Item: Dragon's Lair 30th Anniversary
Rating: 85
Author: Dinsun

Our Expert Score

85/100

Dragon's Lair 30th Anniversary is a remarkable preservation of a genuine piece of arcade history. For the uninitiated, this isn't a traditional platformer; it’s the original laserdisc experience that wowed audiences in 1983 with Don Bluth’s legendary feature-film quality animation. You play as Dirk the Daring, a clumsy but brave knight attempting to rescue Princess Daphne from the dragon Singe. The gameplay is entirely based on Quick Time Events (QTEs), requiring split-second timing to move or strike in synchronization with the animation.

What makes this anniversary edition stand out is the sheer level of polish. The video has been beautifully remastered, looking crisp even on modern Retina displays. The inclusion of both the original arcade aspect ratio and a widescreen version is a nice touch for purists and modern gamers alike. It also features a 'Watch' mode if you just want to enjoy the animation without the stress of the high-stakes inputs. While the 'trial and error' nature of the gameplay can be frustrating for those used to modern open-world mechanics, it remains a charming, nostalgic, and visually stunning journey that every gaming enthusiast should experience at least once.

Dinsun reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPod

688402750

$4.99 13+★2.8 151 reviews

Author : Dragon's Lair LLC

Pubish Date : Fri Oct 04 2013

Last Update Date : Mon Sep 11 2017

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 2.0Mon Sep 11 2017

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.
Dragon's Lair 30th Anniversary has been updated to ensure continued iOS compatibility. We've also updated the UI and fixed up some pesky bugs.
Happy Retro Gaming!
Now's your chance to play arcade classic Dragon's Lair in High Definition!
Dragon's Lair, one of the most beloved arcade games of all time can now be enjoyed on-the-go whenever you want. This fully arcade authentic version includes all of the original scenes you've come to enjoy, and even an all-new global high scores list so you can show how well you wield Dirk's sword. Other bonuses include a full watch feature to sit back and enjoy Don Bluth's stunning animation.
You play the heroic Dirk the Daring, a valiant knight on a quest to rescue the fair princess from the clutches of an evil dragon! Control the actions of the daring adventurer, finding your way through the castle of a dark wizard, who has enchanted it with treacherous monsters and obstacles. In the mysterious caverns below the castle, your odyssey continues against the awesome forces that oppose your efforts to reach the dragon’s lair.
Dragon’s Lair is a fully animated classic arcade game from legendary animator Don Bluth. You’ll make your way through the castle and caverns below and wield your sword against some strange creatures. Beware of your foes, as they are numerous!
Lead on adventurer. Your quest awaits!
Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Now's your chance to play arcade classic Dragon's Lair in High Definition!
Dragon's Lair, one of the most beloved arcade games of all time can now be enjoyed on-the-go whenever you want. This fully arcade authentic version includes all of the original scenes you've come to enjoy, and even an all-new global high scores list so you can show how well you wield Dirk's sword. Other bonuses include a full watch feature to sit back and enjoy Don Bluth's stunning animation.
You play the heroic Dirk the Daring, a valiant knight on a quest to rescue the fair princess from the clutches of an evil dragon! Control the actions of the daring adventurer, finding your way through the castle of a dark wizard, who has enchanted it with treacherous monsters and obstacles. In the mysterious caverns below the castle, your odyssey continues against the awesome forces that oppose your efforts to reach the dragon’s lair.
Dragon’s Lair is a fully animated classic arcade game from legendary animator Don Bluth. You’ll make your way through the castle and caverns below and wield your sword against some strange creatures. Beware of your foes, as they are numerous!
Lead on adventurer. Your quest awaits!

Ratings & Reviews

2.8 out of 5 with 151 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 13+

Dragon's Lair 30th Anniversary brings the world-famous arcade sensation to your mobile device. Featuring hand-drawn animation by Disney veteran Don Bluth, you must guide Dirk the Daring through a treacherous castle filled with lethal traps and monsters. Unlike standard games, your success depends on reacting to the on-screen action with perfectly timed swipes and taps. This edition includes remastered video, global leaderboards, and multiple ways to experience the magic of the 1980s.

Features

Remastered High-Definition footage

Original 4:3 and Widescreen 16:9 options

Watch Mode: View the movie without playing

Global Leaderboards and Achievements

Bonus developer interviews and concept art

Tips

Surviving the Falling Floor

In the early room with the disappearing floor, wait for the yellow flash. Swipe Up immediately to grab the rope, then wait for the swing to reach its apex before swiping Right to safety.

Promotion Videos

Official Dragon's Lair 30th Anniversary Launch Trailer - YouTube

News on this game

Dragon's Lair Trilogy

In Dragon's Lair, you play the heroic Dirk the Daring, a valiant knight on a quest to rescue the fair princess from the clutches of an evil dragon!

Nintendo - Mon Nov 27 2023

Dragon's Lair 2: Time Warp gets HD version for iPad, out now on the App Store

Dragon's Lair 2: Time Warp has arrived on iPad through a newly released “HD” version.

AppAdvice - Fri Mar 27 2015

Gameplays

Classic Arcade Mode

The core gameplay involves watching the cinematic and inputting the correct direction or sword strike exactly when the environment or Dirk flashes yellow. One wrong move leads to a comedic death scene!