Zogging Hell!!!

Defender 2000

I'd held off buying Defender for as long as possible, mainly because of the bits that I'd seen of the game had not left me terribly impressed. Eventually though it had to happen and I forked out a crisp tenner for Jeff Minter's follow up to Tempest 2000. Oh dear what a mistake. I played the game for approximately 1 hour before my boredom threshold was exceeded and I had to give up. I'd even go so far to say I've spent more time playing some of the Jag's 'worst' games then Defender 2000. So it can't be something to do with me lacking stamina (I've finished Double Dragon V for god sake!). So what is it then? Well Protector is waaay better for a start. And the 2000 mode in this game is atrocious. There's three modes you see, Classic, a Defender '+' version (which is the classic with a few bells on) and the aforementioned 2000 mode. Classic is a fairly good representation of the original game and probably the most enjoyable of the lot (though I'd probably prefer to get out Defender 2 for the 2600). Plus is ok but lacks anything particular to make it a worthwhile play. Now 2000 is well.. er.. a bit crap. The graphics are ok in an early Jag kind of way, but not anything the SNES would have been to impressed with, and seemingly over pixelly. There's a slightly lack lustre techno track playing the background and the usual Yak style zany sound effects. The main problem is with the gameplay, most notably the size of your ship.. It's enormous. In fact everything feels like it's way too big for the screen. Well this may make things look slightly more manic it makes playing the game somewhat of a chore. As you zip along in your ship enemies appear on screen virtually right next to you because your ship is so huge! Yes I know your meant to use the radar but really. The size of the ship also makes dodging enemies overly difficult and there's an overall feeling of not being in full control. Probably the best thing about the 2000 mode is the humans and the amusing sound effects they make. That's about it though. Considering the quality of Tempest 2000 and Missile Command 3D, this is a real dissapointment and I would recommend anyone to try those games out first (and Protector) before even considering this.

Zogging Hell Rating: 5/10

Cheats

Plazma Pong

Enter NOLAN as a high score name. The word "Perfect" will be spoken to confirm correct code entry. A "Plazma Pong" option can now be selected as a game option.

Flossie Defender

Enter OVINE as a high score name. The sound of a sheep will confirm correct code entry. Press any button to select a "Defender Plus" game, then press A to start.

Level skip

Enter BEEST as a high score name. The sound of a sheep will confirm correct code entry. Begin a Defender 2000 game and press 3 during game play to jump to the next level. Press 6 during game play to access the warp screen.

Extra bonus

Retrieve a falling human as a wave ends.