It occurs to me that they were trying to make the NES version like the Arcade version, where things come at you and the only way to know what to do is memorization by playing over and over.
And it would have been almost bearable if the controls were better, and didn’t send you back to the beginning. I honestly think think it would have been wayyy better.
That's just bad game design. The arcade version is reaction based. You'll need fast reflexes and you could go through the entire game in one go. Now this is unlikely for new players, especially considering how fast the directions go later in the game but it should be possible. This game though is just suckerpunch after suckerpunch after suckerpunch.
8:28 for some reason, this one bit sticks out as one of my favorite AVGN moments. The way he grabs his flask, stares in disbelief, shakes his head, and drinks his pain away makes this small scene subtle and funny without words being spoken (especially when it’s right before probably one of his best rants)! That’s something the modern AVGN unfortunately lacks. Something that seems mundane that comes out extremely hilarious is a testament to how genius James’ writing was back then. It’s all in the performance.
I tried to beat this game once, using the emulator. One billion savestates and re-loads, and I found myself in the room with no way out, where the immortal (literally, he can't be killed) boss beat the shit out of me. That's where my ass got really blown into the pieces. This isn't even a game, this is a dark sorcery brought by some evil wizard who hates all NES gamers.
croplaya I read the walkthrough; it's by design. Lizard King is the special enemy who steals your gold. If you want it back, you need to visit bonus room, and once you're here, you can't leave till you sneak behind him and get the gold bars. So it's not really a boss, it's a bonus stage enemy, but he kills you in one touch and can't be killed himself. This game is an epic ass.
I love Don Bluth, so it actually made me really happy when I saw that his animations were in this arcade game. I wish he'd make another film in his distinctive style.
I had Dragon's Lair on my Amiga and it was just like the arcade and came on six 720 K discs. The game really came to life when I installed it on my 120 MB hard drive.
My mom just came in and asked me what the hell I was watching during James' profanity spew at the end. Moral of story: always use headphones when watching AVGN. 😂
I used to play these games, back then I was a nieve child who trusted the devs. I thought I was the one who sucked. but now I know it is a partnership between the devs and the gamer. If either one of us sucks the game loses. You can quote that.
Just tried the PAL version, honestly, the only reason it's smoother, is because, being a PAL game, everything actually moves a bit faster than NTSC. The downside to that, being projectiles and enemies also go faster, so you need to be quicker with your reactions.. Once you know the trick to that first part with the dragon though, it's easy to get through. The rest on the other hand..
Versipellis the rogue Changeling His reaction would probably be pretty similar to The Nostalgia Critic's Review of it and it's sequel with Don Bluth lol😂😂😂.
Versipellis the rogue Changeling Basically if James did a review of the actual arcade on a console he would go insane from how difficult it is lol. And like The Nostalgia Critic I don't think he's the type of person who would have it on easy setting lol.
You really come to appreciate how well written these episodes are when rewatching after all these years. Something even the nerd cant replicate properly after his big break and that horrible movie. Amazing stuff for sure, even with nostalgia counted for.
I remember when my family had this on the NES when I was a kid, for years nobody could get past the second level and then one day I actually managed to get to the 3rd, 4th or 5th. The fact that I can only remember the first two levels should be an indication of just how hard this game is and yes the controls certainly are the worst aspect of it!
8:45 I laughed so hard XD I can't believe how fast he did that. I tried and it was so hard not to start laughing because of how slow I was to do move my fingers.
You know what's very strange? You can download Dragon's Lair in the PS3! No, not this dreadful port version, but the game that revolutionized gaming with quick time events both good and bad. The arcade adaptions, its been in the PS3 shop for a long time now, do people even care now? I had a thought of getting the game but then again, its more of a interactive movie than a game from the very artist that made one of my most favorite Disney movies back at my youth, Robin Hood. But I wonder how it was ported to the NES and made a mockery to the game hmm? Its a mystery...
I know. The sound is not good because of the memory limit Nintendo enforced on DSi ware games. But looking at retro games, the gb color is a sight to behold. They managed to pull a laserdisc game into a cartridge, with good animation. DSi is a port of the arcade, GB COLOR WAS HAND MADE!!!
DominicanDAYTONA Yes, while its better to just play it on Xbox Live arcade or DSi, the GBC is a technical marvel in the graphics department, but the animation is butchered due to the limitations.
