Dragon's Lair 30th anniversary now available for iPhone
Has it been 30 years? Wow! Dragon's Lair is a classic video game that arrived way back in 1983 featuring animation by former Disney animator Don Bluth. The original game kept its extensive graphics on a LaserDisc, the now dead optical disc format that was replaced by DVDs.
The game had plenty of limitations. LaserDisc players started to fail under the strain of gameplay, as early players were really designed just for movies. The game moved to the arcades, and was one of the earliest games to charge 50 cents. I have dim memories of waiting in long lines to get a crack at it.
The game is one of only three that sits in storage at the Smithsonian Institution, along with Pong and Pac-Man.
Today, the game hit the App Store at US$4.99. The Dragon's Lair app includes all the original scenes, and a watch mode where you can just sit back and enjoy the animation. The game features high-definition graphics and looks great on Apple's Retina display. It also connects with Game Center. Just as in 1983, you take on the role of Dirk the Daring, a knight trying to rescue the princess from an evil dragon. You'll battle wizards and other nasty creatures to complete your quest.
So grab a piece of history, and make your way down to the Dragon's Lair. The app requires iOS 4.3, and is optimized for the iPhone 5. It's not a universal app, so it will have to upscale on the iPad.
