Defender (PlayStation 2, 2002) is what happens when a classic arcade legend from 1981 gets injected with early-2000s adrenaline and wrapped in a metallic explosion burrito. This remake takes the old-school side-scrolling shooter and blasts it into full 3D — now you’re flying across alien landscapes, saving civilians, and unloading lasers like you’re trying to bankrupt the weapons budget of an intergalactic army.

Developed by 7 Studios and published by Midway, this reimagining keeps the spirit of the original but adds enough modern chaos to make your PS2 sweat. It’s got dogfighting, rescuing, base defense, and wave after wave of bug-eyed aliens who seriously need a hobby other than blowing up Earth.

1. Classic Name, Modern Gameplay: The arcade roots are here — just retooled for 3D combat and way more explosions.
2. Multiple Spacecraft: Choose from an arsenal of unlockable ships, each with its own weapons, speed, and “alien-blasting” personality.
3. Rescue Missions: Save stranded humans before they’re abducted or straight-up disintegrated. No pressure.
4. Massive Battlefields: Defend bases across planets, moons, and asteroid belts in high-speed aerial combat.
5. Arcade Challenge Mode: For the brave (or foolish), test your reflexes in a mode that pays tribute to the original quarter-muncher.

Looking for retro games? Buy retro games on Retro Games eXchange and launch this PS2 sci-fi throwback into your collection. It’s got lasers, aliens, and just enough chaos to make your DualShock sweat.