I was born in '92, and started gaming on the SNES when I was around 3. So I was a little after the NES time, even though some friends had it and I played it as well. Among our collection of games was Dragon's Lair for the SNES, and that is what I came here expecting. It was bad. So seeing him pull the NES version I thought, "Come on, this can't be any worse then the snes was." I was wrong. I felt the pain of the gameplay just watching this. I've grew up with LJN games that were better then that.
I might be a bit late, but I didn't think this was a actual game. There are two games I would love to see the Angry Video Game Nerd review and that's Fatal Labyrinth and Death Trap Dungeon.
In the original arcade version, there were cues, flashes at the perimeter of the screen that gave you a clue as to when, and what to press or do directionally with the controls, though deciphering some of those cues did take some work.
I was actually able to complete this game as a kid. Yes, THIS game. The NES version of Dragon's Lair. I basically played it so much I was able to remember almost every step and move I had to take.
Was it the NTSC version or the PAL/Japan version. Those have much smoother gameplay and are easier, however, the NTSC NA version lags so badly it might as well have been recalled.
Why are these episodes still so fun to watch, even after years?
cuz its fuckin funny
Because he's the fuckin nerd
Because James is fucking awesome.
Because some of the newer episodes went a bit "modern Simpsons" in terms of quality.
Gotta be honest.
Cuz the Nerd is the best!
It occurs to me that they were trying to make the NES version like the Arcade version, where things come at you and the only way to know what to do is memorization by playing over and over.
And it would have been almost bearable if the controls were better, and didn’t send you back to the beginning. I honestly think think it would have been wayyy better.
Thats terrible logic
@@RisingBeast00 How so?
That's just bad game design. The arcade version is reaction based. You'll need fast reflexes and you could go through the entire game in one go. Now this is unlikely for new players, especially considering how fast the directions go later in the game but it should be possible. This game though is just suckerpunch after suckerpunch after suckerpunch.
@@PunakiviAddikti this is the avgn he thrives on bad game design
Why take 11 hits instead of 10? Because this game likes to go one step beyond.
Nostalgia Critic Reference
+SmashNerd 3 It's also a Spinal Tap reference.
***** What's 'Spinal Tap'
+SmashNerd 3 Seriously?
+Logan Palmer What
8:15. Look at the bottom two names.
Nice spot! That's actually hilarious 😂
XD
I expected Fred and Fuchs
F
kek
That "I'd rather" at the end is one of his bests, freaking hilarious
Probably my favourite.
6 years...
El Packster 64 makes you feel old doesn’t it?
H
Sbk
Rewatching these videos makes me so happy.
Yuuuuuuuuup.
Same .3.
I swear many of his best episodes were from 2007-2009. I could watch those over and over again.
Yep, especially Bugs Bunny's Birthday Blowout.
The new AVGN feels stale to me for some reason.
8:28 for some reason, this one bit sticks out as one of my favorite AVGN moments. The way he grabs his flask, stares in disbelief, shakes his head, and drinks his pain away makes this small scene subtle and funny without words being spoken (especially when it’s right before probably one of his best rants)! That’s something the modern AVGN unfortunately lacks. Something that seems mundane that comes out extremely hilarious is a testament to how genius James’ writing was back then. It’s all in the performance.
Huh, I never realized this... Well said !
You hit the nail on the head. Miss this era so much.
Whoever designed this game he should have on his show
These old episodes are the best. There's an elegant simplicity to them.
Rewatching AVGN episodes just make me remember the old days.
Back when TH-cam was actually fun.
the ending is still one of the best endings of all time. just perfect.
I tried to beat this game once, using the emulator. One billion savestates and re-loads, and I found myself in the room with no way out, where the immortal (literally, he can't be killed) boss beat the shit out of me. That's where my ass got really blown into the pieces.
This isn't even a game, this is a dark sorcery brought by some evil wizard who hates all NES gamers.
Or the hacker that almost destroyed Vinesauce Joel's channel? AKA towel
That's likely who made this piece of filth!
do you think it's a glitch or is the main boss really that hard
croplaya I read the walkthrough; it's by design. Lizard King is the special enemy who steals your gold. If you want it back, you need to visit bonus room, and once you're here, you can't leave till you sneak behind him and get the gold bars. So it's not really a boss, it's a bonus stage enemy, but he kills you in one touch and can't be killed himself. This game is an epic ass.
And i don't even want to know what is the real final boss like
I love Don Bluth, so it actually made me really happy when I saw that his animations were in this arcade game. I wish he'd make another film in his distinctive style.
