[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/defenderofthecrown_8729.jpg]]

A classic TurnBasedStrategy game produced by Creator/{{Cinemaware}} in the late 1980s. A sort-of-adaptation of ''Literature/{{Ivanhoe}}''. While the game is only barely like any of its progeny, it was groundbreaking back in its own days, and it still has nostalgia value to some people.

In ''Defender of the Crown'', King Lionheart has been murdered. Civil war ensues. As a heroic Saxon, you have to [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin defend the English monarchy]] from the dastardly Normans. (Wait, what? Wasn't [[UsefulNotes/RichardTheLionHeart Richard Lionheart]] a Norman? Whatever...)

You [[YouRequireMoreVespeneGas collect taxes]], buy armies, and send them into battle. Plus, you can also [[UnexpectedGameplayChange raid castles with your fencing skill or go on a tournament with your jousting skill]]. If [[IHaveYouNowMyPretty the Normans kidnap]] a [[DamselInDistress Saxon lady]], it's your job to raid their castle to rescue her.

The original Platform/{{Amiga}} version, whose programmer, Robert J. Mical, also created the Intuition GUI, was published in 1986 after three and a half months of rushed development. Over the next several years, ports for the Platform/AtariST, Platform/IBMPersonalComputer, Platform/AmstradCPC, Platform/{{Apple II}}GS, Platform/{{Commodore 64}}, and Platform/NintendoEntertainmentSystem were published. Enhanced CD-ROM versions were released for the Commodore CDTV and Platform/PhilipsCDi after Cinemaware went bankrupt.

A new company that bought Cinemaware's name and assets has released both a remake and a "remastered" version of ''Defender of the Crown'' for modern Windows and Macintosh [=PCs=]. They also have the original version of the game available to play for free online, [[http://www.cinemaware.com/browser/dotc/final.asp here]].

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!!Has examples of:

* ArtisticLicenseHistory: Due to mashing two versions of the Myth/RobinHood legend together, it's a war between Saxons and Normans to put a true English king on the throne, taking place after the murder of the good king UsefulNotes/RichardTheLionheart, who was as Norman as Norman gets.
** HollywoodHistory: A JustifiedTrope -- the entire game was meant to resemble a swashbuckling film (the original box depicted the game in a theater, and the company was called ''Cinema''ware for a reason.)
* DamselInDistress: One of four randomized Saxon ladies.
* DamselScrappy: Don't expect your damsels to ''stay'' saved.
* InstantWinCondition: You win if you take the three Norman castles; no other castles or territories are required. Although it's rare, it's possible to win with one or even both Saxons still alive, even though they're supposedly fighting for the crown just like you. If another Saxon win this way, [[NonStandardGameover you get a different game over screen]] where the new king [[ReassignedToAntarctica sends you as a diplomat to some boring place.]] If you get defeated, you get a message about how you flee and vow to return one day.
* JackOfAllStats: Wilfred of Ivanhoe is the most balanced at "Good-Good-Average". Unfortunately, Cedric of Rotherwood is "Strong" in the one area Wilfred is "Good", and the same as Wilfred in the other two stats. Geoffrey [[MeaningfulName Longsword]] is the only knight "Strong" in swordsmanship -- but "Average" in his other two stats.
* LevelUpAtIntimacy5: Do your OptionalSexualEncounter, and it unlocks the ability to gain powerups for every damsel you save. Called "new respect", your leadership skill improves one level for every extra damsel you save.
** In the original version, you simply get a massive boost from rescuing one damsel, and she's the only one you get to marry and boink.
* {{Minigame}}: Jousting and castle raids.
* MsFanservice: The Ladies, especially in that their silhouettes revealed they were ''very'' ample.
* OptionalSexualEncounter: [[RescueRomance Save a damsel]], "then late one night..." get lucky. If the damsel is the daughter of another Saxon, you instantly claim his territory.
* SpiritualSuccessor: VideoGame/CenturionDefenderOfRome, from the same author, is considered to be one to this game.
* TechDemoGame: The game was designed to show off the Amiga's sound and video capabilities.
* TheTourney: The Jousting minigames, where you can win fame and (sometimes) additional territory.
* UpdatedReRelease: Defender of the Crown: Heroes Live Forever (2007), with minor added features.
* VideoGameCrueltyPunishment: In the Jousting minigames, if you kill your opponent's horse by stabbing it with your lance, you get dishonored big time - all the land you conquered becomes unclaimed territory and you lose all your army units (which is especially frustrating if you already conquered much of England). A DisproportionateRetribution to say the least.
* WildCard: The other Saxons in the game. When you start out, the Saxons are your allies. But they too want to be king so you will be on your own as the game progresses.
* YouRequireMoreVespeneGas: In the form of cash.
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