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{{short description|1981 video game}}
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{{Infobox video game
| title = Defender
| image = Defender red label.flyer.png
| caption = Promotional flyer featuring the upright arcade cabinet with the game at the title screen. Displayed at the bottom are the cabinet's joystick and numerous buttons.
| alt = Artwork of a vertical rectangular poster. The poster depicts the upper half of a black arcade cabinet with the title "Defender" displayed on the top portion. Above the cabinet, the poster reads "First, the pinball universe. Now, the world of video. Once again, Williams reigns supreme".
| developer = [[Williams Electronics]]
| publisher = '''Arcade''' {{vgrelease|NA/EU|Williams Electronics|JP|[[Taito]]<ref name="MAD">{{cite web |title=ディフェンダー アップライト筺体版 |trans-title=Defender upright cabinet version |url=https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/M729292 |website=Media Arts Database |publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]] |language=ja |access-date=31 May 2021}}</ref>}} '''Ports''' <br>[[Atari, Inc.]]<br>[[Atarisoft]]
| designer = {{Unbulleted list|[[Eugene Jarvis]]|[[Larry DeMar]]}}
| director = 
| producer = 
| programmer = {{Unbulleted list|Eugene Jarvis|Larry DeMar|Sam Dicker|Paul Dussault}}
| artist = 
| writer = 
| composer = 
| release = {{vgrelease|JP|February 1981<ref name="MAD"/>|NA|March 1981<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1981/CB-1981-03-07.pdf#page=44|title=Coin Machine: Chicago Chatter|author=<!-- Staff -->|magazine=[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cashbox]]|date=March 7, 1981|page=40|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728055505/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1981/CB-1981-03-07.pdf|archive-date=July 28, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>|EU|1981<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Arcade Action |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=18 November 1981 |issue=2 (December 1981) |pages=30–1 |url=https://www.solvalou.com/arcade/reviews/159/429}}</ref>}}
| genre = [[Scrolling shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| arcade system = 
| platforms = [[Arcade video game|Arcade]], [[Entex Adventure Vision|Adventure Vision]], [[Apple II]], [[Atari 8-bit]], [[Atari 2600]], [[Atari 5200]], [[BBC Micro]], [[ColecoVision]], [[Commodore 64]], [[Intellivision]], [[IBM PC]], [[SAM Coupé]], [[TI-99/4A]], [[VIC-20]], [[ZX Spectrum]]
}}

'''''Defender''''' is a 1981 horizontally [[scrolling shooter]] [[video game]] developed by [[Williams Electronics]] for [[Arcade video game|arcades]]. The game is set on either an unnamed planet or city (depending on platform) 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 (video game)|Asteroids]]''. ''Defender'' was demonstrated in late 1980 and was released in March 1981. It was distributed in Japan by [[Taito]].

''Defender'' was one of the most important titles of the [[golden age of arcade video games]], selling over 55,000 units to become the company's best-selling game and one of the highest-grossing arcade games ever. 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]] and one of the most difficult video games. Though not the first game to scroll horizontally, it created the genre of horizontal scrolling [[shoot 'em up]]s. It inspired the development of other games and was followed by sequels and many imitations.

Ports were developed for contemporary game systems, most of them by either [[Atari, Inc.]] or its software label for non-Atari platforms, [[Atarisoft]]. The 1982 [[Atari 2600]] version was one of the [[List of best-selling Atari 2600 video games|best-selling games]] for the system and sold over 3 million cartridges.

== Gameplay ==
[[File:Defender Gameplay Screen.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A horizontal rectangular video game screenshot that is a digital representation of a planet surface. A white, triangular spaceship in the upper right corner battles green alien enemies. The top of the screen features a banner that displays icons, numbers, and a miniature version of the landscape.|The spaceship (upper right) flies above the surface to protect humans. The minimap (top) shows the entire world.]]

''Defender'' is a side-view, horizontally [[scrolling shooter]] set on the surface of an unnamed planet. The player controls a spaceship flying either to the left or right. A joystick controls the ship's elevation, and five buttons control its horizontal direction and weapons. The player starts with three "smart bombs", which destroy all visible enemies. As a last resort, the "hyperspace" button works as in ''[[Asteroids (video game)|Asteroids]]'': the player's ship reappears in a random—possibly unsafe—location. Players are allotted three ships at the start of the game; another ship and smart bomb are awarded every 10,000 points (adjustable per machine). Two players can alternate turns.

The object is to destroy all alien invaders, while protecting astronauts on the landscape from abduction. Landers pick up humans and attempt to carry them to the top of the screen at which point they turn into fast-moving mutants. A captured human can be freed by shooting the lander, then catching the human before it falls to its death, and dropping it off on the ground.

Defeating the aliens allows the player to progress to the next level. Failing to protect the astronauts, however, causes the planet to explode and the level to become populated with mutants. Surviving the waves of mutants results in the restoration of the planet. A ship is lost if it is hit by an enemy or its projectiles, or if a hyperspace jump goes wrong (as they randomly do). After exhausting all ships, the game ends.<ref name="Ultimate">{{cite book| title = [[The Ultimate History of Video Games]]| last = Kent| first = Steven|authorlink=Steven L. Kent| year = 2001| chapter = The Golden Age (Part 1: 1979–1980)| publisher = [[Three Rivers Press]]| pages = 144–147| isbn = 0-7615-3643-4}}</ref><ref name="GWR08-1">{{cite book| editor= Craig Glenday| title= Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2008| series= [[Guinness World Records]]| date= 2008-03-11| publisher= Guinness| isbn= 978-1-904994-21-3| page= [https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec00guin_0/page/234 234]| chapter= Top 100 Arcade Games: Top 20–6| chapter-url= https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec00guin_0| url= https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec00guin_0/page/234}}</ref><ref name="Joystik1-2">{{cite journal| journal = JoyStik| title = The Evolution of Space Games: How We Got From Space Invaders to Zaxxon|date=September 1982| pages = 8–29|issue = 1| first = Mark| last = Stearny}}</ref><ref name="Fever">{{cite book| title = Arcade Fever: The Fan's Guide to The Golden Age of Video Games| first = John| last = Sellers| pages = 50–53| publisher = [[Running Press]]|date=August 2001| isbn = 0-7624-0937-1}}</ref>

== Development ==
[[File:EugeneJarvis cax2006 brighter.jpg|thumb|alt=A man with short dark hair in a pink shirt, speaking into a microphone in his right hand.|[[Eugene Jarvis]], a pinball programmer at the time, headed development of ''Defender''.]]

