Binding: Video Game Brand: Data East EAN: 0013252011038 ESRB Age Rating: Everyone Label: Data East Manufacturer: Data East Platform: Nintendo Super NES Publisher: Data East Sales Rank: 25084 Studio: Data East
Features:
Cartridge only.
If Like New: in perfect or minor flaw condition
If Good: has sticker(s), sticker residue, or minor problems
If Acceptable has one or more flaws: has stickers, label torn, yellowing, black marker on it.
Rating: - What a waste!
Take on the role of Dirk "the daring" and venture into the depths of the castle to save the beloved Princess Daphne from the evil Wizard Mordroc and his faithful Dragon Singe. It sounds like it has the markings of a classic fantasy adventure, right? I've never played the original Dragon's Lair and don't know what it's like, but I know what this one's like. It's a really frustrating and disturbed video game.
The game is a side-scrolling, sword-swinging adventure which takes you through a huge castle. You keep track of your progress by the aid of a map which appears after you complete each level. You can visit any previously completed levels in this map to stock up on an extra chance and the like. A new level appears after you beat each level and you are given a password after a certain number of levels are completed. There are also a few boss fights like the ridiculously childish snake and the equally bizzare bat.
The background visuals are passable, but then the ridiculous (almost laughable) character graphics get in the way. A five year old could probably create more imaginery enemies than this. A walking brush, A persistent dragon head, sin-faced red apes and flying anvils all add to this weird lot. The main character is almost one-dimensional and extremely malnourished. The dragon is comical.
The game controls are extremely awkward. When jumped into water, instead of swimming, you start floating inside a bubble, (which reminds me of a developing fetus!) This makes it nearly impossible to avoid that big, irritating fish inhabiting the waters and almost guarantees getting hit. The jumping capacity is extremely limited and may prove fatal in many occasions. If that weren't enough, the sword can only slice downwards.
If there's one decent thing about this game, it has to be the music, though it too gets repetitive. This game could've been much better if it didn't try to mimic the graphical style of the original. Even a fan of the Dragon's Lair series (if there are such) must admit that this game is almost absurd! On the back of the box of the game it says, "not recommended for cowards." I know something more appropriate: "Not recommended for ANYONE."
