Reviewed
12.04.2002
Publisher
Ubi
Soft
Developer
Dragonstone
Software
Format
1x
DVD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
Nov.,
2002 (USA)
Exclusive
No
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
3rd
Person
Genre
Action/Platform
Player(s)
1
Options
Backup
HDTV
Vibration
Widescreen
Requires
n/a
Importable
n/a |
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Intro
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> Back in the early 80's, Don Bluth animated the world's first Laser Disc
videogame, titled Dragon's Lair (naturally). It became a smash hit
and raised the coin-op industry from the slump it was in. Twenty
years later, Don Bluth collaborated with Dragonstone and Ubi Soft to bring
us his latest masterpiece, Dragon's Lair 3D (DL3D). It's an update
to the original with new and old locales and death traps. |
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Graphics
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> DL3D is playing an animated cartoon! Although not every scene from
the original game made it into this update, many of them did and the new
ones confirm Don Bluth's genious. One look at Princess Daphne and
you'll be ready to surpass any obstacle to win her heart. My only
complaint is the lack of background detail in the castle's courtyard. |
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Control
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> You have complete control over Dirk's actions now. In an effort
to save the voluptuous Daphne from the clutches of Singe (the fire-breathing
dragon), you'll run, jump, attack (sword and crossbow), crouch, and block
your way through vast minions of evil. Platforming skills, such as
precise jumps and swinging on ropes, are needed to reach certain goals
and hidden areas. The only bad aspect here is the camera. It's
always floating with no button to automatically look forward. Instead,
you get a lock-on button (which locks the view to the nearest enemy) and
a free roaming camera control (via the right stick). Bah! |
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Sound
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> If you enjoyed the original Dragon's Lair soundtrack, then DL3D's is
sure to be familiar. It's mainly situational music combined with
realistic sound effects. The music is still too sedate for my taste
though. |
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Fun
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> I know I'm one of the only people on Earth that enjoys FMV (full motion
video) games. With the insertion of full 3D control, there's no reason
for someone to miss the wonders of Dragon's Lair. There's tons of
levels and cheap death traps to avoid. Just keep your mind focused
on the beautiful Princess Daphne and you're sure to defeat Singe... |
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BOTTOM LINE
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> If you were playing arcade games in the early 80's, surely Dragon's Lair
holds a place in your fondest videogame memories. As a stand alone
action game, DL3D is just above average. If you throw in nostalgia,
then it becomes a must buy. |
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RATINGS
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| Overall:
8.5 | Graphics: 9.5 | Control: 8.0 | Sound: 8.0 | Fun: 8.5 |
~
Shinobi ~
|