''Defender'' was Williams Electronics' first attempt at developing a new video game; the company's earlier game was a ''[[Pong]]'' clone.<ref name="Ultimate"/> The popularity of coin-operated arcade games in 1979 spurred the company to shift its focus from pinball games to arcade games.<ref name="Halcyon">{{cite book| title = Halcyon Days: Interviews with Classic Computer and Video Games Programmers| editor = James Hague| year = 1997| chapter = Eugene Jarvis| publisher = Dadgum Games| chapter-url = https://dadgum.com/halcyon/BOOK/JARVIS.HTM| access-date = 2009-12-06| title-link = Halcyon Days (book)}}</ref> The company chose Eugene Jarvis, who had a successful record of Williams pinball games, to head development.<ref name="Ultimate"/> [[Larry DeMar]], Sam Dicker, and Paul Dussault assisted Jarvis.<ref name="Gamasutra-Defender">{{cite web| url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4078/the_history_of_defender_the_joys_.php| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090715221924/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4078/the_history_of_defender_the_joys_.php| url-status = dead| archive-date = July 15, 2009| title = The History of Defender: The Joys of Difficult Games| website = Gamasutra| first = Matt| last = Barton|author2=Bill Loguidice| date = 2009-07-14| access-date = 2009-12-06}}</ref> At the time, Williams had a small staff and the management was unfamiliar with technology used for its electronic games. As a result, the staff was afforded a large amount of creative freedom.<ref name="Halcyon"/>

=== Initial development ===
Space was a popular setting for video games at the time, and Jarvis felt the abstract setting would help obscure simple graphics that lacked realism.<ref name="Ultimate"/> Initially, Jarvis spent 3–4&nbsp;months developing color variations of [[Taito]]'s ''[[Space Invaders]]'' and [[Atari, Inc.]]'s ''[[Asteroids (video game)|Asteroids]]''.<ref name="Arc-Treasure-1">{{cite video game| title= [[Midway Arcade Treasures]]| developer= [[Backbone Entertainment|Digital Eclipse]]| publisher= [[Midway Games]]| date= 2003-11-18| platform= [[PlayStation 2]]| level= The Inside Story On Defender}}</ref> First inspired by ''Space Invaders'', he created a similar game with new gameplay mechanics. After spending a few weeks on the design, however, the team abandoned the idea, believing it lacked enjoyment. Development then shifted to emulating Atari's ''Asteroids'', but hardware differences between ''Asteroids'' and ''Defender''{{'}}s proposed specifications were problematic. ''Asteroids'' displays [[vector graphics]] on a special monitor, while the staff planned to use pixel graphics on a conventional monitor. The team experimented with recreating the game with pixel graphics, but also abandoned it because they felt the gameplay lacked enjoyment and visual appeal.<ref name="RG-55"/>

Believing their first attempts to be too derivative, the developers held brainstorming sessions. During a session, they agreed that one of ''Asteroids''{{'}}s favorable elements was its [[Wraparound (video games)|wraparound]].<ref name="RG-55"/> They felt a game that allowed the player to fly off the screen would be exciting and decided to create a game world larger than the screen displayed. The game's environment was made longer than the screen and scrolled horizontally.<ref name="Ultimate"/><ref name="RG-55"/> Expanding on the idea, they envisioned a version of ''Space Invaders'' rotated 90&nbsp;[[Degree (angle)|degrees]]. By changing the orientation of ''Space Invaders''{{'}} design, the ship moved up and down while flying horizontally. Large asteroids, an element from ''Asteroids'', were then added to the game world, but were later removed because the staff felt it lacked enjoyment.<ref name="RG-55"/> Jarvis intended the screen to scroll only from left to right; fellow Williams employee [[Steve Ritchie (pinball designer)|Steve Ritchie]], however, convinced him the game should be able to scroll in either direction.<ref name="Ultimate"/><ref name="RG-55"/>

After six months of development, the team felt the game had not made enough progress. They examined other games and concluded that survival was a necessary component to implement. To achieve this, they devised enemies to present a threat, the first of which was the "Lander".<ref name="RG-55"/> Jarvis enjoyed violent, action entertainment, and wanted the game to have those elements, but felt the action should have a reasonable objective. Inspired by the 1960s television show ''[[The Defenders (1961 TV series)|The Defenders]]'', Jarvis titled the game ''Defender'', reasoning that the title helped justify the violence.<ref name="Ultimate"/> He added astronauts to expand on the space theme and give players something to defend while they shot enemies.<ref name="Ultimate"/><ref name="RG-55"/> The element of flying over a planetscape was added after a brainstorming session between Jarvis and Ritchie.<ref name="Joystik1">{{cite journal| journal = JoyStik| title = Interview: Eugene Jarvis|date=September 1982| page = 7|issue = 1}}</ref> The landscape is depicted as a line only a pixel wide, primarily because the hardware was not powerful enough to generate anything more detailed.<ref name="RG-55"/>

