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Released for the Atari Jaguar in 2002 by Songbird Productions, Protector: Special Edition has been enhanced in many ways,
but leaves intact the solid Defender-style game play that has proved so successful over the years. Rather than tinker too
much with the actual core game play, Songbird has increased the value of this package by making minor adjustments and cool
additions that are of use to the gamer, collector, and homebrew programmer.
As is to be expected from its lineage, the story line presented to the player is very basic and straightforward--so much
so, that if the player did not read the back of the box, they might very well miss the story all together. Location of the
story aside, it is serviceable enough. The player controls a lone space fighter assigned to defend the population of Haven-7,
an orbiting planetoid, while the rest of the space fleet is away fighting a solar system-wide war against evil alien invaders.
Somehow, an alien fleet has positioned itself to invade Haven-7, thus forcing the player's lone ship into action against overwhelming
odds. It isn't Shakespeare, but great literature isn't necessary to have fun blowing the crap out of a bunch of things.
There is only one mode of play offered by Protector: S.E., although one or two players may be selected. Really, that's
all there needs to be. Other options include the ability to remap the game's controls to the player's selection of many preset
choices and a starting wave. Although the default controls work just fine, it is really nice to have a choice. Once the
options have been set and the number of players chosen, it is off to face the forty plus levels of twitch gaming action that
Protector: S.E. has in store for the unsuspecting player.
At its heart, Protector: S.E. is a Defender clone, but it does a few new tricks to liven up the standard Defender formula.
The first is a shield button. While it doesn't sound substantial, as the difficulty of the game ramps up quickly, the shield
becomes a major benefit to the player. Another of the improvements over the standard formula is the ability to collect money
during levels and use that money to purchase power-ups between levels. This is another feature that really comes in handy
as levels go by.
Control is probably the single most important aspect for a game firmly rooted in the 2D shooter genre, and it is at this
aspect of game play that Protector: S.E. really shines. The ship responds quickly and fluidly to the player's inputs. It
is easy to move and shoot with precision--precision the player will need when trying to shoot invaders while catching falling
people and taking them to the safety of the planetoid's surface. Protector: S.E. can be quite hectic to navigate after a
few levels.
Graphics are another aspect in which Protector: S.E. excels. It is one of the best looking 2D games on the Jaguar.
The explosions are large and colorful. The alien ships are very sharp and detailed. Laser fire and other projectiles are
easy to spot (although still difficult to dodge, sometimes) and very colorful. These items are set upon backgrounds that
are clear and sharp, as well as very appropriate for the style of game being presented. The backgrounds change every few
levels as well, adding to the player's sense that the game is progressing. Overall, the graphics combine to give the player
a visual treat and convey the spirit and setting of the game in a manner that is effective.
As to the audio portion of the program, as a total package, the audio in Protector: S.E. is quite impressive. The soundtrack
features a techno style sound that perfectly accompanies the hectic game play. Another point of note is the fine job done
on the sounds of the laser blasts and explosions. These details lend a great deal of atmosphere to the game that could easily
have been damaged with low quality sound effects. Also featured are some sampled voice work pieces.
Everything in Protector: S.E. is not perfect, however. The difficulty level is the first issue. Protector: S.E. just
becomes way too difficult way too fast. This probably is not an issue for the hardcore Defender veteran, but for anyone else
it can really damage the game's enjoyment factor. Another issue that goes hand in hand with the first issue is the lack of
a difficulty setting. It would be been nice to have the option to make the game easier or harder, depending on the skill
level of the player. Finally, it is at heart, Defender. If someone doesn't like Defender style games, Protector: S.E. isn't
going to change his or her mind.
Special Edition denotes something extra is included in the package, and this Special Edition is no different. Besides
some enhancements to the actual Protector game itself, there are also a couple of extra goodies to be found on this cartridge.
The first is JagFreeCD. For those not in the know, this makes the Protector: S.E. cartridge a bypass cartridge for JagCD
games, and demos, which are unencrypted. The second is the ability to use the Protector: S.E. cartridge as a BJL loader.
This allows the player to, with the additional purchase or building of a BJL cable, check out homebrew games and demos, as
well as trying out a little programming his or herself. These features are mainly focused toward the more serious Jaguar
gamer or programmer--certainly not a bad thing at all.
In the final accounting, Protector: S.E. is a cartridge that no serious Jaguar gamer or collector should be without.
The game is a very well compiled Defender clone, with enough variation on the classic formula to spice it up for even the
most jaded of players. Don't be put off by the quickly ramping difficulty level! Protector: S.E. and its extras are a welcome
addition to any collection (especially for those Defender fanatics out there).
4 out of 5
Posted April 4, 2005.
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