Video Gaming News - November 2002
Chicago, IL (November 4, 2002) - Midway Games, a leading software
industry publisher and developer, announced today that Defender, an all-new 3-D
version of the popular 1980s arcade classic, has shipped for the Xbox and
GameCube, and will ship on Thursday, Nov. 7th for the GameBoy Advance. Defender
is also currently available for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.
"This all-new remake of the Defender classic will impress longtime Defender
fans as well as next-generation videogamers," said Helene Sheeler, vice
president of marketing, 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,” prominently known 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.
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