=== Later development ===
By July, development was behind schedule and Jarvis's superior began to pressure him to finish the game in time for a then-upcoming trade show, the AMOA, in September. Jarvis spent several weeks creating the astronauts, which his boss felt should be omitted if the process didn't speed up. The pressure frustrated him to the point he considered resigning. Around that time, a new programmer named Sam Dicker was hired.<ref name="Ultimate"/> He assisted in programming the game and added visual and audio effects.<ref name="Ultimate"/><ref name="RG-55"/> For example, Dicker implemented a particle effect [[algorithm]] to generate unique explosions for destroyed enemies.<ref name="RG-55"/> The new elements re-invigorated Jarvis, who felt the project began to show promise.<ref name="Ultimate"/>

Development then shifted focus to the enemies. Landers were given the ability to capture humans, and a new enemy was devised from the mechanic: "Mutants", captured humans that had turned hostile. The Mutants added a rescue element to the game that Jarvis believed made it more interesting to players and encouraged them to continue playing. The element of making a "comeback" from a dire situation was applied to the planet as well. Jarvis felt it mimicked the ups and downs of real life. "Bombers", enemies which release floating bombs on the screen, were added next. More enemies were added to create different gameplay elements. "Swarmers" and "Pods" were designed to attack the spaceship as opposed to the astronauts. "Baiters" were included to add pressure to the player by preventing them from lingering. The enemies quickly follow the spaceship to collide with it, and were based on a similar enemy in ''Asteroids''.<ref name="RG-55"/>

By September, the game was still unfinished, and almost every Williams programmer assisted in meeting the deadline for the AMOA trade show.<ref name="Ultimate"/><ref name="GS-Hall">{{cite web| url = http://archive.gamespy.com/halloffame/may01/defender/| title = Hall of Fame: Defender| publisher = [[GameSpy]]| first = David| last = Cuciz| date = May 2001| access-date = 2009-12-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050112002131/http://archive.gamespy.com/halloffame/may01/defender/ |archive-date=2005-01-12}}</ref> The evening before the trade show, the arcade cabinets were delivered for display.<ref name="Arc-Treasure-1"/> The developers, however, forgot to create an [[attract mode]] (an automated sequence designed to entice an audience to play) and high score system for the game, and began working on them that night. DeMar coded the attract mode, Dussault and Dicker created the high score table, and Jarvis [[playtested]] and fixed bugs.<ref name=NGen38>{{cite magazine |title=Are You a Hardcore Gamer? |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=38|publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=February 1998|pages=47–48}}</ref> Early the next morning, the team created the final [[EPROM]] chips for the mode and installed them in a cabinet. The chips were put in backwards, causing an [[electrical short]] when the cabinet was turned on, so the team had to quickly burn a new set of EPROMs.<ref name=NGen38/> Once the attract mode was operational, Jarvis and the team returned to their homes to prepare for the show.<ref name="Fever"/> After the show, the developers expanded the game to allow users to play indefinitely. The display model featured five levels, which the team felt was more than enough because of the game's difficulty. Most Williams employees could not progress past the third level and Jarvis's score of 60,000&nbsp;points seemed unbeatable to them. The developers decided it was best to be prepared for players that might exceed their expectations and added more levels that repeated.<ref name="Arc-Treasure-1"/>

=== Hardware ===
The game features amplified [[monaural]] sound and [[Raster graphics|pixel graphics]] on a [[Cathode-ray tube|CRT monitor]]. A [[Motorola 6809]] [[central processing unit]] handles the graphics and gameplay, while a [[Motorola 6800]] microprocessor handles the audio.<ref name="KLOV">{{cite web| url = http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?game_id=7547| title = Defender - Videogame by Williams (1980)| publisher = [[Killer List of Videogames]]| access-date = 2009-12-06}}</ref> A pack of three [[AA battery|AA batteries]] provide power to save the game's settings and high scores when the machine is unplugged from an electrical outlet. The cabinet artwork is stenciled on the wooden frame.<ref name="PriceGuide-1">{{cite book| title = Official Price Guide to Classic Video Games| first = David| last = Ellis| pages = [https://archive.org/details/officialpricegui00davi/page/337 337–340]| chapter = Arcade Classics| publisher = [[Random House]]| isbn = 0-375-72038-3| year = 2004| chapter-url = https://archive.org/details/officialpricegui00davi| url = https://archive.org/details/officialpricegui00davi/page/337}}</ref>

Development started by focusing on the game's hardware. The staff first debated what type of monitor to use: black-and-white or color. They reasoned that using advanced technology would better establish them as good designers and chose a color monitor. The developers estimated that the game would require 4&nbsp;colors, but instead chose hardware that could display each pixel in 16&nbsp;colors. At the time, the designers believed that was more than they would ever need for a game.<ref name="Ultimate"/> The monitor's resolution is 320×256, an expansion from the then-industry standard of 256×256. The staff believed that the wider screen provided a better aspect ratio and would improve the game's presentation.<ref name="RG-55">{{cite magazine|magazine= [[Retro Gamer]]| publisher = [[Imagine Publishing]]| title = The Making of Defender| issue = 55| pages = 34–39|date=October 2008}}</ref> Video games at the time relied on hardware to animate graphics, but the developers decided to use software to handle animation and programmed the game in [[assembly language]].<ref name="Halcyon"/><ref name="RG-55"/> The switch allowed them to display more on-screen objects at a lower cost.<ref name="RG-55"/>

The game's control scheme uses a two-way joystick and five buttons. Jarvis designed the controls to emulate both ''Space Invaders'' and ''Asteroids'' simultaneously. The player's left hand manipulates the joystick similar to ''Space Invaders'' and the right hand pushes buttons similar to ''Asteroids''. The button functions to shoot projectiles and accelerate use a similar layout to ''Asteroids''. Jarvis reasoned that players were accustomed to the control schemes of past games and felt altering past designs would prove difficult for them.<ref name="RG-55"/>

