Dragon?s Lair 3D

For Dirk the Daring, it?s been a long time since 1983. Can the laserdisc hero survive the new millennium?

Dragon?s Lair was a milestone arcade game thanks to its hand-drawn, laserdisc-based visuals, but it was never known for its replay value. The 3D version attempts to rectify that with literally hundreds more rooms to explore in Singe?s castle, a surprise twist ending, and a cel-shaded overhaul. Hero Dirk the Daring and his surroundings look even better than classic arcade fans remember them (the original game?s artwork was incorporated as textures), but unfortunately, the gameplay?s not all that compelling. Each room of the castle features standard action/adventure trappings?hard-to-reach treasures, hard-to-avoid enemies, puzzles that take more patience than brains?but despite the addition of Essence power-ups and some clever rooms, it?s hard to get excited unless you?re on a big nostalgia trip. Yes, it?s cool to explore the castle in full 3D at last, but the mechanics within are almost a little too tried and true.

A lush orchestral soundtrack gives the game an appropriately heroic feel, but Princess Daphne?s irritatingly squeaky voice (think Marilyn Monroe on helium) will more than likely make you glad that she?s been kidnapped. The need to sheath Dirk?s sword before climbing makes sense but also proves annoying, and it?s sometimes hard to gauge the distance of crucial jumps in 3D.

Otherwise, Dragon?s Lair 3D is enjoyable but toothless. Younger gamers will love the cartoonish quality, and older gamers will enjoy the celebratory time warp. For those who fall in the middle, it?s not a bad action/adventure game, just not one that you?ll likely enjoy longer than a weekend rental.

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