:Defender 2000
{{Short description|1996 video game}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Defender 2000
| image = Defender 2000 cover art.png
| developer = Llamasoft
| publisher = Atari Corporation
| producer = John Skruch
| programmer = Jeff Minter
| composer = Alastair Lindsay
| series = Defender
| platforms = Atari Jaguar
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|February 14, 1996|EU|February–March 1996}}
| genre = Scrolling shooter
| modes = Single-player, multiplayer
}}
Defender 2000 is a 1996 scrolling shooter video game developed by Llamasoft and published by Atari Corporation for the Atari Jaguar. Part of Atari's 2000 series of arcade game revivals, it is an update of Eugene Jarvis' arcade game Defender (1981). The premise takes place in a future where the Alpha Promixian empire attack mining settlements on distant resource planets. Gameplay is divided into three modes, with the player acting as part of the System Defense Team commanding the Threshold ship to defeat waves of invading aliens while protecting humans.
In 1994, Atari and Williams Entertainment announced a joint venture to remake popular arcade games on the Jaguar and PC, including Defender, with Atari responsible for the Jaguar versions. Defender 2000 was programmed by Jeff Minter, who previously updated Dave Theurer's Tempest as Tempest 2000. The project came about when Minter approached Atari and suggested converting Defender to Jaguar. It was first planned as a cartridge release but was later moved to the Atari Jaguar CD add-on, however Atari changed course and decided to release the game on cartridge. The soundtrack was scored by English composer Alastair Lindsay, who also composed Tempest 2000.
The game garnered mixed reception from critics and retrospective commentators; praise was given to the "Classic Defender" mode for being a faithful adaptation of the arcade original, but others expressed mixed opinions regarding "Defender Plus" mode. Reviewers typically commented that Defender 2000, while reasonably fun, failed to update the original Defender to the point where its gameplay and graphics could stand out against contemporary shooters.
Gameplay
{{multiple image
|align = left
|direction = vertical
|image1 = JAG Defender 2000 (Classic).png
|image2 = JAG Defender 2000 (Plus).png
|image3 = JAG Defender 2000.png
|caption3 = Top: Classic Defender mode
Middle: Defender Plus mode
Bottom: Defender 2000 mode
}}
{{see also|Defender (1981 video game)#Gameplay}}
Defender 2000 is a scrolling shooter game that offers three modes to choose from: "Classic Defender", "Defender Plus", and "Defender 2000".{{cite magazine|last=Loftus|first=Jim|url=https://archive.org/details/ultimate-gamer-december-1995/page/n48/mode/1up|title=Jaguar Preview: Defender 2000|magazine=Ultimate Gamer|issue=5|publisher=Larry Flynt Publications|date=December 1995|page=49}} Classic mode is a recreation of the original arcade game Defender, offering similar graphics and gameplay.{{cite web|last=Scholeri III|first=Joseph|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=7207|title=Defender 2000 - Overview|work=AllGame|publisher=All Media Network|date=1998|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114095637/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=7207|archive-date=2014-11-14|url-status=dead}} Plus mode is similar to Classic mode but with modernized visuals and minor gameplay additions.{{cite magazine|last=Fröhlich|first=Rainer|title=Software - Jaguar: Defender 2000|magazine={{ill|ST-Computer|lt=ST-Computer|de|ST-Computer}}|issue=115|publisher={{ill|Falkemedia|lt=Falkemedia|de|falkemedia}}|date=April 1996|page=64|language=de}} ([https://www.stcarchiv.de/stc1996/04/jaguar-defender-2000 Transcription] by Computer-Magazin-Archiv. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819172114/https://www.stcarchiv.de/stc1996/04/jaguar-defender-2000|date=2016-08-19}}).{{cite magazine|last=Schmitz|first=M.|url=https://archive.org/details/atari-inside-1996-03/page/61/mode/1up|title=Jaguar-Software: Defender 2K|magazine=Atari Inside|issue=10|publisher={{ill|falkemedia|lt=falkemedia|de|falkemedia}}|date=April–May 1996|page=61|language=de}} ([https://www.stcarchiv.de/ai1996/03/jaguar-defender-2000 Transcription] by Computer-Magazin-Archiv. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820014416/https://www.stcarchiv.de/ai1996/03/jaguar-defender-2000|date=2016-08-20}}). 2000 mode modifies and builds upon the original gameplay, introducing power-ups, more sophisticated enemy types, enhanced visuals, and bonus rounds.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_The_Cutting_Edge_Spring_1996/page/n123/mode/1up|title=The Jaguar: A Hungry Cat Looking for Food - Defender 2000|magazine=GamePro|issue=Premiere|type=Supplement|publisher=IDG|date=Spring 1996|page=118}} The plot takes place in a future where the Alpha Promixian empire attack mining settlements on distant resource planets.{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/Defender_2000_1996_Atari|title=Defender 2000|date=1996|publisher=Atari Corporation|edition=International|type=Game Manual}}