== Reception ==
[[File:US Marine playing Defender.jpg|thumb|right|An American [[United States Marine Corps|Marine]] playing ''Defender'' aboard a naval ship in 1982]]

===Commercial performance===
The game was slow to gain popularity,<ref name="GWR08-1"/> not attracting much attention at the 1980 AMOA show.<ref name="Ultimate"/><ref name="Gamasutra-Defender"/><ref name="GS-Hall"/> In retrospect, Jarvis believed many passersby were intimidated by its complexity. The game was well received in arcades, and crowds gathered around the cabinet during its first nights of play testing.<ref name="Fever"/> The success spurred Williams to release a cocktail version as well.<ref name="Arc-Treasure-1"/> ''Defender'' eventually became Williams' best-selling arcade game, with over 55,000&nbsp;units sold worldwide,<ref name="Ultimate"/><ref name="Arc-Treasure-1"/><ref name="PriceGuide-1"/> and it became one of the highest grossing arcade games ever, earning over [[United States dollar|US$]]1&nbsp;billion.<ref name="GS-Hall"/><ref name="GWR09">{{cite book| title= Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer's Edition| series= [[Guinness World Records]]| date= 2009-02-03| publisher= Guinness| isbn= 978-1-904994-45-9| page= [https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec0000unse_o9k7/page/198 198]| chapter= Twin Galaxies Record Breakers| chapter-url= https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec0000unse_o9k7/page/198}}</ref> It has sold 70,000 arcade units as of 2020,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Horowitz |first1=Ken |title=Beyond Donkey Kong: A History of Nintendo Arcade Games |date=6 August 2020 |publisher=[[McFarland & Company]] |isbn=978-1-4766-8420-8 |page=200 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y3D0DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA200}}</ref> and grossed over {{US$|1.5 billion|long=no}} worldwide as of 2000.<ref name="Eugene">{{cite news |title=A Eugene celebration |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cU5WAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA43&article_id=4872,3062687 |access-date=17 July 2024 |work=[[Eugene Register-Guard]] |date=September 10, 2000}}</ref>  In Japan, ''Defender'' was not as highly successful: it tied with ''[[Turbo (video game)|Turbo]]'' and ''[[Galaxian]]'' as Japan's 18th highest-grossing arcade video game of 1981.<ref>{{cite magazine|title="Donkey Kong" No.1 Of '81 — ''Game Machine's Survey Of "The Year's Best Three AM Machines"'' —|magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]]|issue=182|publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]]|date=15 February 1982|page=30|url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19820215p.pdf#page=16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131232143/https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19820215p.pdf|archive-date=31 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Six months after its release, the game was one of the top earners in the United States video game industry.<ref name="Arc-Treasure-1"/> On the 1981 arcade game charts, it topped the ''[[Play Meter]]'' arcade chart in August,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kubey |first1=Craig |title=The Winners' Book of Video Games |date=1982 |publisher=New York: [[Warner Books]] |isbn=978-0-446-37115-5 |page=34 |url=https://archive.org/details/Winners_Book_of_Video_Games/page/n50/mode/1up}}</ref> and the ''RePlay'' arcade charts for most months between April<ref>{{cite magazine |title=RePlay: The Players' Choice |magazine=RePlay |date=April 1981}}</ref> and November.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=RePlay: The Players' Choice |magazine=RePlay |date=November 1981}}</ref> The annual ''[[Cash Box]]'' and ''RePlay'' arcade charts listed ''Defender'' as the second highest-grossing arcade game of 1981 in the US, just below ''[[Pac-Man]]''.<ref name="cashbox">{{cite magazine |title=Authoritative Industry Sources Acclaim: Pac-Man Top Video Game of the Year |magazine=[[Cash Box]] |date=26 December 1981 |page=91 |url=https://archive.org/details/cashbox43unse_30/page/91 |publisher=Cash Box Pub. Co.}}</ref> The Amusement & Music Operators Association (AMOA) later listed ''Defender'' among America's six highest-grossing arcade games of 1982.<ref>{{cite journal |title=AMOA Announces Jukebox and Games Awards Winners |journal=[[Cash Box]] |date=30 October 1982 |page=37 |url=https://archive.org/details/cashbox44unse_20/page/37 |publisher=Cash Box Pub. Co.}}</ref>

Co-designer Larry Demar was surprised by the game's popularity.<ref name="Ultimate"/> At the time of its release, Stan Jarocki, director of marketing at then-competitor [[Midway Games|Midway Manufacturing]],<ref group="Note">Williams Electronics purchased Midway in 1988, and later transferred its games to the [[Midway Games]] subsidiary.</ref> described the game as "amazing".<ref name="Arc-Treasure-1"/>

The Atari VCS port sold over {{nowrap|3 million}} copies, becoming the second best-selling Atari home video game of 1982 (just below the [[Pac-Man (Atari 2600)|Atari version of ''Pac-Man'']]). However, at least 68,993 copies of ''Defender'' were [[Video game crash of 1983|returned in 1983]].<ref name="Atari">{{cite book |title=Cartridge Sales Since 1980 |publisher=[[Atari Corp.]]}} Via {{cite episode |title=The Agony & The Ecstasy |series=Once Upon Atari |date=August 10, 2003 |number=4 |minutes=23 |publisher=Scott West Productions}}</ref> Across all home platforms, the game has sold over five million cartridges worldwide as of 2000.<ref name="Eugene"/>

