Dragon’s Lair is a cinematic side-scrolling platformer developed by MotiveTime and published by CSG Imagesoft for the NES, based on the 1983 laserdisc arcade game. Dropping the arcade’s quick-time events, it gives players direct control of Dirk the Daring as he walks, jumps, and throws weapons through the castle to defeat the dragon Singe and rescue Princess Daphne. It is known for its difficulty.
How To Play Dragon’s Lair
Control
Action
D-Pad
Move Dirk; press Down to crawl; climb
A Button
Jump
B Button
Throw weapon (knife, axe, or fireball)
Select
Switch weapon / use lantern
Start
Pause
About Dragon’s Lair
Release date
NA: December 1990 · JP: September 20, 1991 · EU: January 3, 1992
Developer
MotiveTime
Publisher
CSG Imagesoft (NA); Epic/Sony Records (JP); Elite Systems (EU)
Platform
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Genre
Cinematic platformer (action-adventure)
Series
Dragon’s Lair
Modes
Single-player, multiplayer (2-player alternating)
Also known as
Sullivan Bluth Presents: Dragon’s Lair · ドラゴンズレア (Doragonzu Rea)
Sheldon has spent over a decade immersed in retro gaming, from NES classics to arcade gems. He's deeply passionate about preserving gaming history and helping others rediscover these timeless titles. When he's not gaming, Shaun writes about the evolution of video games and their cultural impact.