In all three game modes, the player acts as part of the System Defense Team commanding the Threshold ship and the main objective is to defeat waves of invading aliens while protecting humans. The player controls the ship that flies from left to right with a radar at the top of the screen.{{cite magazine|last=Abramson|first=Marc|url=https://archive.org/details/st-magazine-105/page/n56/mode/1up|title=Cahier Loisirs / Jaguar: JAG, encore et toujours!|magazine={{ill|ST Magazine|lt=ST Magazine|fr|ST Magazine}}|issue=105|publisher=Pressimage|date=May 1996|pages=57–59|language=fr}} The radar shows incoming enemies and humans across the playfield in different colors. Landers pick up humans and attempt carrying them to the top of the screen to become mutants. The player must shoot down the landers to rescue the human before it falls to its death. The player's ship has a standard laser fire and bombs capable of obliterating enemies caught within its blast radius. Failing to protect the humans causes the planet to explode and the level becomes populated with mutants.
In 2000 mode, power-up items appear in each level and are collected to obtain upgrades such as AI droids, a shield that protects the player from two hits, lightning laser, and rapid fire. Rescuing and catching humans will also grant extra firepower to the player's ship. If a human is abducted by a lander, they not only turn into mutants but also leave a falling tombstone capable of damaging the player's ship. Once the ship is fully powered up, collecting four warp tokens grants access to three-dimensional bonus rounds and the player skips five levels if they are successfully completed. The game features over 100 increasingly difficult levels and two difficulty modes: Tikka Masala and Vindaloo. Vindaloo mode is unlocked after completing the game in Tikka Masala mode.
Entering specific names on the high score table enables two easter eggs: "Plasma Pong" and "Flossie Defender. Plasma Pong is a graphically revised version of Pong (1972), while Flossie Defender replaces the ship and humans in Plus mode with a sheep and llamas respectively. The game features support for the ProController. In addition, the game also has a two-player option which allows two players to play by alternating turns.
Development
File:Jeff Minter - GDC 2007.jpg pictured in 2007]]
Defender 2000 is an update of Eugene Jarvis' arcade game Defender (1981).{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/nextgen-issue-012/page/n112/mode/1up|title=Alphas: Defender 2000|magazine=Next Generation|issue=12|publisher=Imagine Media|date=December 1995|page=111}} In 1994, Atari Corporation and Williams Entertainment announced a joint venture to remake popular arcade games on the Atari Jaguar and PC, including Defender, Joust, and Robotron, with Atari responsible for the Jaguar versions.{{cite magazine|last1=Dayes|first1=Albert|last2=LaBarge|first2=Dimitri Mark|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Digital Briefs - Industry News: Atari News - Atari & Williams Join Forces; Surfing the Jagged Edge: Williams Makes Nice!|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=3|issue=12|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=October 9, 1994|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}} ([https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?490 Transcription] by The Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG Historical Archive. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060516020237/https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?490|date=2006-05-16}}).