===Reviews===
In 1983, ''[[Softline (magazine)|Softline]]'' wrote that ''Defender'' "remains one of the hardest arcade games ever developed. Initial attempts lasting less than ten seconds are not uncommon for novices".{{r|bang19830506}} In his 1981 video game guide ''[[How to Master the Video Games]]'', Tom Hirschfeld reported "Mastering DEFENDER requires some perserverance, but most players find the effort worthwhile".<ref name="hirschfeld_book">{{cite book
 |last=Hirschfeld
 |first=Tom
 |date=1981
 |title=How to Master the Video Games
 |location=Toronto, New York, London, Sydney
 |publisher=Bantam Books
 |pages=73–78
 |isbn=0553201646
 |quote= "Mastering DEFENDER requires some perserverance, but most players find the effort worthwhile."
 |quote-page=78
}}</ref>

Ed Driscoll reviewed the [[Atari 2600]] version of ''Defender'' (where, due to its graphical limitations, was reformatted to a city setting rather than the planet setting of the original arcade version) in ''[[The Space Gamer]]'' No. 57.<ref name="SG">{{cite journal|last=Driscoll |first=Ed |date=November 1982 |title=Capsule Reviews|journal=[[The Space Gamer]]|publisher=[[Steve Jackson Games]]|issue=57|pages=32}}</ref> Driscoll commented that "all in all, if you want a good game for your Atari, this qualifies. ''Defender'' lovers have a few gripes, but I would recommend this one to any VCS owner".<ref name="SG"/> The port won the "Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Videogame" category in the 1983 Arcade Awards.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Katz |first1=Arnie |last2=Kunkel |first2=Bill |title=1983 Arcade Awards |journal=Electronic Games |date=January 1983 |volume=1 |issue=11 |page=22}}</ref> ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' later reviewed the game, giving it a 90% rating.<ref name="CVG">{{cite journal |title=Complete Games Guide |journal=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=16 October 1989 |issue=Complete Guide to Consoles |pages=46–77 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/9/98/CompleteGuideToConsoles_UK_01.pdf#page=46 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105072332/https://retrocdn.net/images/9/98/CompleteGuideToConsoles_UK_01.pdf |archive-date=5 January 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1983, ''Softline'' readers named the port for the [[Atari 8-bit computers]] fifth on the magazine's top thirty list of Atari programs by popularity.<ref name="softline198303">{{cite news | url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1983&pub=6&id=10 | title=The Most Popular Atari Program Ever | work=Softline | date=March 1983 | access-date=28 July 2014 |page=44}}</ref> The magazine was more critical, stating that "the game's appeal does not justify its unreasonable cost" of being shipped on [[ROM cartridge]]s.<ref name="bang19830506">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1983&pub=6&id=11 | title=Beating the Classics | magazine=Computer Gaming World | date=May–Jun 1983 | access-date=28 July 2014 | author=Bang, Derrick |page=43}}</ref> [[David H. Ahl]] of ''[[Creative Computing (magazine)|Creative Computing]] Video & Arcade Games'' said that the [[Atari 5200]] version was "a substantial challenge to the most seasoned space gamers".<ref name=ahl1983spring>{{Cite magazine |last=Ahl |first=David H. |author-link=David H. Ahl |date=Spring 1983 |title=Atari 5200 Advanced Game System |url=http://www.atarimagazines.com/cva/v1n1/atari5200.php |magazine=Creative Computing Video & Arcade Games |page=46}}</ref> ''Computer Games'' magazine reviewed the IBM PC conversion, giving it a mixed review. They said the "action is very fast" but "it becomes boring after a short time."<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Conversion Capsules: Hit Games in New Formats |magazine=Computer Games |date=December 1984 |volume=3 |issue=4 |pages=62–3 |url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_Games_Vol_3_No_4_1984-12_Carnegie_Publications_US/page/n61/mode/2up}}</ref>

===Retrospective===
In 1995, [[Flux (magazine)|Flux]] magazine rated ''Defender'' 34th in its Top 100 Video Games list, calling it "the ultimate side scrolling arcade shooter."<ref>{{Cite journal |date=April 1995 |title=Top 100 Video Games |url=https://archive.org/details/flux-issue-4/page/n27/mode/2up |journal=Flux |publisher=Harris Publications |issue=4 |pages=28}}</ref> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' ranked the arcade version as number 13 on their 1996 "Top 100 Games of All Time", saying that its balanced difficulty makes gamers keep coming back for more instead of giving up.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 100 Games of All Time |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=21 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=September 1996|page=66}}</ref> In 1996, [[GamesMaster (magazine)|GamesMaster]] listed the game number five in their "Top 100 Games of All Time", they described the game as "One of the greatest shoot-'em-ups of all time."<ref>{{Cite journal |date=July 1996 |title=Top 100 Games of All Time |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/c/cf/GamesMaster_UK_044.pdf |journal=GamesMaster |issue=44 |pages=78 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211224737/https://retrocdn.net/images/c/cf/GamesMaster_UK_044.pdf |archive-date=December 11, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1999, ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' listed ''Defender'' as number 23 on their "Top 50 Games of All Time", commenting that "despite exceptionally complicated controls, gamers fell in love at first sight. The difficulty is high but {{nowrap|fair{{hsp}}{{mdash}}{{hsp}}}}when you die, it's always your fault, and that leaves you wanting one more chance to beat the game".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 50 Games of All Time |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=50 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=February 1999|page=77}}</ref> In 2004, ''Defender'' was inducted into [[GameSpot]]'s list of the greatest games of all time.<ref name="Gamespot">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/greatestgames/p-44.html|title=The Greatest Games of All Time: ''Defender''|website=[[GameSpot]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008134032/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/greatestgames/p-44.html | archive-date=October 8, 2007}}</ref> In 2008, [[Guinness World Records]] listed it as the number six arcade game in technical, creative, and cultural impact.<ref name="GWR08-1"/> That same year, ''[[Retro Gamer]]'' rated the game number ten on their list of "Top 25 Arcade Games", citing it as a technical achievement and a difficult title with addictive gameplay.<ref name="Retro54">{{cite magazine|magazine= [[Retro Gamer]]| publisher = [[Imagine Publishing]]| issue = 54| page =68| title = Top 25 Arcade Games|url=http://www.freegamemanuals.com/pdfmagazines/RetroGamer054.pdf | author = Retro Gamer Staff|date=September 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140201211526/http://www.freegamemanuals.com/pdfmagazines/RetroGamer054.pdf | archive-date = February 1, 2014 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Also in 2008, ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' ranked ''Defender'' the sixth best game from the 1980s. The editors described its design as very "elegant" despite a lack of narrative and characters.<ref name="Edge-50">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/best-50-games-1980s?page=6 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115034607/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/best-50-games-1980s?page=6 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-15 |title=The Best 50 Games of the 1980s |author=Edge Staff |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |date=2008-03-23 |access-date=2009-12-06 }}</ref>

