Moves for DRAGON'S LAIR

by Lafe Travis Fredbjornson
Last updated Saturday, October 16, 2010

Many people have asked me
How to run the Readysoft Dragon's Lair CD-Rom in Windows 95/98

Now includes the moves for the CD-I version, Arcade
and Digital Leisure versions (Deluxe Pack and DVD verions) !

 
 

This is a complete solve for Dragon's Lair.
It may spoil some of the fun of discovering the moves on your own. It's your choice!

L=left, R=right, U=up, D=down, S=sword/spacebar

Readysoft PC, 3D0, Sega CD and Jaguar moves in red

CD-I version moves in BLUE

Digital Leisure moves are in GREEN

Arcade moves are Pink

Note: The room descriptions give the moves for the Readysoft versions.


Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0, Atari Jaguar, and Sega CD version room order:
- The rooms are grouped by level. When all your lives are used up, you are sent back to the first room on whatever level you've reached. The order of the rooms will be randomly chosen within a level. Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 can be randomly chosen as well. Certain rooms will appear backwards, and all left and right moves will be reversed, but NOT up, down or sword. You do not need to play both versions of reverse rooms to get to the Dragon's Lair. Missing from this version are three scenes: the Flaming Ropes, the Falling Platform and the Wind Room.

CD-I Version room order:
The drawbridge and crumbling room will always be the first rooms, and the Dragon's Lair will be the last room -- but every room between will be totally randomly chosen. This makes it a fun and unpredictable game. You are not required to do both versions of reverse rooms.

Digital Leisure room order:
The order always seems to be the same boring order. I've sent e-mails and flow-charts to Digital Leisure, begging them to reprogram the room order to that of the arcade version. You must play both versions of reverse rooms. 

Arcade version room order: There is a distinct, yet random order. If you die on a room, you won't have to play that room again until just before the Dragon's Lair. Click HERE to see the arcade room patterns.  Thanks to Edward M. Petti  of Video Games magazine for the chart.The arcade game has different difficulty settings. If it's set to harder, the move timings will be tighter.

I learned these moves on my own. It took me three months to figure all of them out. Thanks to Edward M. Petti  of Video Games magazine for the Arcade Game moves. I believe all the versions made by Readysoft (PC CD-Rom, 3D0, Sega CD and Jaguar) have the same moves. I've tried to include as many timing references as possible. If the move doesn't seem to be working, try different timing. Some moves have very exact timing. So here they are...


 

Drawbridge:

After Dirk falls through the hole in the bridge (S) then (U) to climb out.

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: S, U
CD-I: S, U
Digital Leisure: S only!
Arcade: This scene has been taken out of the arcade version, even though it resides on the laserdisc.

 

End of Corridor:

Dirk is facing three doors. Suddenly, the room starts to crumble and fall apart.  Dirk will cover his eyes and start to sway towards the crevasse towards the left. Move him in the opposite direction (R). As soon as the door to the right flashes open, move (R).

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: R, R
CD-I: D, R
Digital Leisure: R, R
Arcade: R (when floor starts to break), R (when the door opens)

 

Burning Ropes:

Dirk must cross a chasm of fire using burning ropes. The platform he's waiting on will quickly disappear under his feet. Push Right four times (R), (R), (R), (R) to get him to the other side if  he's facing right at the start of the scene. If you get the scene in reverse, push Left four times. The home versions do not require precise timing. The arcade version however requires you to make your moves immediately after hearing the "creak" of the burning rope.
 

