The Defender of the Crown: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The Defender of the Crown is a classic video game that was released in 1986. Developed by Cinemaware, the game is set in medieval England and allows players to take on the role of a Saxon knight who is tasked with defending the kingdom from Norman invaders. The game was a huge success and is considered a classic of the era. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of Defender of the Crown and explore everything you need to know about this legendary game.

What is Defender of the Crown?

The Storyline

Defender of the Crown is an action-strategy game that takes place in medieval England. The game revolves around the conflict between the Saxons and Normans, with the player taking control of a Saxon knight who is tasked with defending the kingdom from the Norman invaders. The game features a variety of different gameplay mechanics, including castle sieges, jousting tournaments, and strategic battles.

The Gameplay

The gameplay of Defender of the Crown is a combination of action and strategy. The player takes control of a Saxon knight and must defend the kingdom from the Normans by engaging in battles, sieges, and jousting tournaments. The game also features a strategic element, as the player must manage their resources and troops in order to successfully defend the kingdom.

The game is divided into several different phases, including:

Strategic map – The player must manage their resources and troops on a map of England.
Castle sieges – The player must siege or defend a castle.
Jousting tournaments – The player must engage in jousting tournaments to earn money and fame.
Battles – The player must participate in battles to defend England from the Normans.

The History of Defender of the Crown

The Development

Defender of the Crown was developed by Cinemaware and released in 1986 for the Commodore 64. The game was later released for other platforms, including the Amiga, Apple II, and Atari ST. The game was a huge success and is considered a classic of the era.

The Reception

Defender of the Crown was widely praised for its graphics, gameplay, and storyline. The game was noted for its cinematic presentation, with cutscenes and animations that were ahead of their time. The game was also noted for its difficulty, with the strategic elements of the game providing a challenging experience for players.

Defender of the Crown: The Legacy

The Sequels

Defender of the Crown spawned several sequels, including:

Defender of the Crown II: Heroes of the Realm (1993)
Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown (2003)
Defender of the Crown: Digitally Remastered Edition (2020)

While these sequels did not achieve the same level of success as the original game, they still remain popular among fans of the series.

The Influence

Defender of the Crown is considered a classic of the era and has had a significant influence on the video game industry. The game’s cinematic presentation and strategic elements have been emulated in many other games, and the game has inspired a new generation of game developers.

The Remastered Edition

In 2020, Cinemaware released a remastered edition of Defender of the Crown. The game features updated graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as new content and modes. The remastered edition has been well-received and has introduced the game to a new generation of players.

Defender of the Crown: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What platforms was Defender of the Crown released on?

Defender of the Crown was originally released for the Commodore 64, and was later released for other platforms including the Amiga, Apple II, and Atari ST.

2. Who developed Defender of the Crown?

Defender of the Crown was developed by Cinemaware.

3. What is the gameplay of Defender of the Crown?

The gameplay of Defender of the Crown is a combination of action and strategy. The player takes control of a Saxon knight and must defend the kingdom from the Normans by engaging in battles, sieges, and jousting tournaments.

4. What is the remastered edition of Defender of the Crown?

The remastered edition of Defender of the Crown is an updated version of the original game, featuring updated graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as new content and modes.

5. What is the legacy of Defender of the Crown?

Defender of the Crown is considered a classic of the era and has had a significant influence on the video game industry. The game’s cinematic presentation and strategic elements have been emulated in many other games, and the game has inspired a new generation of game developers.

6. What are the sequels to Defender of the Crown?

Defender of the Crown spawned several sequels, including Defender of the Crown II: Heroes of the Realm (1993), Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown (2003), and Defender of the Crown: Digitally Remastered Edition (2020).

Conclusion

Defender of the Crown is a classic video game that is still popular among fans of the genre. The game’s cinematic presentation, strategic elements, and challenging gameplay have made it a timeless classic that continues to inspire new generations of game developers. Whether you are a fan of classic video games or simply looking for a fun and challenging experience, Defender of the Crown is a game that is definitely worth checking out.