{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AGamePro_US_066.pdf&page=230|title=ProNews: Williams Makes Jaguar, Ultra 64 Plans|magazine=GamePro|issue=66|publisher=IDG|date=January 1995|page=210|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728191619/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AGamePro_US_066.pdf&page=230|archive-date=2018-07-28|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|author=Quartermann|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:EGM_US_070.pdf&page=54|title=Gaming Gossip|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=70|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=May 1995|page=54|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809204016/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:EGM_US_070.pdf&page=54|archive-date=2020-08-09|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/EDGE.N022.1995.07.Supplement.Atari.Jaguar/page/12/mode/1up|title=Atari CD-ROM: Multimedia games system|magazine=Edge|type=supplement|issue=22|publisher=Future Publishing|date=July 1995|pages=12–14}} It is part of Atari's 2000 series of arcade game revivals, a concept initiated by producer John Skruch after the release of Tempest 2000.{{cite web|url=http://www.myatari.com/ebay/sk.html|title=John Skruch|publisher=B&C ComputerVisions|access-date=2024-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127180429/http://www.myatari.com/ebay/sk.html|archive-date=2010-01-27|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/edge-special-edition-1996-essential-hardware-guide-pdf-optimized/page/71/mode/1up|title=Jaguar: software - The 2000 Series|magazine=Edge|issue=Premiere|type=Special Edition|publisher=Future Publishing|date=Autumn 1995|page=71}} It was programmed by Jeff Minter, founder of Llamasoft, who previously updated Dave Theurer's Tempest as Tempest 2000.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/nextgen-issue-011/page/n52/mode/1up|title=Special: 75 Power Players|magazine=Next Generation|issue=11|publisher=Imagine Media|date=November 1995|pages=48–76}}{{cite magazine|last=Forster|first=Winnie|url=https://archive.org/details/MANiAC.N029.1996.03/page/n71/mode/1up|title=Spiele-Tests: Defender 2000|magazine={{ill|M! Games|lt=MAN!AC|de|M! Games}}|issue=29|publisher=Cybermedia|date=March 1996|page=72|language=de}} ([https://www.maniac.de/tests/defender-2000-im-klassik-test-jaguar/ Transcription] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126015228/https://www.maniac.de/tests/defender-2000-im-klassik-test-jaguar/|date=2020-11-26}}).{{cite book|last=Hague|first=James|year=1997|chapter=Jeff Minter|title=Halcyon Days: Interviews with Classic Computer and Video Games Programmers|publisher=Dadgum Games}} ([https://dadgum.com/halcyon/BOOK/MINTER.HTM Transcription] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020625172015/https://dadgum.com/halcyon/BOOK/MINTER.HTM|date=2002-06-25}}).{{cite book|url=https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/NUON-Tempest-3000-Design-Doc.pdf|title=Tempest 3000 (Nuon)|type=Game design document|publisher=VM Labs|date=September 2, 1999|pages=1–12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701142450/https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/NUON-Tempest-3000-Design-Doc.pdf|archive-date=2015-07-01|url-status=live|access-date=2024-03-23}} The project came about when Minter approached Atari and suggested converting Defender, one of his favorite arcade games, to Jaguar.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/edge-020/Edge-020/page/14/mode/2up|title=News: Jaguar Plugs into the CD Revolution|magazine=Edge|issue=20|publisher=Future plc|date=May 1995|pages=14–15}}
{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/nextgen-issue-006/page/n19/mode/2up|title=Breaking: Jaguar Plugs into the CD Revolution|magazine=Next Generation|issue=6|publisher=Imagine Media|date=June 1995|pages=18–19}} Atari assigned the project to Minter, who decided to join the company and move to Sunnyvale to facilitate his work.{{cite magazine|last=Montfort|first=Nick|url=https://archive.org/details/wired-magazine-04.10-1996-october/page/n182/mode/1up|title=Spawn of Atari|magazine=Wired|volume=4|issue=10|publisher=Wired Ventures|date=October 1996|pages=166–171}} ([https://www.wired.com/1996/10/atari-2/ Transcription] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027234226/https://www.wired.com/1996/10/atari-2/|date=2015-10-27}}).{{cite AV media|url=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4394997538725969856|title=Llamasoft And The Space Giraffe|medium=Google Video|date=March 6, 2007|time=25m40s|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070320021428/http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4394997538725969856|format=Google Tech Talks|archive-date=2007-03-20|url-status=dead|access-date=2024-02-10}} ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRHJMf_jY8A Mirrored copy] via YouTube. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610115839/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRHJMf_jY8A|date=2011-06-10}}).