[[GameSpy]]'s David Cuciz lauded ''Defender''{{'}}s challenging gameplay, commenting that it is representative of what other games should be. He described the graphics as "beautiful", citing the varied sprites and flashing explosions.<ref name="GS-Hall"/> Matt Barton and Bill Loguidice of ''[[Gamasutra]]'' stated the audio-visuals and gameplay's depth balanced the excessive difficulty. They praised the game's "catch and rescue" feature, as well as the mini-map.<ref name="Gamasutra-Defender"/> Cuciz also praised the mini-map, stating that the game is impossible without it and that it allows players to plan strategies.<ref name="GS-Hall"/> Author John Sellers praised the audio-visuals and the connection between the game's plot and gameplay.<ref name="Fever"/>

GameDaily in 2009 rated ''Defender'' the ninth most difficult game, citing the attack and rescue gameplay.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2009/04/14/the-top-25-hardest-games-of-all-time.htm| title = Top 25 Hardest Games of All Time| date = 14 April 2009| publisher = videogamesblogger.com| access-date = 2014-03-09}}</ref> Author [[Steven L. Kent]] called it "one of the toughest games in arcade history". He also stated that novice players typically are able to play only a few seconds, and that enthusiasts saw proficiency at the game as a "badge of honor".<ref name="Ultimate"/> David Cuciz echoed similar comments.<ref name="GS-Hall"/> Sellers described ''Defender'''s difficulty as "humbling", saying that few could play it with proficiency. He further stated that players would continue to play despite the difficulty.<ref name="Fever"/> Author David Ellis attributes the game's success to its challenging design.<ref name="PriceGuide-1"/> Its difficulty is often attributed to its complex control scheme.<ref name="GWR08-1"/><ref name="Fever"/><ref name="Gamasutra-Defender"/> ''Edge'' magazine called ''Defender'' "one of the most difficult-to-master" games, describing its controls as "daunting".<ref name="Edge-50"/>

In 2025, [[The Strong National Museum of Play]] inducted ''Defender'' into its [[World Video Game Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-08 |title=World Video Game Hall of Fame inducts Defender, Tamagotchi, GoldenEye 007 and Quake |url=https://apnews.com/article/video-game-hall-of-fame-defender-tamagotchi-2e4ad6ec2258d482dc3a34ed324ee7f5 |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> Members of the ''Defender'' development team attended the induction ceremony, including team lead Eugene Jarvis. Jeremy Saucier of The Strong Museum said ''"Defender''’s punishing gameplay raised the level of competition in arcades, and it was among the first games to truly separate dedicated players from more casual ones."<ref>{{Cite web |title=2025 World Video Game Hall of Fame Inductees Announced |url=https://www.museumofplay.org/press-release/2025-world-video-game-hall-of-fame-inductees-announced/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=The Strong National Museum of Play |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Impact and legacy ==
Players have competed to obtain the highest score at the game and the longest play time on a single credit.<ref name="Fever"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.twingalaxies.com/index.aspx?c=22&pi=2&gi=3846&vi=17 |title=Defender High Score Rankings |publisher=[[Twin Galaxies]] |access-date=2009-10-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216072512/http://www.twingalaxies.com/index.aspx?c=22&pi=2&gi=3846&vi=17 |archive-date=2008-02-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release| url = http://games.ign.com/articles/876/876688p1.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110604161841/http://games.ign.com/articles/876/876688p1.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = June 4, 2011| title = Join Guinness World Records for Four Days of Classic Game Record-Breaking Mayhem| publisher = Funspot Family Entertainment Center| date = 2008-05-27| access-date = 2009-10-28}}</ref> Competitive playing for the longest play time was popularized by Mario Suarez from Atlantic City, who played ''Defender'' for over {{nowrap|21{{frac|2}} hours}} in 1982 at the Claridge Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.<ref name="Fever"/><ref name="Time-119-3">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]| publisher = [[Time Inc.]]| volume = 119| issue = 3| first = John| last = Skow |author2=Peter Ainslie | author3-link = Jeff Melvoin|author3=Jeff Melvoin |author4=Steven Holmes|title = Games That Play People| date = 1982-01-18| pages = 50–58}}</ref> It was authenticated by the facility and the many witnesses that watched along with the press of Atlantic City; the media attention spurred other players to attempt the same feat.<ref name="Fever"/> Expert players exploited [[software bug]]s to extend the length of their play time. ''Defender'' was the focus of the first [[Twin Galaxies]] video game contest. Players in 32 cities simultaneously competed on the weekend of April 3–4, 1982. Rick Smith was the victor with a score of 33,013,200 which took 38 hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.twingalaxies.com/scores.php?player=10146|title=Scores of Rick Smith|website=Twin Galaxies Forum|access-date=12 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.robotron2084guidebook.com/defender/players/ricksmith/|title=RickSmith|date=4 September 2014|website=robotron2084guidebook.com|access-date=12 April 2018|archive-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413044041/http://www.robotron2084guidebook.com/defender/players/ricksmith/|url-status=dead}}</ref> One bug, related to how the game keeps track of scoring, allows players to earn a large number of "extra lives". Players can then use the extra lives to leave the game unattended while they rest.<ref name="Arc-Treasure-1"/> Other bugs allow the ship to avoid damage from the enemies, also prolonging the length of play.<ref name="RG-55"/>

