Gaming Target - GameCube: Dragon's Lair 3D

Written by Kyle Williams on March 13, 2003

Full Review: Dirk the Daring dashes after the debutante Daphne, this time in three dimensions

Dragon's Lair is one of the pinnacles of Video Game history. As one of only three arcade units to be on permanent display at the Smithsonian, the classic tale of Dirk the Daring has earned a permanent place in the minds of video game developers. With a visual flair that only Don Bluth could realize, Dragon's Lair redefined what gaming could be; A marriage between traditional and interactive entertainment. In December, Dragon's Lair 3D hit store shelves. As Dirk the Daring's first jaunt in three-dimensions, it has both ups and downs.

Truly, Dragon's Lair 3D goes to great lengths to recapture the aesthetic charm of the first title. From the new animated cutscenes to the brilliantly cel-shaded graphics, Dragon's Lair 3D is a wonderful homage to the original hand animated game. All of the character models and animations are brilliantly executed and will spark long forgotten memories in many players. Even the Giddy Goons and Singe the Dragon are back and look as if they have jumped straight out of the arcade machine. Much of the game's audio palette also manages to recapture that same charm as both musical score and sound effects are perfect for the game (although I could hardly understand most of the scripted dialog). To round out the trip down memory lane, many of the in-game puzzles are reminiscent of situations that were encountered in Don Bluth's classic.

Unfortunately, most of the adventuring is merely competent. Many of the situations you encounter in Dragon's Lair 3D are best approached with a trial and error tactic. Going into the game you should know that you will die repeatedly and often the deaths will feel cheap. Luckily, you will never have to retrace too many steps as the game constantly updates your respawning point to reflect your progress. Like the arcade original, much of Dragon's Lair 3D is made up of memorizing patterns and being able to recreate them. Even the combat doesn't get you out of this rut as most enemies are dispatched easily by charging up to and then whacking them with your sword. I'm not exactly sure why a block button was included as combat never makes it necessary.

All things considered, I enjoyed Dragon's Lair 3D despite the fact that the game is imperfect. I guess what it comes down to is that if you combine all of Dragon's Lair 3D's gameplay elements with the retro feel of the graphics and any fond memories you may have of the original, you do come up with a charming title. For most other players, Dragon's Lair 3D will be a disappointment.