Defender 2000 was initially planned as a cartridge release but was later moved to the Atari Jaguar CD peripheral.{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Martin|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/curry-with-the-goat-jeff-minter-on-40-years-operating-on-the-far-side|title=Curry with the GOAT: Jeff Minter on 40 years operating on the far side |work=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|date=February 19, 2023|access-date=2024-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220015520/https://www.eurogamer.net/curry-with-the-goat-jeff-minter-on-40-years-operating-on-the-far-side|archive-date=2023-02-20|url-status=live}} Minter wanted to make it in the same vein as Tempest 2000 but with smaller graphics and more abstract effects, and intended to use the extra space of the CD-ROM format for a documentary section featuring an interview with Jarvis. Minter met Jarvis at the 1994 Consumer Electronics Show and contacted him during production.{{cite web|last=Sheffield|first=Brandon|author-link=Brandon Sheffield|url=http://gamasutra.com/features/20070404/sheffield_05.shtml|title=Llamas In Space: Catching Up with Llamasoft's Jeff Minter|work=Gamasutra|publisher=UBM Technology Group|date=April 4, 2007|pages=1–6|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070408145635/http://gamasutra.com/features/20070404/sheffield_05.shtml|archive-date=2007-04-08|url-status=dead}} ([https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/llamas-in-space-catching-up-with-llamasoft-s-jeff-minter Transcription] by Game Developer. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827115711/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/llamas-in-space-catching-up-with-llamasoft-s-jeff-minter|date=2021-08-27}}). Minter recalled that Jarvis advised him to reduce the difficulty of the original Defender, which was ported to Jaguar in a matter of weeks, to get his and Williams' approval for the game.{{cite AV media|people=Guy, Travis (producer)|year=1995|title=AEO at E3 1995|work=Atari Explorer Online|medium=VHS|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioG07qR6T7k|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811065435/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioG07qR6T7k|archive-date=2020-08-11|url-status=live|time=31m17s|location=United States|publisher=Subspace Publishers}} The producers at Atari wanted larger sprites and parallax scrolling backgrounds because it was going to be on CD, pushing Minter in a direction he did not like.{{cite magazine|last=Drury|first=Paul|title=The Making Of: Tempest 2000|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=123|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=December 5, 2013|pages=84–87}} The graphics were designed by Metropolis Digital, a San Jose-based game developer founded in 1994, while the humans were animated via motion capture.{{cite web|last=Vendel|first=Curt|url=http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/jaguar/jagfiles/jag64-payments.PDF|title=Payment Schedule for Jaguar games to Developers|website=atarimuseum.com|date=August 26, 1995|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414145638/http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/jaguar/jagfiles/jag64-payments.PDF|archive-date=2010-04-14|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.metro3d.com/about.htm|title=About Metropolis Digital|publisher=Metropolis Digital|date=1997|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970329121128/http://www.metro3d.com/about.htm|archive-date=1997-03-29|url-status=dead}}
The music was scored by English composer Alastair Lindsay, who also composed Tempest 2000.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0202.htm|title=Alastair Lindsay Interview: Imagitec Tunesmith Takes Note (Mini-Interview)|magazine=Jaguar Explorer Online|volume=2|issue=2|publisher=White Space Publishers|date=July 20, 1998|access-date=2024-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001204104500/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/jeo_0202.htm|archive-date=2000-12-04|url-status=live}} ([http://justclaws.atari.org/jagudome/alinterview.html Transcription] by Jagu-Dome. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109090136/http://justclaws.atari.org/jagudome/alinterview.html|date=2011-01-09}}).{{cite book|last=Hopkins|first=Christopher|date=August 17, 2022|chapter=The Timeline of Video Game Audio History Hardware Software and Events: 1995 in Review|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eT6DEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA119|title=Video Game Audio: A History, 1972-2020|publisher=McFarland & Company|pages=117–120|isbn=9781476646053}} Lindsay's soundtrack is inspired by dance and rave music that were popular at the time. Voice work for the game was done by lead tester Tal Funke-Bilu, who performed some of the samples in the office of Atari staffer Ted Tahquechi.{{cite web|last=Wallett|first=Adrian|url=https://www.arcadeattack.co.uk/tal-funke-bilu-atari/|title=Tal Funke-Bilu (Atari) – Interview|work=Arcade Attack|date=September 6, 2019|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406215305/https://www.arcadeattack.co.uk/tal-funke-bilu-atari/|archive-date=2020-04-06|url-status=live}} However, Atari changed course for economic reasons and decided to release the game on cartridge, which led to the audio CD tracks being hastily converted into tracker music.