NEWS - Monday, October 21, 2002
Midway Launches Defender
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 21, 2002-- Midway Games Inc. (NYSE:MWY - News), a leading software industry publisher and developer, announced today that Defender®, an all-new 3-D version of the popular 1980s arcade classic, has shipped for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Defender is scheduled to ship for the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(TM) and the Game Boy® Advance on Nov. 4, 2002. ADVERTISEMENT Defender offers players the ultimate in next-generation high-octane action with strategic elements that start where the original Defender left off. In this all-new version, players must battle an onslaught of vicious aliens as they assume the controls of next-generation combat-ready Defender ships to strategically pilot through more than 20 challenging missions spanning the solar system. Defender players execute dynamic tactical maneuvers such as barrel rolls, 360-degree loops and spinning reversals to evade the enemy. "The all-new 3-D Defender has it all. With a killer soundtrack, exciting action, strategic elements and stunning graphics, Defender takes the classic idea to an all-new level and is sure to become a favorite among today’s next-generation gamers," said Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing, Midway. To add to the high-octane action, rhythmic sensation KMFDM contributed a track entitled "Defender," a remake of Richard Strauss’s "Also Sprach Zarathustra," known for its prominence as the theme song from the 1968 movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. The band’s energetic live shows and sound, which artfully incorporates a lot of explosive, metallic elements into one mix, complements the exciting space combat-action gameplay found in Defender. Black Black Records’ Trigger also recorded an original techno song, "Vaunt," for the game. The two-piece combo of Todd Crumn and Janed Todd focus their music on a full, beat-driven sound that aims to conjure a different mood, memory or idea. In addition, Commander Mei Kyoto, a fledgling Defender pilot, is the voice of renowned actress/singer Traci Elizabeth Lords. Lords is a dynamic performer who has appeared in theatrical films such as "Blade," John Waters’ "Cry-Baby" and "Serial Mom," as well as in television series "First Wave," "Melrose Place" and the Stephen King miniseries "The Tommyknockers." Music from her acclaimed techno CD "1000 Fires" has been featured on the soundtracks for "Mortal Kombat" and "Virtuosity." Featuring a new view perspective with a fully 3-D, third-person chase camera, Defender drops players into the explosive action of an alien invasion where they must combine strategic elements with speed and control to outwit the enemy. Ship upgrades are also available with various power-ups including shields, advanced weapons and hyperspace technology, which allows players to strategically relocate the ship to one of several predetermined locations to aid in defeating the aliens. Aliens can be taken head-on in single-player campaign mode or defeated with a friend in the two-player, cooperative campaign mode as you deploy an arsenal of weapons such as a grenade launcher, fast-lock missile launcher, fireball launcher and gas launcher. Defender’s DVD content offers a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the game with in-depth interviews featuring project director/designer George Collins and producer Matt Candler discussing their experiences remaking the arcade classic for next-generation consoles. Also included is a narrated history of Defender, from its arcade roots to the present, including an interview with its original creator. Additionally, featured in the DVD are "Coming Soon" trailers for Midway’s upcoming titles.Source: http://www.midway.com/