''Defender'' is considered the first [[side-scrolling]] [[shoot 'em up]], predating ''[[Scramble (video game)|Scramble]]'' by two months.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Santos |first1=Wayne |last2=Lip |first2=Khang |title=Twitch on Live: Xbox Live Arcade Games |magazine=GameAxis Unwired |issue=38 |date=October 2006 |pages=30–1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EekDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA30 |publisher=SPH Magazines]}}</ref> Professor Jim Whitehead described ''Defender'' as a breakthrough title for its use of full 2D motion, multiple goals, and complex gameplay that provides players with several methods to play.<ref name="lecture">{{cite web| url = http://www.soe.ucsc.edu/classes/cmps080k/Winter07/lectures/shmups.pdf| title = Game Genres: Shmups| first = Jim| last = Whitehead| publisher = [[University of California, Santa Cruz]]| date = 2007-01-29| access-date = 2009-12-06| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110629170751/http://www.soe.ucsc.edu/classes/cmps080k/Winter07/lectures/shmups.pdf| archive-date = 2011-06-29| url-status = dead}}</ref> James Hague of Dadgum Games called ''Defender'' a landmark title from the 1980s.<ref name="Halcyon"/> Stearny said that the game's use of scrolling helped remove design limitations associated with the screen.<ref name="Joystik1-2"/> Cuciz stated that ''Defender''{{'}}s use of scrolling introduced the "first true 'gaming environment'". He further said that though the game's mini-map feature had been introduced before, ''Defender'' integrated it into the gameplay in a more essential manner.<ref name="GS-Hall"/> Stearny described it as the most important space game in the early 1980s. He commented that its realism and technological advances pushed developers to create more popular games, citing ''[[Gorf]]'' and ''[[Phoenix (1980 video game)|Phoenix]]'' as examples.<ref name="Joystik1-2"/> Vince listed the game as a classic title that introduced new technology, specifically scrolling.<ref name="CompAni"/> Ellis stated that prior to ''Defender'', companies designed video games to have a balanced challenge. They believed games should be easy enough to attract players but difficult enough to limit play time to a few minutes; anything too challenging would dissuade players.<ref name="PriceGuide-1"/> Loguidice and Barton commented that ''Defender''{{'}}s success, along with ''[[Robotron: 2084]]'', illustrated that video game enthusiasts were ready for more difficult games, which spurred developers to create more complex game designs.<ref name="Gamasutra-Defender"/><ref name="Gamasutra-Robotron">{{cite web| url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4099/the_history_of_robotron_2084__.php| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090807123527/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4099/the_history_of_robotron_2084__.php| url-status = dead| archive-date = August 7, 2009| title = The History of Robotron: 2084 - Running Away While Defending Humanoids| first = Bill| last = Loguidice|author2=Matt Barton| website = [[Gamasutra]]| date = 2009-08-04| access-date = 2009-10-15}}</ref>

Jarvis's contributions to the game's development are often cited among his accolades.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/eugene-jarvis-to-receive-igda-lifetime-achievement-award| title = Eugene Jarvis To Receive IGDA Lifetime Achievement Award| first = Nich| last = Maragos| website = [[Gamasutra]]| date = 2005-02-17| access-date = 2009-05-12}}</ref><ref name="IGN-Designers">{{cite web| url = http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/807/807871p1.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110928192920/http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/807/807871p1.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = September 28, 2011| title = Top 10 Tuesday: Game Designers| author = IGN Staff| date = 2007-07-24| website = [[IGN]]| access-date = 2009-03-16}}</ref> Author John Vince considered him one of the originators of "high-action" and "reflex-based" arcade games, citing ''Defender''{{'}}s gameplay among other games designed by Jarvis.<ref name="CompAni">{{cite book| title = Handbook of Computer Animation| first = John| last = Vince| publisher = [[Springer Science+Business Media]]| pages = 1–2| isbn = 1-85233-564-5| year = 2002}}</ref> Ellis said that Jarvis established himself as an early "hard-core" designer with ''Defender''.<ref name="PriceGuide-1"/> In 2007, IGN listed Eugene Jarvis as a top game designer whose titles (''Defender'', ''Robotron: 2084'' and ''[[Smash TV]]'') have influenced the video game industry.<ref name="IGN-Designers"/> Barton and Loguidice stated that the game helped establish Williams and Jarvis as key figures in the arcade game industry.<ref name="Gamasutra-Defender"/> Sellers echoed similar comments.<ref name="Fever"/> After the success of ''Defender'', Williams expanded their business by building a new facility and hired more employees. Before the expansion, Jarvis could work in isolation. But the influx of people created an environment he was unhappy with. He left Williams along with DeMar to found their own development company, [[Vid Kidz]].<ref name="Halcyon"/> The company served as a consulting firm to Williams and developed two games for them.<ref name="Gamasutra-Defender"/>

=== Remakes and sequels ===
[[File:Defender 3D Gameplay Screen.jpg|thumb|alt=A horizontal rectangular video game screenshot that is a digital representation of a snow-covered planet. Centered in the lower portion is the rear of a grey, triangular spaceship. A green, white, and red icon in the upper right corner partially covers a brown-and-yellow alien creature.|A 2002 remake features 3D graphics.]]

