is the games overall length…it is rather short and can probably be finished in one or two sittings by veteran players.
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PSM MagazineSolid campaign modes, gameplay variety, and visuals make this a must-buy. [Dec 2002, p.42]
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Like "Spy Hunter" before it Defender is a remarkable update that both satisfies old and new gamers alike with its flash graphics and basic old-skool blasting.
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Fans of Defender will definitely enjoy this game, but the longevity may disappoint many if you were looking for a long experience.
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While not very deep, Defender is an action packed game that any shooter fan should enjoy.
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It's a real treat to see footage of the original arcade Defender and listen to the thoughts of the man behind it and of the folks responsible for the new one.
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Slick controls make piloting your craft as natural as breathing, and performing barrel rolls, loops and toggling through your weapon inventories become pure reflex.
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The game controls nice and tight—a necessary element for successful fast action. Every button on the Dual Shock 2 is used, but it’s an extremely comfortable and intuitive layout.
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Game InformerDefender's real strength comes through in its willingness to be a shooter in a market full of mediocre hybrids. [Nov 2002, p.126]
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If you are a fan, you won't be disappointed, though we should note that the game doesn't last very long, and gives you little incentive to return after finishing.
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It's pretty short, but it's also a fast, mostly mindless shooter, with a hint of some RTS elements thrown in, just to mix things up.
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A decently solid shooter that's good for a few hours fun. Shame they couldn't include the original as a bonus, though. [GamesMaster]
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Defender can be a fun game ... while it lasts.
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Cheat Code CentralPerhaps if they would have included the original game and just enhanced the graphics, this would have helped the game and added to what it was missing.
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It doesn't really share too much with the original arcade title.
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Official U.S. Playstation MagazineManages to satisfy any modern gamer out for some good 'ol alien blasting in futuristic spaceships. [Nov 2002, p.184]
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Though not as polished or fun as “Spy Hunter,” Defender”will entertain middle-aged men/women that grew-up with the original coin-op as much as younger gamers open-minded enough to give this 3D remake a shot.
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It doesn't really go too far out of its way to distinguish itself.
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GameNowIt's nothing entirely new, but you'll have a good time doing it. [Nov 2002, p.75]
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With great gameplay, varied missions and solid controls, Defender is another Midway classic tuned for a new generation of gamers.
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Electronic Gaming MonthlyIntelligently blends the three gameplay styles together in a way that works. [Dec 2002, p.202]
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Play MagazineThe action is always set on high and the immediacy of the appeal lends itself to strong replay. [Dec 2002, p.86]
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It’s doesn’t have the adrenaline fuelled action of the original, nor any neat new ideas to make it feel like a progression.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 3 out of 8
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Mixed: 5 out of 8
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Negative: 0 out of 8
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Jul 28, 2023
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LarryK.Dec 31, 2002Actually kind of hard...I'm still stuck on the first levels!
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MitchellC.Dec 7, 2002