Here at OPS2 we strive to be fair with all games. If there’s a pinprick of light at the end of the tunnel we want to see it because, when all is said and done, we love it when games are good and are disappointed when they are not. The problem here is that Dragon's Lair 3D blows.

It blows like a Hoover sucks and sucks like a hurricane blows. Finding that glimmer of daylight requires time travel. Back in 1983, when the original Dragon's Lair came out in the arcades it was a phenomenon. Using laser disc (that's an LP-sized DVD kids) for the first time, it gave gamers quality graphics at a point when videogames looked basic and unsophisticated. It inspired kids to become game developers and deserves its place in the videogame hall of fame.

3D updates the quest of gormless knight Dirk The Daring to free princess Daphne from the evil wizard Mordroc by turning it into a puzzle-strewn platformer that comes undone immediately. Dirk is a charisma-free hero for a start, and he's yoked to a camera that actively intervenes the moment you're in danger of having any fun. Collision detection is shonky in a way that makes multiple, unnecessary deaths a constant companion. Enemies are so dopey that dispatching them is a brainless chore.

If you think fondly of the original then seek it out on DVD - this will only chip away at those memories.

Graphics 30%
Cel-shading is cool, no? Not anymore!

Sound 30%
It sounds alright, but it's not very memorable

Gameplay 20%
Collision detection makes for daft deaths

Lifespan 20%
Can't imagine anyone persevering for long

Overall 20%
A best-forgotten franchise pointlessly resurrected with little style and some irritating control issues. In a word: poor.