Defender of the Crown

Defender of the Crown - the 1987 strategy adventure for Commodore 64
from Cinemaware.

Unite Saxon England by conquering counties, winning jousts, and raiding
Norman coffers. Balance armies and gold while quick action scenes decide
sieges, swordfights, and desperate rescues.

Core loop
- recruit troops and move on the county map to expand your realm
- joust for land or fame, duel in raids, and besiege enemy castles
- manage gold and morale until you crown a Saxon king

Systems and items
- characters - pick a lord with strengths in joust - sword - leadership
- armies - knights - soldiers - catapults with upkeep and recruitment cost
- sieges - select ammo and target walls - troops - or gate to breach fast
- robin hood - call for aid to swing tough battles or raids

Level design and feel
Large strategic map of England tied to short action interludes. Clean
joystick control with readable feedback in jousts - raids - and sieges.
The C64 version adds battlefield features absent from the rushed Amiga
launch, making the campaign feel fuller on 8 bit.

Why it is notable
- Cinemaware’s movie like presentation married to light strategy on C64
- C64 release includes battlefield elements the Amiga debut lacked
- memorable art direction and an elegant, hummable score

Tips
- buy a catapult early and aim at defenders before smashing the gate
- use Robin’s help to secure a first siege and snowball territory
- pick a lord whose strengths match your plan (raiding vs tournaments)

At a glance
Year - 1987
Developer - Cinemaware - Master Designer Software
Design and programming - Kellyn Beeck
Graphics - James D. Sachs (art direction)
Music - Richard Joseph - themes by Jim Cuomo
Publisher - Cinemaware (US) - Mirrorsoft (UK)
Genre - Strategy adventure
Players - 1
Controls - Joystick in port 2 - plus keyboard for menus