Anyone that grew up with videogames in the 1980s probably has fond memories of Dragon’s Lair. The original arcade classic used laser disc technology and was all animated by hand. It tested the player’s wits and reflexes as Dirk the Daring ventured through a castle filled with traps to rescue Princess Daphne from the clutches of Singe the dragon. Since then, various versions have popped up on different platforms, including a Commodore 64 version and more recently, a Game Boy Color adaptation.

Dragon’s Lair 3D retains the storyline and basic design of the original and transfers them to a full 3D environment. The game will be cel-shaded to preserve the style of the arcade game, and is being worked on by some of the original designers, including Don Bluth. In fact, careful detail is being put into the animation. The ever-bumbling Dirk the Daring alone has more than 150 animation sequences. The game will also feature hand animated cinema scenes, a 90 minute soundtrack, and oddly enough even a music video.

A lot of the original areas and enemies will return, but Dragonstone Software will be greatly expanding the game. There will be 250 rooms spread across 43 different environments and about 40 characters.

It sounds like the game should be a treat for all Dragon’s Lair fans. It is scheduled for release August 2002, so look for impressions and other coverage then.