Agreed!
My favorite film of his is All Dogs Go To Heaven.
L-Y3T Same, for sure. I always cry at the end of that movie, lol.
MrAnimepredator Uh...thanks, MrAnime. That sure is some useful information.
They actually referenced Dragon's Lair in an episode of Family Guy, where Peter walks into a door and falls down as a pile of bones.
:D Think I saw that somewhere
Actually, make it two. In another episode, Peter is riding the horse from the original arcade game and dies.
anubertiergamer Couldn't find the one where walks into a door, I saw the one where he was reminiscing about being Dirk the Daring, though.
not news.
family guy referenced nearly every pop culture item you can name.
RhythmGrizz really name an anime reference that isn't the hentai stereotyping of Japanese.
Best ending ever
Juan B. Cabral cracks me up every time! 🤣
Never gets old.
9:09
5:48 *You know what else is bullshit?*
Did Bullshit Man start talking there for a second instead of AVGN?
***** Ah see what you did there but there was another series that AVGN made called You Know Whats Bullshit. That's what GollddMAN was talking about.
hahahha IT SOUNDS JUST LIKE HIM!!!
Karl Pilkington
I had Dragon's Lair on my Amiga and it was just like the arcade and came on six 720 K discs. The game really came to life when I installed it on my 120 MB hard drive.
It would be cooler with the power glove!
I "love" the power glove it's so bad
I wish The NERD would revisit this game. One of my favourite episodes but the video wasn't long enough :(
I think he should do the SNES version.
Which would he rather this one or ET on atari...
He did review ET and it's not the worst game ever made. It's at the end of the avgn movie.
@@turboshazed7370Yeah, I think the worst game ever goes to Superman 64.
the older episodes are always the best
"Older" by three Years lol
True, whether it's South Park, The Simpsons, or this.
Get the knife
Get the knife
Get the knife
Dirk's (or at least, I think it's Dirk) weapon is a knife lol.
yeah it's dirk
It's get the axe in this game
A dirk is also a kind of dagger. O_O
No it’s Arthur
My mom just came in and asked me what the hell I was watching during James' profanity spew at the end. Moral of story: always use headphones when watching AVGN. 😂
Or get a cool mom
+Duff The duff That doesn't exist
yes they exist
Moral of the story: Get your own apartment as soon as possible.
Yeah
Dear god that pool of piss analogy made me laugh so hard
Hey, Mikey! Tell Leo I said hi!
You are very easy to entertain.
+TimeKeeper25 I know :}
+Marcus Walker I'll throw a water balloon at Leo's face for you c:
+Michelangelo Hamato Why did you comment to yourself?
Writing for these older episodes is simply masterpiece
I used to play these games, back then I was a nieve child who trusted the devs. I thought I was the one who sucked. but now I know it is a partnership between the devs and the gamer. If either one of us sucks the game loses. You can quote that.
Just tried the PAL version, honestly, the only reason it's smoother, is because, being a PAL game, everything actually moves a bit faster than NTSC. The downside to that, being projectiles and enemies also go faster, so you need to be quicker with your reactions.. Once you know the trick to that first part with the dragon though, it's easy to get through. The rest on the other hand..
... PAL is supposed to be slower.
The other way around. Pal games were up to 55/25fps instead of 60/30
It also had double the RAM on the game, idk why.
Aw man, could you imagine his reaction if he got to the elevator shaft?
Holy Fuck, I just got it. Backwards Ass. *B*ackwards *A*ss. Like the buttons on the controller, B and A.
The rewatchability on these videos is insane
Wait, so Dragon's lair was originally just quick time events?
Rhainnon Garrard yep
Yes, but in the context of gaming in 1983 it was a cool idea.
Brilliant ending.
According to Don Bluth, Dragons Lair was about seeing how many ways you could die
AVGN is eternal! Forever in our hearts and memories
R.I.P.
8:15
Nice high score names.
lol
+Manabender ispecially the last
+Manabender AVGN had 90pts when he got Game Over'd so he's lower than Ass.
Best Highscore Names at least the 2 at the bottom
First AVGN episode I have ever saw. Good stuff
agreed ^_^
Mine was plumbers don't wear ties lol
Mine was TMNT.
Desert Bus
Me Friday the 13th
4:36 was one of the funniest explanations I ever heard!
I wanna see him play the actual arcade version on a console port
Versipellis the rogue Changeling Wouldn't it be amazing if he owned an arcade?
