No arcade game caught the imagination of what video games could do then Dragon’s Lair. A video game that looked like an animated movie, you guided Dirk the Daring as he fought through the castle to rescue Princess Daphne. The ugly truth is that you really didn’t play Dragon’s Lair, it was a series of quick time events before that term was widely known. Dragonstone Studio decided to finally put the player in total control, with Don Bluth’s blessing, in Dragon’s Lair 3D: Return to the Lair.
The game is a reimaginging of the entire series. Daphne is kidnapped by the dragon Singe under the command of the wizard Mordroc ( the villain from Dragon’s Lair II). Dirk must traverse through the castle, guided by an amulet that let’s him communicate with Daphne. Old foes, such as my favorite the Lizard King, try to stop Dirk as well as traps around the castle. Just when you think you are getting to the end, the game throws a major curve ball.
Dragon’s Lair 3D was not the first game to try and change the format of the series. There were some some ports, such as the terrible NES title. This game works by having the same type of look as the original game. The cell shading is nice and still gives the game a cartoon like feel. Being able to finally explore and see the different rooms without worrying about pressing the correct direction is a bonus as well.
If you are a fan of the original, you might have passed on Dragon’s Lair 3D. I love the original as well, but this game was surprising fun to play. Taking the third person perspective behind Dirk, you have to dodge attack the many monsters that call the castle home. You can tell that the developers love the series and try to make it more then just a simple cash grab. There are some hiccups, but the game is fun and the voice acting is pretty good.
Dragon’s Lair 3D: Return to the Lair is that rare example of a change in the series that actually worked. Most people might not be aware of the game, but it is ma pretty solid entry in the franchise. Besides, how can you hate a game that has the voice actress for Princess Daphne sing a song in character about her love for Dirk? Beat the game and find out.