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: N/A
CD-I (same): R, R, R, R   or   L, L. L, L
Digital Leisure (same): R, R, R, R  or  L, L, L, L
Arcade (same): R, R, R, R   or   L, L, L, L  (this version will let you make your first move at the start of the scene also)

 

Falling Platform:

Dirk jumps onto a round wooden platform, which begins to drop down a chasm like an out-of-control elevator. The platform will periodically pause on different levels of the castle, where you should jump off. There are two versions of this scene, one with three stops and one with nine stops. You can tell how many stops you'll get by the direction Dirk is facing when he comes to the first set of stops; if left = 3 stops, if right = 9 stops. You must jump off to one of the ledges before the wooden platform hits the bottom of the chasm. I usually time my jump at the "swoosh" sound effect as the platform pauses. Jump (L) if Dirk is facing left, or (R) if he's facing right. The Digital Leisure version will let you jump off on any of the stops, and I think it always gives you the 9-stop version in both directions. I'm not too sure about the CD-I version.

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: N/A
CD-I: L   or   R (Press in the desired direction after hearing the sound for stop 2, 5 or 8.
Digital Leisure: L   or   R (as appropriate, when the platform pauses)
Arcade: L   or   R   (as approriate, on the swish sound)

 

Wind Room:

Dirk will follow the trail of Princess Daphne up to a door. When he opens it, he'll be sucked inside by a whirlwind. Objects will be blowing around the room. There are right and left doors, and hole in the wall, where a glowing diamond can be seen. Wait for the door to the right to flash and open, then press (R).

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: N/A
CD-I (same): R (when the door opens)
Digital Leisure (same): R (when the door opens)
Arcade (same): R (when the door opens)

 

Tentacles from Ceiling:

A green tentacle will appear from the hole in the celing. (S) will chop it off. Dirk will automatically jump forwards in the room. Move (R) towards the door, but don't go through it yet. Investigate the staircase by moving (D). As soon as the tentacles appear from the top of the stairs, jump to the table (L). Almost immediately, the door in front of Dirk will open and he can go through it (U).

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: S, R, D, L, U
CD-I: S, U, R, D, L, U
Digital Leisure: S, U, R, D, L, U
Arcade: S, U, R, D, L, U

 

Snake Room: 

Dirk is in a room full of mist. A snake will appear (S). Another snake will appear (S). After killing the two snakes pull the cord (R). Wait for a rope to drop down from the hole in the room, and move (U) to escape. A snake will almost get you.
Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: S, S, R, U (unusual moves...)
CD-I: S, S, S, U
Digital Leisure: S, S, S, U
Arcade: S, S, S, U

 

Drink Me: 

Dirk stands in front of a table with a bottle on top. A sign reads "drink me". Move (R) once to avoid the bottle and the flames.

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD (same): R
CD-I (same): R
Digital Leisure (same): R
Arcade (same): R

 

Cauldron Pot:

This room wasn't listed in the instruction book. Dirk is in a laboratory. A huge cauldron pot will bubble over with yellow goo. Jump away from it (U) to a table. Dirk will examine a potion bottle. Suddenly, a monster will jump out of the bottle. Kill it (S). Dirk will automatically jump back towards the cauldron pot. A ghost will appear from out of the pot. Kill it (S). More yellow goo will flow towards Dirk's feet. Escape out the door (R).
Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: U, S, S, R  {Russia! :>}  (Down move omitted for brevity)
CD-I: U, S, D, S, R
Digital Leisure: U, S, D, S, R
Arcade: U, S, D, S, R

 

Checkerboard Floor Knight:

This room appears backwards 50% of the time. The Black Knight will send electric charges through the floor towards Dirk. Dirk must make it to the other side of the room safely and kill the Knight. Look to see which hand the Knight is holding his sword in at the beginning of this scene. You will start by moving in the opposite direction of that sword hand. (R),(L),(U),(L),(R),(L),(R), and then kill the knight with a few sword thrusts (S),(S). The reverse pattern is (L),(R),(U),(R),(L),(R),(L),(S),(S)
Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD (same): R, L, U. L, R, L, R. S   or  L, R, U, R, L, R, L, S
CD-I (same): R, L, U. L, R, L, R. S   or  L, R, U, R, L, R, L, S
Digital Leisure (same): R, L, U, L, R, L, R, S   or  L, R, U, R, L, R, L, S                                                                     Arcade: R, L, U. L, R. L, R. S   or   L, R, U. R. L, R, L, S, S  (final shot of Dirk not shown!)

