Dragon’s Lair – Review

By
On December 10, 2009

App Type: Uncategorized

Dragon’s Lair – Review

Our rating:

By: Electronic Arts

Version #: 11.19.09 (iPhone OS 3.0 Tested)

Date Released: 2009-12-07

Developer:

Price: 4.99

User Rating:
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We’ve already seen the follow-up videogame Space Ace make its way to the App Store, and now the granddaddy of all Don Bluth video games can now be played on the iPhone or iPod Touch.

When Dragon’s Lair was created in the 80’s, it was revolutionary.  Nobody thought to use animation for a video game.  As a result of this innovation, it’s somewhat timeless and could easily match the brilliant computer animation of today’s best games. 

It was essentially the video version of one of those "choose your own adventure" books, in which you must react in time when the control lights up to prevent the knight Dirk the Daring from becoming Dirk the Dying.  I personally fed so many quarters to those consoles in my youth that $4.99 seems a bargain for owning this game.

As with Space Ace, this is a superb reproduction using all the original pieces of animation.  The fact that it now fits on such a small device tells volumes on how far we’ve come technologically (in the old consoles it used to be stored on laserdisc in a refrigerator-sized container).

The only downside of the game is the drag in play as new clips are loaded (something I also said about Space Ace).  There is also some problems with touch screen responsiveness.  I could have sworn I hit the control to move Dirk the Daring in time.

If you’re an 80’s enthusiast or animation lover, this game is one you must own.  All that is needed is for Dragon’s Lair II: Time Warp to be released in the App Store and we can all own the Don Bluth trifecta.

Quick Take

Value:High

Would I Buy Again:Yes indeed.

Learning Curve:Low to medium.

Who Is It For:80's enthusiasts and animation lovers.

What I Like:Excellent reproduction of the original game.

What I Don't Like:Reaction time is sluggish. There is some wait time between clips that wouldn't happen in today's video games.

Final Statement:Even if I weren't reviewing it, I would own this app. Recommended.

Read the Developer's Notes:
For the first time ever, experience animation legend Don Bluth’s beautifully enhanced classic “Dragon’s Lair®” on your iPhone®/iPod touch®! A PAST WORTH REPEATING Immerse yourself in the visually stunning world of hand-drawn animation adapted from the original game. Prepare yourself for an authentic arcade experience and an unforgettable adventure! A CLASSIC TALE OF GOOD VS. EVIL As valiant knight Dirk the Daring, your noble but precarious quest is to rescue the beautiful Princess Daphne from the lair of Singe, a fire-breathing dragon who lurks in the foreboding castle of an evil wizard! CHALLENGES OF A PRIMITIVE KIND Battle your way through menacing forces and bizarre monsters including The Giddy Goons and The Lizard King. Forge your way through a maze of mysterious caverns and treacherous barriers, stopping at nothing to save the fair lady. YOU CONTROL THE STORY Timing is everything! Quick reflexes and the right choices guide you closer to rescuing the Princess. Use your skills to safely navigate through medieval obstacles like the bone-crushing Boulder Trench and the flesh-searing Fire Room. CHOOSE YOUR PATH Play in Arcade Mode for all of the fun and adventure of the freestanding original. Experience the authentic laserdisc version of this fan-favorite in Home Mode and check out additional scenes. LEAD ON, ADVENTURER…YOUR QUEST AWAITS Go forth, Dirk the Daring, on your perilous journey and be the hero you were born to be!

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