Publisher: Encore, www.encoreusa.com
Ages: seven and up.
Parental
Advisory:
Arcade violence
Are some things better left to memory? Encore's Dragon's Lair 3D resurrects the old Dragon's Lair arcade game that ate so many quarters in the early 1980s. The game was an innovation in its day and returns as a so so 3D platform game. Kids who know nothing about Dragon's Lair may initially be interested in the game, and adults may find a sense of nostalgia. However, because the controls are rather lacking, the game is frustrating to play.
Back in the 1980s, Dragon's Lair made use of laser disc technology to create a game that had an entire new look-it appeared to be an interactive, animated cartoon. Dragon's Lair 3D is a new, three-dimensional version of the 1980s arcade game that in appearance, generally stays true to the arcade classic.
Once again, Dirk the Daring, that goofy but courageous knight, is on a mission to rescue Princess Daphne, who has been kidnaped by the evil dragon Singe and hidden in the wizard Mordroc's castle. Singe, the Lizard King, the Giddy Goons, the Crypt Creeps and other characters from the original arcade game are also here.
The original arcade game asked you to make split-second decisions to apply limited directional and attack commands. The new 3D version is a conventional platform game that has Dirk running, jumping, climbing ropes and ledges, and taking out enemies with his sword. The game offers some 43 areas and 250 rooms to explore, new intro and ending movies, and an original music score. In the game, players must overcome challenges such as navigating through a cave of lava, swinging from burning ropes, and unlocking hidden chambers in the castle to find Daphne.
Unfortunately, the game's controls are rather imprecise and the camera is unresponsive, which make the game frustrating to play. The 3D graphics look great and do an admirable job of recreating the original look of the first game, and the animation is fairly fluid.
If Dragon's Lair could have re-invented itself as a great platform game, it may have been worth a look. But with all of the platform games out there, Dragon's Lair 3D is just another contender. But one with a notable past.
2/11/03 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