 

The Giddy Goons:

Dirk comes up through a trapdoor in the floor at the bottom of a stairwell. Purple Goons will appear through a door. Kill them (S). More Goons will come through the door, but Dirk should start heading up the stairway instead (R),(U). Goons will appear at the top of the stairs and come down towards Dirk. Chop them (S). Goons are still coming up the stairs after Dirk. Move (U) to escape through the door.

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: S, R, U, S, U
CD-I: S, U, U, S, U
Digital Leisure: S, R, S, U
Arcade: S, R, S, U   or   S, R, U (quickly to auto-slice!), S

 

Rolling Balls:
 

Dirk is in a hallway with rolling colored balls. A bigger black ball will appear behind him. Wait for the yellow ball to cross in front of Dirk's body and then (D), the same thin with the red ball (D), blue (D), green (D), orange (D) and purple (D). Move (U) to jump over the deep hole.

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: D, D, D, D, D, D, U
CD-I: D, D, D, D, D, D (automatically jump over hole)
Digital Leisure: D, D, D, D, D, D, U
Arcade: D, D, D, D, D, D, U
 

 

Closing Wall:

A wall in front of Dirk starts filling up with bricks. Move (U) once immediately to make it through in time.
Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD (same): U
CD-I (same): U
Digital Leisure (same): U
Arcade (same): U

 

Bats:
 

A flock of bats will attack Dirk. Defend yourself (S). More bats will come (S), then immediately move left (L) when the floor crumbles away, and jump over the gap in the collapsed staircase (L). A giant vampire bat will appear in front of the exit. Kill it (S). Go through the door (L) The pursuing bats will collide with the closed door and fall to the ground.
Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: S, S, L, L, S, L
CD-I: S, S, L, U, S, L
Digital Leisure: S, L, U, S, L
Arcade: S, L, U, S, L

 

Large Wooden Platforms:

The catwalk Dirk is walking on will start to collapse Move (U), (U). A flock of bats will attack Dirk. Duck down (D) as soon as you hear their wings flapping, and quickly use your sword (S) to scare them away. The timing is really crucial. Move (R) to a broken section and climb a rope to safety.
Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: U, U, D, S, R (very tricky timing involved!)
CD-I: U, U, S, R, R
Digital Leisure: U, U, S, R, R
Arcade: U, U, S, R, R

 

Sliding Stairs:

Move (L) as soon as the staircase turns into a slide. Dirk will come down the stairs. A purple-tentacle thing will come out of the pit at the bottom of the stairs. Make it go away (S). Continue up the stairs (L) to the other side of the room. Don't pull the chain; instead go through the roun opening on the wall (L).

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD (same): L, S, L, L
CD-I (same): L, S, L, L
Digital Leisure (same): L, S, L, L
Arcade (same): L (immediately), S, L, L

 

Metallic Flying Horse: 

This room can appear backwards. Dirk will sit on a metal horse, which suddenly comes alive and takes Dirk on a flying ride towards a wall of fire. In one instance of this room, the fire will appear on the left side of the pillar, so move away (R), more pillars (L),(R),(L) and a stone wall (L). The horse will crash to safety back into the castle and Dirk will get up and walk through a door. You don't need to worry about escaping the fireball behind you. In the mirror-image of this room (L),(R),(L),(R),(R).

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: L, R, L, R, R   or   R, L, R, L, L (missing final pillar!)
CD-I: L, R, L, R, R, R   or  R, L, R, L, L, L
Digital Leisure: L, R, L, R, R, R   or  R, L, R, L, L, L
Arcade: L, R, L, R, R, R   or   R, L, R, L, L, L

 

Metallic Ball:
 

 

Dirk will be in a throne room. A magnetic ball will steal Dirk's sword and helmet. The round carpet will become electrical and a top view of the room will be given. Jump (R),(U) and then (R), so Dirk is sitting in the throne. His helmet and sword will be returned to him. The throne will revolve into another room. Dirk must run away from the electricity behind him (R) and go out the door.

