Defender II vs. StarGate

[SlowCoder]

I recently got a copy of StarGate. As I was testing it, I was thinking how similar it was to Defender. I saw a note in the "best looking 2600 game" thread mentioning it as "Defender II/StarGate", which I thought was interesting.

 

According to the Atariage game guide, these are separately listed, but the screens look exactly the same, and are both made by Atari.

 

Are these the same game, and if so, why would Atari put out the same game under 2 different names?

[pis]

I recently got a copy of StarGate. As I was testing it, I was thinking how similar it was to Defender. I saw a note in the "best looking 2600 game" thread mentioning it as "Defender II/StarGate", which I thought was interesting.

 

According to the Atariage game guide, these are separately listed, but the screens look exactly the same, and are both made by Atari.

 

Are these the same game, and if so, why would Atari put out the same game under 2 different names?

 

Same game with diffrent name.

[Rex Dart]

Quick, Robin, to The Internet!

 

The game is also known as Defender Stargate and Defender II. The latter name was used in home video game releases, due to legal issues (according to the bonus material for Midway Arcade Treasures, Williams wanted to "make sure they could own the trademark" on the Defender name). The name Defender II has been used on all of its home ports, and game compilation appearances, however there were never any Defender II arcade units. To complicate matters, the Atari 2600 port was originally sold under the Stargate moniker but was renamed to Defender II for a later re-release.[1]

[HatefulGravey]

I have a sudden and strong erge to own this game. I shall seek it.

[BigErn]

I want to get a copy, but it seems like one of those games everyone is overcharging for.

[SoundGammon]

...a lawsuit was brought against Williams and Atari from a company called Stargate sometime around 1985 I believe. They claimed the name was already trademarked. I read this in a pro folio that Atari sent out when their stock was going public. It was under liabilities.

[+save2600]

I have a sudden and strong erge to own this game. I shall seek it.

Stargate/Defender II kicks ass. One of the most impressive 2600 arcade translations out there

[HatefulGravey]

I want to get a copy, but it seems like one of those games everyone is overcharging for.

 

How much money are we talking about here. Its an R4 with sometimes gives an idea of pricing, but not always.

 

I have a sudden and strong erge to own this game. I shall seek it.

Stargate/Defender II kicks ass. One of the most impressive 2600 arcade translations out there

 

Thanks for making me want it even more. Its not like I can just stop by GameStop and pick it up, though that would be nice .

[AtariLeaf]

Love it, its in my top 10. Awesome game.

[Rex Dart]

Better than the NES version, I think, even though it's got more buttons.

[Underball]

easily one of the best commercial 2600 titles ever released.

 

It can be had relatively cheap, if you're willing to be patient. I scooped up a CIB(opened) copy for $10 not that long ago.

[+save2600]

Better than the NES version, I think, even though it's got more buttons.

Yes, but joystick 2 on the 2600 operates smart bombs, invisio and hyperspace

 

Anyone ever play this with the foot pedal controller? That would be superior.

[Rex Dart]

Better than the NES version, I think, even though it's got more buttons.

Yes, but joystick 2 on the 2600 operates smart bombs, invisio and hyperspace

 

Yes, but I only have two hands and one joystick requires both of them.

[Underball]

The 2-button Sega Genesis Pad compatible hack version of this from the Hacks forum is great. You need a Harmony/CC2/etc. or the ability to EPROM burn to play it though.

[+save2600]

Yes, but I only have two hands and one joystick requires both of them.

I think it's high time for a CX40 joystick mod for this game. Could drill out a few holes around the base (think where your left hand forefinger rests), add the buttons, rig them up to the second port and wire tie with the main cord. Or build an adapter for those of us with the X-Arcade sticks. I'll get right on that.

[zylon]

Check the HSC thread on this game to see my solution to the 2 joystick problem. Worked great for me.

[Schizophretard]

When the movie Stargate came out I loved it and would pretend that the movie was based on the game.

[littleman jack]

You can pick up a loose copy of Stargate for less than $10 here :https://www.atari2600.com/cat--Atari-2600-Games-S--SUB37:100.html

or a new in box copy at video 61 of Defender II for $20. Neither seems overpriced to me for one of the largest, best 2600 games.

I don't think you can find one at auction for cheaper, but if you have a lot of patience you might find one here at Atari Age in

the Marketplace for less. It's a great game, worth buying and playing.

[BigErn]

I love Defender, but I don't like the idea of having to use two joysticks for Stargate/Defender II. Is the Defender Arcade from the AA store any good?

[Vic George 2K3]

Defender II on the Atari 2600 is only playable to me on an emulator with a GlovePIE script mapping out all its controls onto a modern gamepad.

[atari_envy]

Anyone ever play this with the foot pedal controller? That would be superior.

 

I play it with the foot pedal. It works perfect for the smart bomb and other functions. Try it, you won't be disappointed. I love this game. In my top 5.

 

 

I love Defender, but I don't like the idea of having to use two joysticks for Stargate/Defender II. Is the Defender Arcade from the AA store any good?

 

I have Arcade CIB. It looks just like Defender II except it doesn't have the stargate (warp thingy) and your ship and the enemies are a little different. It is a good representation of the original stand-up defender and much better than the original 2600 cart. But I feel Defender II is better.

[SoundGammon]

...this works great for the other buttons...