DESCRIPTION

Dirk the Daring hasn't had an easy life — you don't get the nickname "Daring" by running from danger. But after his last harrowing adventure, in which he saved the beautiful Princess Daphne from the dragon's lair, Dirk has slowed down, taking Daphne as his bride and settling in to family life. But things fail to go as planned for the couple, as an evil wizard has kidnapped Daphne and used a ring of mystical power with which he can manipulate the strings of time. Dirk's only chance to save her is his trusty sword and a rusted old time machine, which he must use to dive into the time stream and chase after his love. Unfortunately, in typical Dirk style, he'll probably end up getting lost along the way.

In Dragon's Lair II: Time Warp, you control Dirk the Daring as he makes his way through time. Time Warp is the sequel to the phenomenally popular Dragon's Lair, Rick Dyer and Don Bluth's famous early-'80s laserdisc game. Like that title, Dragon's Lair II is completely cel-animated by Don Bluth's company.

You don't precisely control Dirk the Daring. Rather, you move the joystick or push the sword button at a time in the cartoon when you must act, usually a moment of danger for Dirk. If you do it in the right window of time, he will successfully jump from that crashing ledge or slash that vile villain. If you fail, the game cuts to a scene of Dirk dying, and you must try again.

There are a few things that separate Dragon's Lair II from its predecessor. In the first game, a flash would occasionally indicate where you were supposed to move. In Time Warp, this feature has been incorporated throughout the various levels. Also, to add to the challenge, there are secret items in each level that glow softly. To truly beat the game, you must grab all of these items and combine them into a powerful machine that will defeat the wizard and destroy the ring once and for all. ~ Jon Thompson, All Game Guide