Defender
1981 • Williams Electronics
8.8/10Williams Electronics
Shoot 'em up
Defend human colonists from alien abduction in this side-scrolling space shooter with revolutionary graphics.
Gameplay
Fly a ship across a scrolling landscape, shooting alien invaders while protecting human colonists from being abducted.
Historical Context
Developed by Eugene Jarvis at Williams Electronics, pushing arcade technology with advanced graphics and sound.
Fun Facts
- • Featured some of the most complex controls of its era
- • Pioneered side-scrolling in arcade games
- • The scanner showing the full level was innovative
Cultural Impact
Pioneered side-scrolling games and influenced many subsequent shooters with its complex, skill-based gameplay.
Review
Defender challenged players with complex controls and fast-paced action while pioneering side-scrolling gameplay.