Versipellis the rogue Changeling His reaction would probably be pretty similar to The Nostalgia Critic's Review of it and it's sequel with Don Bluth lol😂😂😂.
So?
Versipellis the rogue Changeling Basically if James did a review of the actual arcade on a console he would go insane from how difficult it is lol. And like The Nostalgia Critic I don't think he's the type of person who would have it on easy setting lol.
briansivley2001 and that would make it funny
This is one of my favorites, wonderful, never gets old.
My introduction to the AVGN. Such a clever ending. Love it
This guy makes me cry from laughing so hard.
honestly, the slow progression and trial and error and insane frustration very closely matches those same qualities in the arcade game lol.
3:55 C'mon, duck! SHIT! This guy could make a Tshirt with any of his reaction phrases alone! XDD
6:21 Subtle Spinal Tap reference. Nice!
You really come to appreciate how well written these episodes are when rewatching after all these years. Something even the nerd cant replicate properly after his big break and that horrible movie. Amazing stuff for sure, even with nostalgia counted for.
No
@@TheSultan1470
Ok
He's had some great episodes since the movie.
That ending is gold
AVGN drinking game, take a shot everytime he takes a drink, and a drink of your beer every time he swears...
You'd run out of alcohol before the video was done.
I never run out of alcohol.
You'd die of alcohol overdose
@@daniyal7903 I never die because of alcohol poisoning
Swear when he drinks, drink when he swears.
I remember Dragon's Lair for the SNES. 20 years later and I still don't think that I will ever beat that thing.
I remember when my family had this on the NES when I was a kid, for years nobody could get past the second level and then one day I actually managed to get to the 3rd, 4th or 5th. The fact that I can only remember the first two levels should be an indication of just how hard this game is and yes the controls certainly are the worst aspect of it!
2:47 I like how he compliments the game then immediately gets pissed off
8:45 I laughed so hard XD I can't believe how fast he did that. I tried and it was so hard not to start laughing because of how slow I was to do move my fingers.
This game drove me so crazy as a kid. I loved the arcade version of Dragons Lair. I never passed the first screen.
You know what's very strange? You can download Dragon's Lair in the PS3! No, not this dreadful port version, but the game that revolutionized gaming with quick time events both good and bad. The arcade adaptions, its been in the PS3 shop for a long time now, do people even care now? I had a thought of getting the game but then again, its more of a interactive movie than a game from the very artist that made one of my most favorite Disney movies back at my youth, Robin Hood. But I wonder how it was ported to the NES and made a mockery to the game hmm? Its a mystery...
It's 2023. This is still one of the best episodic gaming series on the Internet still. 🔥
I wish James had played the SNES version too. It was pretty bad, though not as unplayable as this.
That ending will forever be my favorite of all his episodes..
i'm proud of myself, cause i never played this one...it's waste of minutes, precious minutes.You know life's to short xD
WoW spends more time
okay, you got a point there xD
Alejandro Guerrero Gacia In WoW, a door doesn't kill you. >_>
Alejandro Guerrero Gacia That isn't shit though
yeaa that´s true too but I think WoW spents more time I don´t have anything against WoW :)
The gameboy color version of Dragon's Lair is the arcade version...LITERALLY. Simplier graphics and lame sound effects, but portable.
Look it up
DominicanDAYTONA DSi port is better, same arcade graphics and sound effects aren't the same but sampled at a good rate
I know. The sound is not good because of the memory limit Nintendo enforced on DSi ware games. But looking at retro games, the gb color is a sight to behold. They managed to pull a laserdisc game into a cartridge, with good animation. DSi is a port of the arcade, GB COLOR WAS HAND MADE!!!
DominicanDAYTONA Yes, while its better to just play it on Xbox Live arcade or DSi, the GBC is a technical marvel in the graphics department, but the animation is butchered due to the limitations.
I still think the gbc version deserves some respect.
DominicanDAYTONA It does, but its no more than a technical showcase. The DSi is better for it
It's been ten years, but these videos are still fun to watch
I see your ten, and raise you fourteen.
I was born in '92, and started gaming on the SNES when I was around 3. So I was a little after the NES time, even though some friends had it and I played it as well. Among our collection of games was Dragon's Lair for the SNES, and that is what I came here expecting. It was bad. So seeing him pull the NES version I thought, "Come on, this can't be any worse then the snes was."
