Just like in the early arcade games, you can run, walk, climb ladders, jump, and operate switches. As you make your way through the park, you'll come across supply crates that provide you with additional items, such as netting to entangle the dinos or tranquilizer canisters to help subdue them. Children will enjoy the nifty scenes and the challenges they must overcome to restore Jurassic Park. The cut scenes where you get eaten by one of the many dinos in the park are pretty awesome, too.
A fast moving typhoon has destroyed the power coming into the park. The park is currently operating on a backup supply, but it won't last long, and the dinosaurs have already started to escape. Your mission is to capture the dinosaurs and restore power to the park by resetting the blown circuit breakers scattered around the grounds. There are six game levels, each more difficult than the last.
Game play follows a very linear path, which limits the replay value, although you can try a number of different ways to capture the marauding dinosaurs. One interesting tool to learn to deploy is the call box, a small device that emits the sound of a specific dino. Dinos of the same type will be drawn to the source of the noise. Just make sure you have a plan of attack before making use of a call box. Otherwise, all you're doing is announcing that it's dinnertime and you're the main course.
Sound and sound effects are well done. The roar of each dino is unique, so you'll learn to identify them by sound alone. The ability to identify them from a distance is a good thing.
Pro: Unlike previous Jurassic Park games, Dino Defender can be enjoyed by a wide range of players and ages; it's not limited to the very young.
Con: Linear play limits the replay value of the game, although you can try different ways to catch dinosaurs.