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD (same): R, U, R, R
CD-I (same): R, U, R, R
Digital Leisure (same): R, U, R, R
Arcade (same): R, U, R, R

 

The Lizard King:

Dirk is chased by a the Lizard King. His sword is stolen away from him by a pot of gold, so Dirk must chase after it. At various hallway intersections, Dirk must choose the proper direction to go. Make your move, just as the sword and pot of gold takes a turn, and before the Lizard King hits you on the head with his sceptre. The correct directions are: (L),(R),(R),(R),(R),(R). Dirk will be at a dead end. The pot of gold and his sword have come to a halt. Move (U) to obtain the sword. Swing the sword at the Lizard King (S). Dirk will lose his sword again. Move (L) and (R) to evade the Lizard King. Move (D) to get Dirk's sword again, and finally (S) to kill the Lizard King. Dirk will take the gold and go out the door.

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: L, R, R, R, R, R, U, S, L, R, D, S (tricky combat moves)
CD-I: L, U, R, U, R, R, (pot-shot) R, R, U, S, L, S, D, S (this one's a killer!)
Digital Leisure: L, R, R, R, R, R, U, S, S, S, S
Arcade: L, R, R, R, R, R, S, S, S, S

 

Giant Spinning Batons: 

This room has mirror images as well, but since there are no left or right moves, the patterns will be the same. Dirk must cross a bridge over a chasm of thorns. Batons are spinning to either side of the bridge. Listen carefully to the sounds Dirk makes. Right after his third noise, move (U). Safely to the other side, Dirk will confront a red-cloaked spectre with a glowing rod. Kill the spectre (S). Thorns will rise up in front of Dirk, so jump back (D). More thorns. Make Dirk escape through the door (U).

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: U, S, D, U (Critical timing for the first move; listen for Dirk's 3rd noise!)
CD-I: U, S, D, U (Critical timing for the first move; move Up when Dirk's hand first comes out!)
Digital Leisure: U, S, D, U  (Critical timing for the first move; wait awhile!)
Arcade: U, S, D, U  (Critical timing for the first move; after Dirk's second grunt!)

 

The Smithy:
 

This room can be reversed. Dirk is surrounded by a wall of fire, and the weapons are enchanted. Ready Dirk's sword immediately (S). A magic sword will fly toward Dirk (S). An enchanted mace will fly toward Dirk (S). An anvil will fly at Dirk. Move AWAY from the flaming wall; either (R) or (L). It depends which version of the room the computer generates. A spear will fly off a weapon rack at Dirk (S). Dirk will jump up on a ledge and an axe bearing statue will come to life. (S) once will kill it. Dirk will leave the room.
Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: S, S, S, R, S, S   or   S, S, S, L, S, S  (must ready Dirk's sword!!!)
CD-I: S, S, R, S, S   or   S, S, L, S, S (no need to ready Dirk's sword at the beginning)
Digital Leisure: S, S, R, S, S   or   S, S, R, S, S  (no need to ready Dirk's sword at the beginning)
Arcade: S, S, R, S, S   or   S, S, L, S, S   (no need to ready sword. Critical timing on first two Swords)

 

Haunted Hallway:

This room can have a mirror image. Dirk will be at the beginning of a long hallway with many doors. Clattering skulls will fall out at Dirk's feet and try to bite him. Move (U) to jump away. A large skeleton hand will try to grab Dirk from a doorway. Smash it with Dirk's sword (S). Black tar/goo will pour out of the doorway at Dirk's feet. Jump forwards in the hallway (U). Another skeleton hand will appear, so smash it (S). More black tar/goo will pour out of a door at the end of the hall, on either side. Move AWAY from the black stuff through the door (R) or (L). Dirk will be attacked by Crypt Creeps. Kill them with a sword swing (S) and escape out the secret passage.
 

