Play Defender 2: Stargate Online

Defender 2: Stargate came out for the NES in 1988, published by Williams Electronics. It was a home port of the arcade sequel to the original Defender, and it fit right in with the kind of fast, demanding shooters that were common at the time. The game didn't try to reinvent the formula; it just gave you more of what made the first one intense, with a few new twists to keep you on your toes.

You control a small, nimble ship that flies horizontally over a planet's surface. Your main goal is to protect humanoids on the ground from being abducted by aliens, while also fending off waves of enemy ships. Key mechanics include shooting enemies with your forward laser, using a smart bomb to clear the screen in emergencies, and engaging your hyperspace jump to escape tight spots (though it might not always land you somewhere safe). The pacing is relentless; enemies swarm quickly, mutants transform captured humans into hostile threats, and the screen can become cluttered with projectiles and foes in seconds. It feels like a constant test of reflexes and situational awareness, where one mistake can spiral out of control fast. Playing it is a tense, almost overwhelming rush that demands your full attention from start to finish.