{{cite magazine|last=Schaedle|first=Wolfgang|url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-1995-09/page/44/mode/2up|title=Profil: Atari News|magazine={{ill|Video Games (German magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}}|issue=46|publisher=Magna Media|date=September 1995|pages=44–45|language=de}} A remixed version of Gridrunner was planned to be hidden in the game, but was scrapped due to time constrains and Minter being dissatisfied with it.{{cite book|last1=Minter|first1=Jeff|author-link1=Jeff Minter|last2=Minter|first2=Patrick|year=2009|chapter-url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/lsshop/AHistoryofLlamasoft.pdf|chapter=Part 12: PESCLR - A History Of.... Gridrunner|title=A History of Llamasoft|publisher=Llamasoft|pages=173–194|access-date=2024-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318142534/https://s3.amazonaws.com/lsshop/AHistoryofLlamasoft.pdf|archive-date=2024-03-18|url-status=live}} ([http://minotaurproject.co.uk/grr_hist_gr.php Transcription] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110111002855/http://minotaurproject.co.uk/grr_hist_gr.php|date=2011-01-11}}). Minter left Atari after Defender 2000 was completed in December 1995 and has since considered it not one of his best works.{{cite web|last=Minter|first=Jeff|author-link=Jeff Minter|url=http://myweb.magicnet.net/~yak/gnus.htm|title=The Llatest From Llamaland|work=The Grunting Ox|access-date=2024-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010128135500/http://myweb.magicnet.net/~yak/gnus.htm|archive-date=2001-01-28|url-status=dead}} He said "Defender Plus" mode contained the ideas of where he wanted to go but did not have the freedom to make the game he wanted, expressing that it would have been better if he had stayed in Wales and done it independently.{{cite magazine|last=Drury|first=Paul|title=A Tribute to: Llamasoft|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=257|publisher=Future Publishing|date=March 14, 2024|pages=58–65}} Jarvis considered it a great effort but lamented that the Jaguar never achieved commercial success.{{cite web|last=Wallett|first=Adrian|url=https://www.arcadeattack.co.uk/interview-eugene-jarvis/|title=Eugene Jarvis (Atari) – Interview|work=Arcade Attack|date=February 1, 2016|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407063618/https://www.arcadeattack.co.uk/interview-eugene-jarvis/|archive-date=2016-04-07|url-status=live}}
Release
Defender 2000 was first shown at the 1995 Winter Consumer Electronics Show, announced for release in August 1995.{{cite journal|last=Norwood|first=Jeffrey|title=part 3: 1995 SOFTWARE PREVIEW|journal=Jaguar Journal|date=February–March 1994}} ([http://justclaws.atari.org/jagsite/jjournal/jjfeb94.txt Transcription] by JustClaws. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303200326/http://justclaws.atari.org/jagsite/jjournal/jjfeb94.txt|date=2016-03-03}}).{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AMegaFun_DE_1995-03.pdf&page=8|title=Special CES-Show: Winter CES Las Vegas|magazine={{ill|Mega Fun|lt=Mega Fun|de|Mega Fun}}|issue=36|publisher=Computec|date=March 1995|pages=6–13|language=de|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728191315/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AMegaFun_DE_1995-03.pdf&page=8|archive-date=2018-07-28|url-status=live}} The game made additional appearances at tradeshows such as E3 1995 and the 1995 ECTS Autumn event.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_3_Issue_07/page/n36/mode/1up|title=E-3 The Biggest And Best Electronic Entertainment Show Ever! - Jaguar|magazine=GameFan|issue=7|publisher=DieHard Gamers Club|date=July 1995|volume=3|page=35}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-1995-11/page/6/mode/2up|title=Messe: ECTS Autumn 95|magazine={{ill|Video Games (German magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}}|issue=48|publisher=Magna Media|date=November 1995|pages=6–17|language=de}} It was shown at Atari Corporation during "Fun 'n' Games Day", an event to showcase upcoming Jaguar titles to journalists between 1995 and 1996.{{cite magazine|last1=Tosado|first1=Will|last2=Zachlod|first2=Aaron|url=https://archive.org/details/videogame-advisor-july-1995/page/n19/mode/2up|title=The Jaguar Plan: Atari's Fun N' Games Media Day; Atari {{as written|expl|iots [sic]}} {{as written|i|t's [sic]}} low price point in new marketing plan|magazine=VideoGame Advisor|volume=1|issue=3|publisher=Cyberactive Publications|date=July 1995|pages=18–20}}{{cite magazine|last=Wise|first=Carey|url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-074-september-1995/page/n65/mode/1up|title=Special Feature: Gamer's Day at Atari|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=74|publisher=Sendai Publishing|date=September 1995|pages=64–66}}
