Dan Dare III: The Escape Longplay (C64) [QHD]
103Game Info
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Developer: Probe Software
Publisher: Virgin Mastertronic
Year of Release: 1990
Coding: Nick Jones
Graphics: Hugh Binns
Music: Jeroen Tel
Game Review & Impressions
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Based on The Eagle comic book character, Dan Dare III sees the return of the intrepid space pilot doing battle with the nefarious Mekon once again. The green, spherically-domed overlord has captured Dan, who is now held prisoner onboard a satellite orbiting Venus. Dan somehow escapes from his incarceration, straps on a jetpack, then sets off in search of fuel with which to gas up a nearby escape shuttle.
The satellite is divided into a series of zones, each interconnected by a teleporter. Each zone is full of aliens to blast, and each fuel cannister is guarded by the Mekon itself, so Dan best be ready with his blaster. Extra equipment and juice for Dan's jetpack can be acquired from terminals located in the central hub area, although you have limited funds available, so spend wisely.
Dan Dare III is a competent, if basic shooter. It feels reminiscent of the Cybernoid games, which I guess should come as no surprise when Nick Jones and Hugh Binns both worked on the C64 conversions for Hewson. I think the standout feature has to be the graphics, which are far more colourful and detailed than a lot of contemporary C64 titles.
However, what makes Dan Dare III particularly interesting is the involvement of Dave Perry and Nick Bruty -- of Earthworm Jim fame -- who are credited with the original concept. The teleport sequence where players guide Dan through a tunnel-like series is a design that crops up in Earthworm Jim (Andy Asteroids levels) and MDK, both designed by Bruty, so I suspect the origins of those sequences can be traced to this particular game.
Video Notes
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Related Longplays & Videos
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Chapters
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00:00 Main menu & music
04:35 Gameplay
13:27 Ending
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