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD (same): U, S, U, S, R, S   or   U, S, U, S, L, S
CD-I (same): U, S, U, S, R, S  or  U, S, U, S, L, S
Digital Leisure (same): U, S, U, S, R, S  or  U, S, U, S, L, S
Arcade (same): U, S, U, S, R, S   or   U, S, U, S, L, S

 

Checkerboard Corridor:
 

The floor will tilt and then vanish beneath Dirk's feet. Jump back (D). Dirk will make a commotion and try to stand on the only available squares. Move (U) to safety. Once Dirk jumps up to the far end of the room, move him (L) out the door of this room.

Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD (same): D, U, L
CD-I (same): D, U, L
Digital Leisure (same): D, U, L
Arcade (same): D, U, L

 

Pool of Water:

This room can be backwards, so know both patterns. If Dirk's sword is hanging on his right side, and the floor crumbles to the left, move (R). Darts will shoot from the wall at Dirk. Jump (U) to avoid being hit. The stone floor will crumble, so move (L). Dirk will be standing at the edge of the pool. More floor will crumble, so move (U) to jump into the water. Panels will open up and snakes will swim into the pool with Dirk. (R) to quickly get out of the pool. More floor will crumble (U). Dirk will be at the corner of the room. A spider will frighten Dirk (S). The floor collapses more. Move (U) to go through the door between two converging stone blocks. Whew! The reverse pattern would be (L),(U), (R),(U),(L),(U),(S),(U).
Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: R, U, L, U, R, U, S, U   or   L, U, R, U, R, U, S, U (2nd last move omitted)
CD-I: R, U, L, U, R, U, S, L, U   or  L, U, R, U, L, U, S, R, U
Digital Leisure: R, U, L, U, R, U, S, L, U   or   L, U, R, U, L, U, S, R, U
Arcade: R, U, L, U, R, U, S, L, U   or   L, U, R, U, L, U, S, R, U

 

Phantom Knight:

A ghostly horseman will charge towards Dirk. Move (L) away from the thorns. The knight will make another charge. Once again, move away from the thorns (L). The knight comes back a third time. Move the other way (R) to avoid the thorns. Dirk will jump into a cave, almost getting hit by the knight's sword.
Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: L, L, R
CD-I: L, L, R
Digital Leisure: U, L, L, R  (a tricky start to the scene!)
Arcade: L, L, R  (few machines will be set to require an U move at the start of the scene)

 

Room of Fire:

Dirk is in a room of flammable rubbish. A bench will drop down and cover a hole to the left. Lightning will shoot out of a hole in the ceiling towards Dirk. Jump (R). When Dirk is on the right side of the room, move down (D). As soon as fire appears in front of Dirk, move (U). The room will be brightly lit up with flames. Keep moving Dirk (L),(L),(L) until he pulls aside the bench from the wall and crawls through the low opening.
Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: R, D, U, L, L, L (confusing & tricky timing!)
CD-I: R, U, D, L (easier)
Digital Leisure: R, U, L, L (simplified)
Arcade: R, U, D, L

 

The Round Cage:

A round grille will drop down over Dirk and become electrified. An electric field will appear on the ground and begin moving towards Dirk's feet. Move (U), (U) to avoid the electricity and (U) to get through the crashing doors. Dirk will be at a bridge over a gushing geyser. When a side shot of the bridge is given, and Dirk looks back at the electricity behind him, immediately move (L) to cross the bridge to safety.
Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: U, U, U, L (sometimes you'll die for no good reason)
CD-I: U, U, L (generous timing)
Digital Leisure: U, U, L (you can't go wrong!)
Arcade: U, U, L (fairly easy)

 

Lava Field of the Mudmen: 

Dirk is in a large cave and is attacked by mudmen. First he tries using his sword (S), but it bounces right off the mudmen. They will move in on Dirk (U). Move (U) seven more times whenever Dirk pauses, and this room will be done!
Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: S, U, U, U, U, U, U, U, U (edited scene)
CD-I: S, L, U, R, U, U, U (it took me forever to figure the initial moves out!)
Digital Leisure: S, U, U, U, U, U, U, U (move up at the proper shots)
Arcade: S, U, U, U, U, U (wait for the bridge to flash), U, U

