Dragon's Lair and Space Ace by ReadySoft

🥇 ReadySoft was a Canadian video game developer, publisher, and distributor established in 1987 by David Foster and headquartered in Ontario, Canada. Their portfolio featured a range of emulators alongside home computer adaptations of Sullivan Bluth's laserdisc game series, including Dragon's Lair, Space Ace, and their sequels.

🏰 Dragon's Lair

🐉 Dragon's Lair I (Original Arcade Release: 1983)

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, ReadySoft successfully brought this visually impressive title to platforms like Amiga, Atari ST, DOS, C64, Apple IIGS, and Macintosh.

📺 Platforms:

🕹️ Computers: Amiga, Atari ST, Mac, MS-DOS, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Apple IIGS, and TI-99/4A

🎮 Consoles: NES, Game Boy Color, SNES, Sega CD, 3DO, CD-i, Jaguar CD, GameCube, Xbox, PS2, iOS, DS, Wii, PS3, PSP, XBLA, Xbox One, PS4, and Switch

This game transformed arcades by featuring animation on par with Disney films. Players took on the role of Dirk the Daring, a knight on a quest to save Princess Daphne from the dragon Singe inside the castle of the evil sorcerer Mordroc. Gameplay centered around quick reflexes, requiring players to respond to timed on-screen prompts (Quick Time Events).

🗡️ Dragon's Lair II: Time Warp (Arcade: 1991)

ReadySoft handled ports of this sequel to Amiga, DOS, and Macintosh, continuing their tradition of delivering high-quality Bluth animation to home computer audiences.

📺 Platforms:

🕹️ Computers: Amiga, Atari ST, Apple IIGS, MS-DOS, and Macintosh

🎮 Consoles: CD-i, iOS, PlayStation 3, Wii, and Switch

Developed by Leland Corporation with involvement from Don Bluth, this sequel follows Dirk as he embarks on a time-traveling quest to rescue Daphne once again. Players journey through diverse eras like a Pirate Ship, the Stone Age, and Arabian Nights after Daphne is kidnapped by the evil wizard Mordroc.

🐲  Dragon's Lair III: The Curse of Mordread (1990s)

ReadySoft began work on this home-exclusive follow-up, creating some demo levels and footage. Some of its content reportedly influenced later projects by Digital Leisure.

📺 Platforms:

🕹️ Computers: Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS, MacOS, and Apple IIGS

🌕 Space Ace

🪐 Space Ace I (Arcade Release: 1984)

ReadySoft brought this title to home computers including Amiga, Atari ST, DOS, Apple IIGS, and Macintosh. The “energize” mechanic added a fresh layer of complexity to the Quick Time Event gameplay.

📺 Platforms:

🕹️ Computers: Amiga, Atari ST,  MS-DOS, MacOS, and Apple IIGS

🎮 Consoles: 3DO, CD-i, Jaguar CD, Sega CD, DVD Player, Blu-ray, Wii, DSiWare, iOS, PlayStation 3, Android, Switch

Building on LaserDisc technology, this game introduced a sci-fi setting, vibrant color animation, and a distinctive “energize” feature. Players controlled Ace, a hero who was transformed into a teenager named Dexter by the villain Borf. By pressing the “energize” button at critical moments, Ace could temporarily revert to his powerful adult form, unlocking different actions and pathways.

☄️ Space Ace II: Borf's Revenge (1992–1994)

This release showcased ReadySoft’s dedication to expanding the franchise beyond simply porting arcade hits.

📺 Platforms:

🕹️ Computers: Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS, Macintosh, Apple IIGS port (released in 2022)

Unlike its arcade predecessors, this title was developed solely by ReadySoft for home platforms including Amiga, DOS, and Macintosh. Featuring new animation (though not from Bluth’s studio), it continued the saga of Ace/Dexter battling the villain Borf.

■ Dragon's Lair and Space Ace by ReadySoft

BinaryValue.com (c)