Emulating Defender in MAMEUI (formerly MAME32)
If emulation is more your style MAME has supported Defender since the 1990s. We recommend MAMEUI (the 32-bit Windows build of MAME, previously called MAME32). You can run whatever version of MAME you choose, but if you are new to MAME here is a quick explanation of how to make it run in MAMEUI.
Gather the necessary tools:
MAMEUI – The official home of MAMEUI
http://mameui.classicgaming.gamespy.com/
Defender ROM – You’re on your own for this bit, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to find. It’ll most likely have the name “defender.zip”
PC – For MAMEUI you’ll need a Windows-capable PC at least 10 years old (you think I’m kidding?). Older, simpler games like Defender will run on just about any computer with a solid MAME version. Linux or Mac users, you can find your respective MAME emulator and if you would like to share your emulation tips, please share them below.
Install MAMEUI. Take note of your install directory. Drop the rom file (”defender.zip”) into the “roms” folder in the MAME install directory. Run MAMEUI and you should see a screen with a three panels. On the left-hand side there is a panel that says “All Games,” “Available,” “CHDs,” etc. Open/Expand the “Available” section. In the middle panel you should see either “Pong” or nothing – either is fine. Now click on File in the menu bar (upper left of screen) and click “Audit All Games.” A box will pop up and it will run for a short time. If you installed a lot of roms and/or have a much older PC this may take some time so go get a cup of coffee. When it is done click the ok/close button and now the middle panel should have Defender as an option. Double-click on Defender and you are off.
You will likely want to change the controls, so after the legal advisement screen hit tab to pull up the system menu and adjust your controls. The two controls that most people do not change are the start buttons and the coin buttons. 1-4 are start buttons and 5-8 are coin, for players 1-4, respectively. Other than that the standard layout is arrow keys for your directions, while z x c and a s d are your two lines of keys for a standard Capcom, 6-button layout. You can set it up however you like, and it may take some testing to figure out which button controls which function. Once you’re done, you’re ready to play. Hit tab again to get back out to the game.