The term identifies a specific interactive entertainment product that combines elements of two established intellectual properties: the horizontally scrolling shooter gameplay of Defender, and the science fiction premise of the Stargate franchise. This resulted in a title where players piloted a craft to protect a vulnerable point while battling waves of enemies, often traversing through portals or gateways to new areas.
This fusion represented a potential for appeal based on existing fan bases of both properties. The high-octane, challenging gameplay associated with the original arcade title, combined with the rich narrative and universe of the science fiction source material, offered a novel experience. The implementation of portal technology within a shoot’em up provided new tactical options and level design opportunities, expanding the genre conventions.