{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_The_Ultimate_Gaming_Magazine_Issue_80_September_1995/page/n57/mode/2up|title=Atari Explodes With Fun N' Games|magazine=VideoGames - The Ultimate Gaming Magazine|issue=80|publisher=Larry Flynt Publications|date=September 1995|pages=56–57}}{{cite magazine|last=Urbano|first=Adam|url=http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|title=Fun 'N Games Deux|magazine=Atari Explorer Online|volume=4|issue=9|publisher=Subspace Publishers|date=January 1, 1996|access-date=2024-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202933/http://www.atarihq.com/jeo/archive.htm|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}} ([https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?569 Transcription] by The Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG Historical Archive. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060516023331/https://www.atarimax.com/freenet/freenet_material/6.16and32-BitComputersSupportArea/8.OnlineMagazines/showarticle.php?569|date=2006-05-16}}).{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_078_January_1996/page/n61/mode/1up|title=Atari's Fun 'n' Games Day|magazine=GamePro|issue=78|publisher=IDG|date=January 1996|page=60}} The game was also covered by press invited to Atari's European offices,{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AMegaFun_DE_1995-09.pdf&page=96|title=Special Atari: Zu Besuch bei Atari|magazine={{ill|Mega Fun|lt=Mega Fun|de|Mega Fun}}|issue=36|publisher=Computec|date=September 1995|page=96|language=de|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728191342/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AMegaFun_DE_1995-09.pdf&page=96|archive-date=2018-07-28|url-status=live}} but was delayed to October 1995 and subsequently to December 1995.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-1995-08/page/43/mode/1up|title=Release Liste: Jaguar|magazine={{ill|Video Games (German magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}}|issue=45|publisher=Magna Media|date=August 1995|page=43|language=de}}{{cite magazine|last=Gore|first=Chris|author-link=Chris Gore|url=https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_The_Ultimate_Gaming_Magazine_Issue_79_August_1995/page/n13/mode/1up|title=The Gorescore - Industry News You Can: Upcoming Jaguar Software Titles|magazine=VideoGames|issue=79|publisher=Larry Flynt Publications|date=August 1995|page=14}} It was published by Atari in North America on February 14, 1996, followed by Europe between February and March that same year.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/st-report-1207/page/n55/mode/2up|title=Industry News STR NewsFile: The Latest Gaming News! — Defender(r) 2000(tm) Hits Store Shelves with Explosive Fury|magazine=Silicon Times Report|issue=1207|publisher=STR Electronic Publishing Inc.|date=February 16, 1996}} Imagitec Design produced a CD soundtrack album for the game but it was never released.{{cite magazine|last=Hawken|first=Kieren|title=From The Archives: Imagitec Design|magazine=Retro Gamer|issue=111|publisher=Imagine Publishing|date=January 3, 2013|pages=30–35}} It was omitted from the Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story (2024), a Digital Eclipse interactive compilation of Jeff Minter's work, due to rights issues.{{cite web|last=Reynolds|first=Ollie|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/llamasoft-the-jeff-minter-story|title=Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story Review (Switch eShop) — Yak in time|work=Nintendo Life|publisher=Hookshot Media|date=March 13, 2024|access-date=2024-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313103920/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/llamasoft-the-jeff-minter-story|archive-date=2024-03-13|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Yarwood|first=Jack|url=https://www.timeextension.com/reviews/pc/llamasoft-the-jeff-minter-story|title=Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story Review (PC) — Ewe won't believe your eyes!|work=Time Extension|publisher=Hookshot Media|date=March 13, 2024|access-date=2024-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314002043/https://www.timeextension.com/reviews/pc/llamasoft-the-jeff-minter-story|archive-date=2024-03-14|url-status=live}}
Reception
{{Video game reviews
|CVG = 83/100{{cite magazine|last=Guise|first=Tom|url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_171_1996-02_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n27/mode/2up|title=CVG Review: Defender 2000|magazine=Computer and Video Games|issue=171|publisher=EMAP|date=February 1996|pages=28–29}}
|Edge = 3/10{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/edge-020/Edge-030/page/73/mode/1up|title=Testscreen: Defender 2000|magazine=Edge|issue=30|publisher=Future plc|date=March 1996|page=73}}
|EPD = 9/10{{cite web|last=Lucas|first=Victor|author-link=Victor Lucas (television producer)|url=http://www.elecplay.com/atari/defend2k.html|title=Games Reviews: Atari - Defender 2000|work=The Electric Playground|publisher=Greedy Productions|date=March 27, 1996|access-date=2025-03-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970125023937/http://www.elecplay.com/atari/defend2k.html|archive-date=1997-01-25|url-status=dead}} ([http://www.elecplay.com/reviewfull_392.html Transcription] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010305223403/http://www.elecplay.com/reviewfull_392.html|date=2001-03-05}}).