 

Rapids/Whirlpools:

Dirk will fall into a boat on a raging underground river. At the rapids, move up each time Dirk's boat enters the lighter/calmer current (U),(U),(U),(U) At the whirlpools, move away from the whirlpool (R),(L),(R),(L). Dirk's boat will hit a wall, sending Dirk flying up in the air towards a chain. As soon as you hear the dinging sound, grab the chain (R).
Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD:
(the "Ye Boulders" scene has been edited out!)
(Rapids) U, U, U, U,
(Ye Whirlpools) R, L, R, L,
then U to catch the chain

CD-I: (Ye Boulders) L, R, L, R,
(Rapids) U, U, U, U,
(Ye Whirlpools -- reversable!) R, L, R, L or  L, R, L, R,
then L or R, depending on the chain direction. There will be no bell dinging, so be careful!

Digital Leisure: (Ye Boulders) L, R, L, R,
(Rapids) R, L, R, L,
(Ye Whirlpools) R, L, R, L,
then R when you hear the dinging sound to grab the chain.

Arcade: (Ye Boulders) L, R, L, R
(Rapids) R, L, R, L (toward the lighter current)   or   U, U, U, U (each time you enter the lighter current)
(Ye Whirlpools) R, L, R, L  (BEWARE of missing whirlpools!!! You may need to adjust your moves)
then R when you hear the dinging sound to grab the chain

 

THE DRAGON'S LAIR

Dirk has finally made it to the Dragon's Lair! Princess Daphne is inside a crystal ball, and the Dragon appears to be asleep. A stack of objects are about to topple over, which will awaken the Dragon. Move (U) after Dirk says "wow" and "umhum!" to catch the objects. Dirk will hop to a box of treasure (L) and slide down a pile of coins.

The Dragon hears this and wakes up, blowing flames in Dirk's direction (L), but Dirk escapes. More noisy objects are about to fall, so Dirk must catch them (D). The Dragon will go back to sleep. Dirk moves closer to Daphne, who tells him how to kill the Dragon: "Get the key, find the Magic Sword." After this silly speech, the Dragon will wake up.

Dirk hides behind a pillar, but the Dragon tries to grab Dirk with his claws. Dirk ducks down (D),(D) and runs off to the side (L). Daphne goes "ooh!" The Dragon pursues Dirk, from a behind-view. Dirk must jump over a high pile of gold coins (U). Dirk will be hiding behind another pillar. The Dragon will try to grab Dirk (D), but instead gets the pillar crashing on top of his head.

Dirk runs and ducks behind another column (R), where he sights the Magic Sword! Dirk should grab for the sword (S) as soon as the Dragon pokes his head into scene. The Dragon will blow some flames at Dirk, but Dirk uses the magic sword as a shield (S). Daphne claps proudly. The Dragon will swing its huge tail at Dirk (L), but Dirk jumps out of the way. Dirk throws the Magic Sword (S) into the Dragon's gut and kills it. Dirk and Daphne live happily ever after...

(Until Dragon's Lair II, that is!) End Credits roll and a special preview of Space Ace. Check it out.


Readysoft CD-Rom, 3D0 and Sega CD: U, L, L, D, D, D, L, U, D, R, S, S, L, S
CD-I: UNTESTED. Please submit the moves to
lafef@shaw.ca. I'm stuck on this one.
Digital Leisure: L, L, L, L, U, D, R, U, S, S, L, S
Arcade: L, L, L, D, D, R, U, S, L, S   or   L, L, L, D, L, R, R, R, S, L, S  (I'm confused -- which is it?)


Questions?  Corrections?  Send me e-mail... lafef@shaw.ca


This game was last played on October 16, 2010

 
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