Video Gaming News - October 2002

Chicago, IL (October 22, 2002) -  Midway Games Inc., a leading software industry publisher and developer, announced today that Defender has shipped for the PlayStation 2.  Defender is scheduled to ship for the Xbox, GameCube, and the GameBoy Advance on Nov. 4, 2002.

“The all-new 3-D Defender has it all. With a killer soundtrack, exciting action, strategic elements and stunning graphics, Defender takes the classic idea to an all-new level and is sure to become a favorite among today’s next-generation gamers,” said Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing, Midway.

From Midway:

Defender offers players the ultimate in next-generation high-octane action with strategic elements that start where the original Defender left off. In this all-new version, players must battle an onslaught of vicious aliens as they assume the controls of next-generation combat-ready Defender ships to strategically pilot through more than 20 challenging missions spanning the solar system. Defender players execute dynamic tactical maneuvers such as barrel rolls, 360-degree loops and spinning reversals to evade the enemy.
To add to the high-octane action, rhythmic sensation KMFDM contributed a track entitled “Defender,” a remake of Richard Strauss’s “Also Sprach Zarathustra,” known for its prominence as the theme song from the 1968 movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. The band’s energetic live shows and sound, which artfully incorporates a lot of explosive, metallic elements into one mix, complements the exciting space combat-action gameplay found in Defender. Black Black Records’ Trigger also recorded an original techno song, “Vaunt,” for the game. The two-piece combo of Todd Crumn and Janed Todd focus their music on a full, beat-driven sound that aims to conjure a different mood, memory or idea.

In addition, Commander Mei Kyoto, a fledgling Defender pilot, is the voice of renowned actress/singer Traci Elizabeth Lords. Lords is a dynamic performer who has appeared in theatrical films such as “Blade,” John Waters’ “Cry-Baby” and “Serial Mom,” as well as in television series “First Wave,” “Melrose Place” and the Stephen King miniseries “The Tommyknockers.” Music from her acclaimed techno CD “1000 Fires” has been featured on the soundtracks for “Mortal Kombat” and “Virtuosity.”

Featuring a new view perspective with a fully 3-D, third-person chase camera, Defender drops players into the explosive action of an alien invasion where they must combine strategic elements with speed and control to outwit the enemy. Ship upgrades are also available with various power-ups including shields, advanced weapons and hyperspace technology, which allows players to strategically relocate the ship to one of several predetermined locations to aid in defeating the aliens. Aliens can be taken head-on in single-player campaign mode or defeated with a friend in the two-player, cooperative campaign mode as you deploy an arsenal of weapons such as a grenade launcher, fast-lock missile launcher, fireball launcher and gas launcher.

Defender’s DVD content offers a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the game with in-depth interviews featuring project director/designer George Collins and producer Matt Candler discussing their experiences remaking the arcade classic for next-generation consoles. Also included is a narrated history of Defender, from its arcade roots to the present, including an interview with its original creator. Additionally, featured in the DVD are “Coming Soon” trailers for Midway’s upcoming titles.

Defender PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube Key Features:

• Multiple Game Modes – Single-player campaign mode and two-player (co-op) campaign mode
• A New View Perspective – Defender is fully 3-D and is played from a third-person chase camera perspective. This gives the player the ultimate in speed and control as they pilot their ship to victory against the alien invaders
• Instant Action – The controls in Defender are straightforward, making it intuitive in picking up the game and starting Defender training. Weapons are precise and advanced players can use special tactical maneuvers via button combos such as barrel rolls, reverses, etc.
• Plan Your Attack – The new Defender starts where the old left off. In addition to saving humans and killing aliens, there are tanks and other ground units to position (both defensive and offensive) and bases to defend. Now humans become more than just a body to save – they are a resource to manage
• Ship Upgrades – Upgrade your ship in between missions – receive upgrades for lives saved. During missions, players can earn multiple power-ups including: shields, advanced weapons and hyperspace technology
• Advanced Weapons – Utilize more than 30 explosive weapons to aid in squashing aliens and accomplishing missions, such as fast-lock missile launcher, salvo missile launcher, fireball launcher and gas launcher
• Licensed Music – Explosive music from KMFDM and Trigger
• DVD content includes in-depth discussions with developers, a narrated history of Defender and “Coming Soon” trailers of new Midway titles

Defender Game Boy Advance Key Features:

• Multiple Game Modes – Single-player campaign mode, co-op mode (with players working together) and competitive mode (where players compete against one another)
• Classic Defender – An arcade-perfect implementation of the original game, players get to experience the original operator settings and high scores found in Defender
• Gameplay Upgrades – Players can select from new ships and weapons
• Bonus Level – Includes a hidden level with all-new mechanics

« Back to last page   ·   News Page »