|GP = 81%{{cite magazine|last=Salmon|first=Mike|url=https://archive.org/details/Game_Players_82_March_1996_U/page/n57/mode/1up|title=Review: Defender 2000|magazine=Game Players|issue=82|publisher=Imagine Media|date=March 1996|page=56}}
|NGen = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_17/page/n97/mode/1up|title=Finals: Retrofit - Defender 2000|magazine=Next Generation|issue=17|publisher=Imagine Media|date=May 1996|page=92}}
|STFormat = 31%{{cite magazine|last=Campbell|first=Stuart|url=http://www.atarimania.com/reviews/hi_res/defender-2000-atari-st-format-issue-080.jpg|title=Screenplay - Jaguar Game Review: Defender 2000|magazine=ST Format|issue=80|publisher=Future plc|date=March 1996|page=33|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915002003/http://www.atarimania.com/reviews/hi_res/defender-2000-atari-st-format-issue-080.jpg|archive-date=2018-09-15|url-status=live}}
|rev1 = Atari Gaming Headquarters
|rev2 = The Atari Times
|rev3 = Atari World
|rev4 = Ultimate Future Games
|rev4Score = 68%{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/ultimate-future-games-16/page/n71/mode/2up|title=Ultimate review sector: Defender 2000|magazine=Ultimate Future Games|issue=16|publisher=Future Publishing|date=March 1996|pages=72–73}}
|award1Pub = GamePro (1995)
|award1 = Best Jaguar Game{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_079_February_1996/page/n27/mode/1up|title=Special Feature: Editors' Choice Awards 1995|magazine=GamePro|issue=79|publisher=IDG|date=February 1996|page=26}}
}}
Defender 2000 received mixed reception from critics.{{cite magazine|last=Ellis|first=Les|title=Reviews: Defender 2000|magazine=GamesMaster|issue=39|publisher=Future Publishing|date=February 1996|page=53}}{{cite magazine|last=Schaedle|first=Wolfgang|url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-1996-05/page/74/mode/1up|title=Reviews: Farbenschlacht - Defender 2000|magazine={{ill|Video Games (German magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}}|issue=54|publisher=Magna Media|date=May 1996|page=74|language=de}}{{cite magazine|last1=Weidner|first1=Martin|last2=Girlich|first2=Stephan|url=https://archive.org/details/fun-generation-1996-06/page/n71/mode/1up|title=Spiele Tests: Defender 2000|magazine=Fun Generation|issue=5|publisher={{ill|CyPress|lt=CyPress|de|CyPress}}|date=June 1996|page=72|language=de}}{{cite magazine|last=Kalivoda|first=Martin|url=https://www.oldgames.sk/en/mag/level-18/page/60/|title=Konsole: Defender 2000|magazine=Level|issue=18|publisher=Vogel Publishing|date=July 1996|page=60|language=cs|access-date=2024-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410231637/https://www.oldgames.sk/en/mag/level-18/page/60/|archive-date=2016-04-10|url-status=live}} The "Classic Defender" mode stood out as its biggest draw.{{cite magazine|last1=Morris|first1=Evan|last2=Carter|first2=Bryan|url=http://www.gamezero.com/team-0/final_word/jaguar/defender_2000.html|title=The Final Word game review - Double Exposure: Defender 2000 -- Atari/Williams/Llamasoft|magazine=Game Zero Magazine|publisher=Game Zero|date=March 1996|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980121171710/http://www.gamezero.com/team-0/final_word/jaguar/defender_2000.html|archive-date=1998-01-21|url-status=live}} The Electric Playground{{'}}s Victor Lucas said that Classic mode was better than the original Defender (1981), while Atari World{{'}}s Iain Laskey considered it a near-perfect replica of the arcade original. Computer and Video Games{{'}} Tom Guise wrote that it was a faithful port, while Game Players{{'}} Mike Salmon felt Classic mode was strong enough to make it one of best titles on Atari Jaguar. Next Generation contended that Defender was only significant because of its originality and that the gameplay had not aged well. Edge criticized Classic mode for being a lame copy, while ST Format{{'}}s Stuart Campbell labelled it as a poor arcade conversion.
