Dan Dare III: The Escape (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Dan Dare III: The Escape (1990)

Dan Dare III: The Escape is a side-scrolling action-adventure game developed and published by Virgin Games in 1990 for the Amiga, Atari ST, and DOS. It is the third game in the Dan Dare series, following Dan Dare I: Pilot of the Future (1986) and Dan Dare II: Mekon’s Revenge (1988).

The game is set in the year 2020, and follows Dan Dare as he attempts to escape from a Treen scientific satellite orbiting Venus. Dan has been kidnapped by the Treens, an evil alien race, and taken to their satellite in order to be experimented on. However, Dan is able to break free from his captors and make his way to the satellite’s escape shuttle.

However, the escape shuttle is out of fuel, and Dan must search the satellite for fuel cans in order to escape. The satellite is divided into five levels, each of which is filled with Treens and other hazards. Dan must use his jetpack to navigate the satellite, and his laser gun to destroy any enemies that get in his way.

Along the way, Dan can also find power-ups that will help him on his quest. These power-ups include a shield that will protect him from enemy fire, a speed boost that will allow him to move faster, and a weapon upgrade that will make his laser gun more powerful.

Once Dan has collected all of the fuel cans, he can return to the escape shuttle and escape from the satellite. However, the Treens will not give up without a fight, and Dan must battle his way through hordes of enemies in order to reach the shuttle.

Dan Dare III: The Escape is a challenging but rewarding game that is sure to please fans of the Dan Dare series and action-adventure games in general. The game’s graphics are impressive for its time, and the gameplay is both challenging and addictive.

Gameplay

Dan Dare III: The Escape is a side-scrolling action-adventure game. The player controls Dan Dare as he explores the Treen satellite, collects fuel cans, and fights off enemies. Dan can use his jetpack to navigate the satellite, and his laser gun to destroy enemies.

The game is divided into five levels, each of which is filled with different enemies and hazards. Dan must use his skills and abilities to overcome these challenges and reach the escape shuttle.

Along the way, Dan can also find power-ups that will help him on his quest. These power-ups include a shield that will protect him from enemy fire, a speed boost that will allow him to move faster, and a weapon upgrade that will make his laser gun more powerful.

Once Dan has collected all of the fuel cans, he can return to the escape shuttle and escape from the satellite. However, the Treens will not give up without a fight, and Dan must battle his way through hordes of enemies in order to reach the shuttle.

Development

Dan Dare III: The Escape was developed by Virgin Games, a British video game company founded in 1982. The game was designed by Ian Andrew, who had previously worked on Dan Dare II: Mekon’s Revenge.

The game was developed using the AGOS engine, which was also used in other Virgin Games titles such as RoboCop and The Terminator. The AGOS engine allowed the developers to create a large and detailed game world with impressive graphics and smooth scrolling.

Reception

Dan Dare III: The Escape was released to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and challenge. Many reviewers considered it to be one of the best action-adventure games of its time.

The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide. It was one of the best-selling games for the Amiga and Atari ST, and it helped to establish Virgin Games as a major force in the video game industry.

Legacy

Dan Dare III: The Escape is considered to be a classic action-adventure game. It is still enjoyed by many gamers today, and it has been cited as an influence on many other games, such as Metroid and Castlevania.

The game was re-released on GOG.com in 2014, and it is now available for purchase on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Conclusion

Dan Dare III: The Escape is a classic action-adventure game that still holds up today. The game’s graphics are impressive for its time, the gameplay is both challenging and addictive, and the story is engaging. If you’re a fan of the Dan Dare series, or if you’re just looking for a great retro game to play, then I highly recommend checking out Dan Dare III: The Escape.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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