Anyone remember Defender? It was one of those classic arcade shoot-em up games produced by Midway in the 80's. The original was quite simplistic and easy to pick up and play but the game added quite a challenge despite its simplicity.

Midway has resurrected Defender for the Xbox and it's been given a brand new 3D makeover, well you would've laughed if I said 'it retains the classical pixely look from 20 years ago'! Anyone who hasn't played Defender before saw you taking on aliens in a small spacecraft on an unknown planet, and then blowing the crap out of them with laser cannons with varying difficulty (A playable version is at midway.com). More to the point what's the new incarnation of Defender set to include and play like? Well, the game has been given lush new 3D graphics thanks to the Xboxes graphical power, gameplay will include all new out of this world flying experience and will need you to make a lot of fast action packed maneuvers whilst still retaining an element of strategy to outwit those damn aliens.

Through the course of the game you will guide your ship over a rich variety of worlds, some including the likes of Venus, Mars and Earth. Over every horizon aliens will be waiting to wipe out the human population, the more humans you save whilst you play through the game the more opportunity you will be given to upgrade your craft with such items as shields, advanced weapons, engine enhancements and even things such as cloaking devices. Along with the ability to enhance your craft there are 6 different types of ships available to choose, from heavily armed bombers to quick and stealthy fighters that are all able to pull off stunts such as barrel rolls and 360 degree looping to your tactical benefit. As for multiplayer, there will be a 2-player co-operative mode included just like the original.

Midway are even set to include the original game as a bonus, so all you retro fans will be in for a treat. Overall, Defender looks to be a good remake of the arcade original. With the playability of the original and the maneuverability of 3 dimensions, Midway may have winner on their hands.

Preview By: Graham Seward