Defender (1981)

Arcade · Mac · Web Browser

3.08 from 91 ratings

250 members have it in their collection · 2 playing now · 34 backlogged · 21 wish listed

How long? (from 1 logged playthrough)

Defender is an arcade video game developed released by Williams Electronics in 1980. A shooting game featuring two-dimensional (2D) graphics, the game is set on a fictional planet where the player must defeat waves of invading aliens while protecting astronauts. Development was led by Eugene Jarvis, a pinball programmer at Williams; Defender was Jarvis's first video game project, and drew … Read more
Defender is an arcade video game developed released by Williams Electronics in 1980. A shooting game featuring two-dimensional (2D) graphics, the game is set on a fictional planet where the player must defeat waves of invading aliens while protecting astronauts. Development was led by Eugene Jarvis, a pinball programmer at Williams; Defender was Jarvis's first video game project, and drew inspiration from Space Invaders and Asteroids. Williams planned to display the game at the Amusement & Music Operators Association (AMOA) trade show, though development delays resulted in the team working on the game up until the show started. Defender was commercially successful, selling over 55,000 units to become the company's best selling arcade game. Praise among critics focused on the game's audio-visuals and gameplay. It is frequently listed as one of Jarvis's best contributions to the video game industry, as well as one of the most difficult video games. Defender was ported to numerous platforms, inspired the development of other games, and was followed by sequels and many imitations. Read less

Details

Publishers
Shockwave, Williams Electronics
Genres
Shooter, Strategy
Themes
Action, Science fiction
Series
Defender

Release dates

  • Mar 1981 (Full Release) (North_America) Arcade
  • 1994 (Full Release) (North_America) Mac
  • Jul 2000 (Full Release) (Worldwide) Web Browser

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Rating distribution

5 stars
4
4 stars
22
3 stars
45
2 stars
17
1 star
3

Community All Reviews Statuses

kingbk83

Review kingbk83 4/5 · Jul 2, 2022

The Great, Great Grandfather of Dark Souls

Defender I put up there with the best of the best when it comes to the classics from the Golden Age of Arcade Games (Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Galaga, Donkey Kong, etc.) However, this one stands out from the others in how difficult of a game that it is. It's TOUGH. That's why I call it the Great, Great …

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Defender I put up there with the best of the best when it comes to the classics from the Golden Age of Arcade Games (Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Galaga, Donkey Kong, etc.) However, this one stands out from the others in how difficult of a game that it is. It's TOUGH. That's why I call it the Great, Great Grandfather of Dark Souls. Or the Father of Nintendo Hard. Whatever you want to call it, it's not for the faint at heart. The sounds effects, colors and daunting number of buttons make it stand out, and the variety of not just blowing up enemy ships, but having to save civilians adds a unique twist. I enjoy playing it, even if I don't get very far in it, lol.

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Mixplit

Status Mixplit Apr 7, 2022

Disc copy is on Midway PC Game Bundle disc that came with my X-Arcade. Included PC versions of several Midway Arcade Classics including: Gauntlet, Rampage, Robotron 2084, Joust, Defender, and Smash TV.

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scoopings

Review scoopings 3/5 · Jan 30, 2022

Excellent, Innovative Arcade Scrolling Shooter, But A Bit Too Hard For Me

Look: 9/10 Best part of the game for sure, the desert vibes wow (I know it's supposed to be another world, but I like it this way ha). Great title screen, love the colors and the flashing.

Play: 7/10 A bit too difficult for me. I have a lot of respect for the game, but can't claim I'm good enough …

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Look: 9/10 Best part of the game for sure, the desert vibes wow (I know it's supposed to be another world, but I like it this way ha). Great title screen, love the colors and the flashing.

Play: 7/10 A bit too difficult for me. I have a lot of respect for the game, but can't claim I'm good enough to find it fun ha. I know I say this all the time, but another game that reminds me how mediocre I am at gaming lol. I don't think I will ever fully get used to the controls and turning back and forth, but I got decent at it and the fact I push through such a difficult game for a while says a lot. Still, a few too many buttons for my taste, maybe would be more fun with a gamepad hmmm. If I ever return to it..

Feel: 8/10 Innovative, love the look, love the concept, and undeniably well-executed. Challenging and seemingly rewarding, though I didn't push too far considering my skill levels heh. Could have benefited from a Novice/easier difficulty level option. I love the high speeds that can be reached, and i love love love the desert graphics. Plus, despite not being that big of a fan of the controls to accomplish it, the turning back and forth is actually quite smooth. I wound up not giving up on it and getting much better getting through a few attack waves, which is sign of a good game when I push through intensive challenges (and isn't a Zelda/console action-adventure ha). oh, and pro-tip (tho this is true of all the early shooters with minimaps so far ha): definitely helps to use the minimap/radar to plan, getting used to the thrust and turn around buttons, etc.

Attachment: 7/10 The fact I went back to it to try to get further/get more used to the convoluted controls, and the fact I wanna retry it with a gamepad, says a lot... but still. Doubtful I will be returning to it. Still if you like arcade scrolling shooters, this one should definitely be on your list. And if I ever return to the genre, it should be on my list too. As I've said a few times, it's a bit too difficult for me but great graphics, well-tuned controls and execution, and undeniably well-made.

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brian.hammerman.9

Status brian.hammerman.9 Aug 27, 2013

Atari 2600 never play Atari but it got a 7.6 on ign so i think that will ake my list of classic games

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