The success of ''Defender'' prompted Williams to approach [[Vid Kidz]], who originally wanted to create a new game. DeMar, however, suggested creating an enhanced version of ''Defender'' to meet Williams' four-month deadline. Vid Kidz titled the game ''[[Stargate (1981 video game)|Stargate]]'' and developed it as a sequel to ''Defender''. It features new elements and improved the original's performance.<ref name="Halcyon"/> Some home ports of ''Stargate'' were released under the title ''Defender II''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/games/stargate-1981|title=''Stargate'' [''Defender II'']|work=[[IGN]]|accessdate=2024-08-24}}</ref>  Williams released a ''Defender''-themed pinball machine in 1982.<ref name="Arc-Treasure-1"/><ref name="Retro45">{{cite magazine|magazine= [[Retro Gamer]]| publisher = [[Imagine Publishing]]| issue = 45| page = 49| title = A Whole Different Ball Game| first = Stuart| last = Campbell|date=January 2008}}</ref> It has many elements from the original game: sound effects, enemies, waves, and weapons. Williams produced fewer than 400 units.<ref name="Retro45"/>

Midway's 1991 ''[[Strike Force (video game)|Strike Force]]'' is an update and indirect sequel to ''Defender''. Jarvis and DeMar assisted with the game.  Atari Corporation released ''[[Defender 2000]]'' in 1995 for the [[Atari Jaguar]].<ref name=gamedev>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/the-history-of-i-defender-i-the-joys-of-difficult-game|title=The History of ''Defender'': The Joys of Difficult Games|last=Loguidice|first=Bill|work=[[Game Developer (website)|Game Developer]]|date=2009-07-13|accessdate=2024-08-24}}</ref> It was developed by [[Jeff Minter]], who had previously updated ''[[Tempest (video game)|Tempest]]'' as ''[[Tempest 2000]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/nextgen-issue-011/page/n52/mode/1up|title=Special: 75 Power Players|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=11|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=November 1995|pages=48–76}}</ref>  A [[Defender (2002 video game)|2002 remake]], published simply as ''Defender'', uses [[3D computer graphics|3D graphics]] and a third-person viewpoint. It was released for the [[Xbox]], [[GameCube]], and [[PlayStation 2]].<ref name=gamedev/>  The original game is included in the 1996 compilation ''[[Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1996/11/26/williams-arcades-greatest-hits|title=''Williams Arcades Greatest Hits''|author=<!-- Staff -->|work=[[IGN]]|date=2018-12-12|orig-date=1996-11-26|accessdate=2024-08-24}}</ref> and the 2003 compilation ''[[Midway Arcade Treasures]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/midway-arcade-treasures-review/1900-6083823/|title=''Midway Arcade Treasures'' Review|last=Tracy|first=Tim|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=2004-01-16|accessdate=2024-08-24}}</ref>  In 1997, [[Tiger Electronics]] released a handheld edition of ''Defender'' with a grayscale [[LCD]] screen, which doubles as a [[keychain]] ornament.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Gotta Hand it to Ya |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=101 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=December 1997 |page=228}}</ref>

===Influenced games and clones===
Home games that copied ''Defender''{{'}}s design include ''[[Gorgon (video game)|Gorgon]]'' (1981)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=''Gorgon''|last=Callamaras|first=Peter V.|magazine=[[Byte (magazine)|Byte]]|date=December 1981|volume=6|issue=12|pages=90–100|url=https://archive.org/details/byte-magazine-1981-12/page/n91/mode/2up}}</ref> and ''[[Repton (1983 video game)|Repton]]'' (1983)<ref name=gamedev/> for the Apple II; ''Alien Defense'' (1981) for the TRS 80 Model III;<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Games: ''Alien Defense''|last=Knight|first=Tim|magazine=[[80 Micro|80 Micro's Review Guide]]|page=83|year=1983|url=https://archive.org/details/80-microcomputing-magazine-review-guide/page/n97/mode/2up}}</ref> ''[[Chopper Command]]'' (1982) for the Atari 2600; ''[[Protector II]]'' (1983) and ''[[Dropzone]]'' (1984) for the Atari 8-bit computers;<ref name=gamedev/> and, for the BBC Micro, ''Defender'' (1982) was renamed to ''Planetoid'' (1984) to avoid litigation.<ref>{{cite book|title=Classic Videogame Hardware Genius Guide|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|chapter=BBC Computer: Perfect 10 Games|at=8. Planetoid|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QZS_gXpshd4C&pg=PT37|page=<!-- ebook; no pages -->|isbn=978-1-908222-22-0 }}</ref>  It influenced [[Jeff Minter]]'s ''Andes Attack'' for the VIC-20 home computer.<ref>{{cite web|title=Andes Attack|url=https://llamasoftarchive.org/8bitgames/andes-attack/|website=Llamasoft Baachive}}</ref> ''[[StarRay]]'' (1988) was retitled ''Revenge of Defender'' in the US.<ref name=gamedev/>  Some games, such as ''[[The Tail of Beta Lyrae]]'' (1983) and ''[[R-Type]]'' (1987), were influenced more by ''Defender''{{'s}} side-scrolling action than the gameplay itself.<ref name=gamedev/>  Later games influenced by ''Defender'' include ''[[Datastorm]]'' (1989) for the Amiga and ''[[Fantasy Zone]]'' (1986) for arcades and a variety of [[Home video game console|home consoles]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ishii |first1=Yoji |title=Fantasy Zone – 2014 Developer Interview |url=https://shmuplations.com/fantasyzone/ |website=shmuplations |access-date=15 March 2023}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Video games}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
<references group="Note" />

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.coinop.org/Game/100039/Defender ''Defender''] at Coinop.org
* {{MobyGames | /defender }}
* {{IMDb title|tt0302462}}
* [http://www.atarimania.com/game-atari-2600-vcs-defender_s6689.html ''Defender''] for Atari 2600 at Atari Mania
* {{atarimania|id=1561}}
* {{lemon64 game|id=659}}

{{Defender series}}{{DEFAULTSORT:Defender (Video Game)}}
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