User Reviews (1 - 5 of 5)

Show these reviews first:

Highest Rated
Lowest Rated Newest
Oldest Most Helpful
Least Helpful

Why Aren't There More Games Like This?

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 5 / 7
Date: May 05, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I was first truly introduced to the world of Don Bluth in 1992 during a vacation to Disneyworld. In the hotel's basement was a relativley large and eclectic arcade. Wedged between Mad Dog McCree and Space Pirates was Dragon's Lair, probably the first truly interactive movie to ever be placed in an arcade machine. I became utterly fascinated with the game, though not having the patience to genuinely appreciate it. Before that, the only thing of Dragon's Lair I had ever even heard of was the Television series (though I remember the few episodes I saw being somewhat boring and non-descript, nothing like the game). Dragon's Lair is the most quintessential "cross-platfrom" game ever conceived; its original format on Laserdisc, then onto Arcade, to PC, to DVD, and finally, to GameBoy Color. (I believe there were even Playstation, Saturn, and Sega CD editions of the game, but I must admit that I am uncertain, and apologize in case I have genuinely left them out).

GameBoy, although the undisputed crown jewel of portable gaming entertainment (with the sadly ill-fated NeoGeo Pocket color coming in at a solid second), has had the misfortune of playing host to some of the most hackneyed games ever made (Little Nicky, Carmageddon, Komani NFL, etc.). Thus, when I saw screenshots for DL, I immediately went out and purchased the game. While not what I would consider a terribly fun game (I mean, when you've played Zelda DX, it's hard to be impressed) it is still a great game to own almost purely because of its concept: An interactive movie for a portable gaming system! Interactive films are something of a lost art (Actually, if we look back on the interactive film, one would probably say "it was never a 'found art' to begin with!" Who remembers 'Fox Hunt' and 'Psychich Detective' for PS?). In any case, I am quite frankly annoyed by this losing of an art that really has so much potential! A film that is never quite the same each time you see it is really quite a promising prospect...and now one can have this on a Game Boy! Sure, it may not be the highest quality of animation when compared with its orignal version (frankly, I've seen Flash Animation better than this) But merely the fact that it was done on game boy makes the issue of image quality obsolete. Thus I raise my glass and propose a toast! A Toast to the return (and revamping) of the interactive movie!

In conclusion, I would highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoyed the original Dragon's Lair, anyone who may have only heard of Dragon's Lair, and anyone who simply might wish to expand their game boy library!

Amazing!! Dirk is BACK!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: March 05, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Dragon's Lair was revolutionary when it first hit arcades back in the 80's. It was the first of its kind, using a Laserdisc to present cartoons, while the player controlled the flow of the game. Serious kudos the folks at Digital Eclipse, who have once again squeezed an Arcade Classic into a teeny-tiny Game Boy Color cartridge. And what an amazing job too!

For pure nostalgia reasons alone, this is a great title to own. The graphics are some of the best ever seen on the GBC, and the animation is surprisingly really good. The sounds aren't of the highest quality, but they weren't all that special in the arcade either, so it's no big loss. All the original arcade levels seem to be included, and game play is just as good as it was in the arcade (though, admittedly, that might not be saying much...).

If you were a fan of the original you will love this portable version. If on the other hand, you grew up with games like Doom and Quake, chances are that no version of Dragon's Lair will ever appeal to you, be-it CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, game boy or otherwise.

One thing's for sure, this GBC version of Dragon's Lair is MUCH better than the black-and-white version that was released for the original Game Boy. That old black-and-white version had nothing to do with "dragon's lair" except in name only.

This GBC version REALLY IS Dragon's Lair! Falling platform and all.

Gameboy Color Does Good With This Title

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: April 19, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I didn't think it could be done, but the orginal was shrunk to fit the gameboy color. I personally liked it and I will tell you why. First starters, its a great version of the classic game. I loved the arcade game, I was never really good at it, but I loved it. I was a little kid when Dirk first hit the scene and I was blown away by the animation and interaction. True, it is not a conventional video game, it's more eye candy and quick acting one button hitting moves, but this is the best of them. Dirk The Daring has been around for 17 years and they are still converting over to play on newer systems. Another reason I like it, it plays quickly. Let's admit one thing about about the Gameboy Color, it's not looking to dazzle you with graphics or sound, it's a hand-held game system to pass the time while you are traveling or hanging out (for older players anyway). I don't like getting really involved in my Gameboy games, I leave that to my Dreamcast, PS2, or PC games. With Dragon's Lair, I can pop it in, play for a bit and shut it off. Sometimes I don't play my Gameboy for weeks or even monthes at time, and playing some games (like RPGs or adventure games) I loose track what has happened or I forget the password to the next levels. All and all, Dragon's Lair is not for everyone. The real people who would enjoy this one would have to be the fans of the old game. New players may be a little confused about the gameplay and the odd pauses in the game. The fans familiar with the game will remember the pauses and obscure lag time, but we liked the game none the less. If you really like the game, then the only thing left to do is buy the DVD version. DVD version is the best translation (if not better) and it's relatively a cheap game...

Sorry Dirk-you are DOA

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 0 / 6
Date: February 28, 2001
Author: Amazon User

What could have been a real fun and innovative tittle for the GBC is instead barely playable. Fans of the vintage "Dragon's Lair" may want to give this pak a whirl but I don't forsee any it making anyone else jump for more. While the graphics are impressive, the animation is clumsy and akward. While it does offer a "Tutorial" mode, which just teaches you the same rooms over and over again, making a correct move can be insanely challenging. It isn't always clear when a player should make a move, and since the rooms are picked at random, your chance of getting back there to try it again is slim to none. My advice is to steer clear of this title unless you are an experienced( and patient) "Dragon's Lair" pro.

Amazingly Faithfull, but....

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: March 08, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Wow... Dragon's lair in your hands ! Of course, I think this game will only be appreciated by those who played it in the "old arcade days" , and will probably not create a new wave of fans. This being said, I think the GBC version is just amazingly faithfull, taking into consideration the potential of an 8 bit mini-console. Two things makes it a little bad though...First the sound effects were highly reduced (probably to make the visuals better) and the "game play" is way too fast,new players will have a hard time figuring out what to do. But, I'm 33, and I grew up in the 80's were a quarter could actually make a difference (Arcade wise) and I believe that Dragon's Lair GBC is really great !

Review Page: 1 

Actions