Defender of the Crown (NES) Playthrough
3Playthrough of Ultra's 1989 strategy-action game for the NES, Defender of the Crown.
Defender of the Crown for the NES is a strategy-action game developed by Beam Software and published by Ultra Games, adapted from the original 1986 computer game by Cinemaware. Set in medieval England during a time of civil war, the player takes on the role of a Saxon lord vying to unite the country and defeat the oppressive Normans following the death of the king.
The gameplay combines strategic map-based planning with various action sequences. Players manage territories, gather armies, and engage in battles to expand their influence across England. The objective is to capture enemy castles, protect your own lands, and ultimately become the new ruler of England. Strategic decisions include where to move your forces, when to attack or defend, and how to allocate resources for troops or castle upgrades.
Interspersed with the strategy are several action-oriented mini-games. These include jousting tournaments, sword fights during castle raids, and large-scale army battles. The jousting sequences require timing and precision, while the castle raids involve side-scrolling swordplay to rescue damsels or steal treasure. These elements add variety and excitement to the otherwise turn-based strategic gameplay.
The NES version features simplified graphics and streamlined gameplay compared to its computer counterparts but retains the core mechanics that made the original game notable. The visuals are colorful, with iconic medieval imagery, and the soundtrack complements the game's historical theme. Defender of the Crown on NES stands out for blending genres and offering a unique experience that challenged players to think tactically while also testing their reflexes in action scenes.