Reviewers were divided regarding the "Defender Plus" mode. Atari Gaming Headquarters{{'}} Patrick Holstine considered Plus mode the strongest of the three game modes, while The Atari Times{{'}} Gregory D. George saw it was a better update compared to 2000 mode. Lucas found Plus mode to be the more fun of the two updated variants, while Laskey felt it was very playable. In contrast, Ultimate Future Games called Plus mode a terrible mix between the original Defender and 2000 mode.
The "Defender 2000" mode sparked many reactions. Guise found the gameplay in 2000 mode to be fast-paced and satisfying, while Holstine said that the 2000 mode is nowhere near the game that Tempest 2000 is. GamePro{{'}}s Air Hendrix commented that while the game updated the arcade original's graphics for modern consoles, they were below average for that generation and the gameplay had not improved.{{cite magazine|last=Hendrix|first=Air|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_081_April_1996/page/n86/mode/1up|title=ProReview: Defender 2000|magazine=GamePro|issue=81|publisher=IDG|date=April 1996|page=85}} Despite their bleak review, GamePro awarded it "Best Jaguar Game" of 1995 over Cannon Fodder. Lucas was disappointed with the 2000 mode due to its frenetic pacing and controls, while Laskey considered the 2000 mode to be too difficult. Campbell noted that is impossible to tell what is happening in 2000 mode due to the over-the-top visuals obscuring everything on-screen. Salmon said that it does nothing to update the gameplay of the original Defender, while Ultimate Future Games remarked that the game did not lend itself to a Tempest 2000-style update.
Retrospective commentary for Defender 2000 has been equally mixed. Brett Daly of Jaguar Front Page News (a part of the GameSpy network) lauded the game's visuals, soundscapes, and gameplay.{{cite web|last=Daly|first=Brett|url=http://www.classicgaming.com/jfpn/d2k_review.htm|title=Jaguar Reviews: Defender 2000|work=Jaguar Front Page News|publisher=GameSpy|date=2001|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030216160349/http://www.classicgaming.com/jfpn/d2k_review.htm|archive-date=2003-02-16|url-status=dead}} IGN considered it one of the few games worth playing on the Jaguar.{{cite web|last=Fahs|first=Travis|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/12/05/die-16-bit-die?page=4|title=Die, 16-bit, Die! — The mad dash to crush gaming's greatest generation|work=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=December 5, 2008|pages=1–7|access-date=2024-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817211523/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/12/05/die-16-bit-die?page=4|archive-date=2017-08-17|url-status=dead}} neXGam commended its three-game modes and soundtrack, but saw the large playview in 2000 mode and the controls as negative points.{{cite web|last1=Tausendpfund|first1=Michael|last2=Roth|first2=Christian|url=https://www.nexgam.de/games/2009/Dec/27-Sun/Defender-2000|title=Defender 2000 im Test|work=neXGam|date=December 27, 2009|access-date=2024-03-24|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324223841/https://www.nexgam.de/games/2009/Dec/27-Sun/Defender-2000|archive-date=2024-03-24|url-status=live}} HobbyConsolas identified it as one of the twenty best games for the Jaguar.{{cite web|last=Alonso|first=Álvaro|url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/20-mejores-juegos-atari-jaguar-60844|title=Reportaje: Los 20 mejores juegos de Atari Jaguar|work=HobbyConsolas|publisher=Axel Springer SE|date=December 18, 2013|access-date=2024-02-10|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221194911/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/20-mejores-juegos-atari-jaguar-60844|archive-date=2013-12-21|url-status=live}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Portal|1990s|United States|Video games}}
- {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/19961029114152/http://www.atari.com:80/jagware/soft/arcade/arcade.html}}
- [https://atariage.com/software_page.php?SoftwareLabelID=1076 Defender 2000] at AtariAge
- [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/jaguar/586882-defender-2000 Defender 2000] at GameFAQs
- [https://www.giantbomb.com/defender-2000/3030-14898/ Defender 2000] at Giant Bomb
- [https://www.mobygames.com/game/6809/defender-2000/ Defender 2000] at MobyGames
{{Defender series}}
{{Atari compilations}}
{{Jeff Minter}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Defender 2000}}
Category:Atari Jaguar-only games
Category:Atari video game compilations
Category:Horizontally scrolling shooters
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games
Category:Video games developed in the United States
Category:Video games scored by Alastair Lindsay
Category:Video games set in the future