I was wrong. I felt the pain of the gameplay just watching this. I've grew up with LJN games that were better then that.
I played Dragon's Lair on Game Boy. It wasn't this bad, but it was VERY frustrating.
that ending is priceless
Anyone else in 2020 still binge watching all his videos all over again??
Yep
I always like to watch a play through of someone beating this game after these episodes to see how you're actually supposed to beat these games
Dragon's Lair: the NES version of Dark Souls in terms of frustration.
And it's also probably the NES version of The Order: 1886, seeing as they're both essentially interactive movies.
***** The NES version isn't.
MrAnimepredator i think in dark souls 2 you actually have multiple ways to go. in which area are you stuck?
Jaceblue04 Except Dark Souls is a fair challenge and this game is utter bullshit.
Imagine if dragons lair had ng +
8:11 uh oh you’re have to gonna start over
He also drinks "corona" beer, 2:24 behind the Nerd.
I might be a bit late, but I didn't think this was a actual game. There are two games I would love to see the Angry Video Game Nerd review and that's Fatal Labyrinth and Death Trap Dungeon.
What did you think it was?
@@favoritemustard3542 A video in shows like Stranger Things made to look like a game.
In the original arcade version, there were cues, flashes at the perimeter of the screen that gave you a clue as to when, and what to press or do directionally with the controls, though deciphering some of those cues did take some work.
The bit between 8:52 and 8:57 cracked me up XD
Why does dark souls seem less original now?
Kazuya Abel Minegishi I played Demon Souls, its actually my favorite of the three.
I think you mean "The Order: 1886"!
HAHAHA Omg I thought about that XD
Lol i was so looking for a comment like this 😂
They scrapped any kind of playability for superior graphics.
I was actually able to complete this game as a kid. Yes, THIS game. The NES version of Dragon's Lair. I basically played it so much I was able to remember almost every step and move I had to take.
Was it the NTSC version or the PAL/Japan version. Those have much smoother gameplay and are easier, however, the NTSC NA version lags so badly it might as well have been recalled.
I remember "trying" this game in the arcade. The game would start and I would die within 2 seconds. I tried it twice and I never played it again.
It's 2022 and AVGN older episodes are still entertaining to watch.
2023
Damn. I had forgotten how much I love this guy
9:09 this is the best and funniest way this episode could’ve ended
Wish I could turn into a skeleton when I walked into a door.
There are certain doors at a slaughterhouse with kinda the same effect....
+Phoenix Archangel Good Sir or Madam, you wouldn't happen to have names would you?
+AT Productions random?
You would become a spooky skeletor
7:47 Kinda like the original Dragons Lair
9:08 = BUMP!? lol ouch at that door joke XD
Coming back to these my 90s childhood years later after a long work day make me feel better too!
“Uploaded 15 years ago” - lot’s of people would get depressed about that, but I just laugh. No one escapes aging and death.
The ending was just genius. XD
Dont trust doors
Dragon's Lair on the NES, the original Dark Souls!
Can confirm too that the PAL version also has more detail put into it. Like Dirk getting smooshed into his own helmet at the moving doors.
-At the fork in the road, follow the rocky path! It will take you to the Dragon's Lair!
-Where will the other path take me?
-SPACE ACE!
This might very well be THE best episode!
3:28 sorry AVGN that dragon is the security
Man so this is where I ended up during the quarantine....
...not disappointed at all.
What the lol? The ending was just too hilarious for words!
4:30 "So, what do you do? Do you stand? Do you duck? Either way, YOU'RE FUCKED."
😆😆😆😆😆👍 Jeez lol.
8:39 start of my fav rant of avgn
These videos have so much re watching value. I have been watching these most of My Live. Thank you
Please review the Colecovision version of this game.
WebVMan that shit actually exists?!
agreed, i had it on the adam it was enjoyable
I think Don Bluth is underrated
This is about 16 years old and it’s still amazing
Timeless ❤
3:59
Meanwhile in the arcade game, Dirk narrowly beats the gate by running towards the path
Still re watching in 2024
Angry Video Game Nerd is timeless. James really is an amazing and creative person.
"Fuck this game!!" is exactly what I thought when I played it at the tender age of 7.
Why are the views so low on this? Did they get reset or something? These old AVGN videos should have twice the amount of views.
8:46 left me laughing to death
"I'D RATHER FUCKING 69 A GRIZZLY BEAR WHILE SHOVING KING KONG UP MY ASS!"