From RetroTech, the online museum of 20th century technology.
Defender was released in 1980 by Williams, Inc. of Chicago, one of the two big American pinball machine manufacturers. Its full-color graphics and advanced game play make it one of the most successful and playable video games of all time. It incorporates several new game play features for the time, including a scrolling playing field that extends beyond the limits of the screen, with a small “scanner” display to show information about the field beyond the screen limits. Also new was the “smart bomb.” The role of the player in Defender is that of space pilot attempting to rescue humanoids from alien invasion.
The game pictured at the right is on permanent display at the 20th Century Technology Museum. It was restored by Jim Marshall of Elizabeth, Colorado and is currently in good working condition.
External links
