Dragon's Lair 2 Escape From Singes Castle

Dragon’s Lair II: Escape from Singe’s Castle - the 1987 interactive
action adventure for Commodore 64 from Software Projects.

Once again take control of Dirk the Daring as he escapes Singe’s
fortress, facing new traps, monsters, and collapsing chambers in a test
of memory and reflexes.

Core loop
- react to visual cues by moving or striking at precise moments
- dodge obstacles, cross pits, and fight creatures in set sequences
- learn the correct input pattern for each room to advance
- complete all scenes to rescue Princess Daphne once more

Systems and items
- sword control - used in exact frames for combat sequences
- visual cue system - flickers or object motion hint at correct actions
- limited lives - failure restarts the current room
- checkpoint system - resumes partway through the escape

Level design and feel
A direct continuation of the first game, using single-scene animated
screens with improved color and pacing. The timing is still punishing,
but scenes are more varied—rotating rooms, crushers, and falling floors
replace earlier corridor hazards.

Why it is notable
- follow-up to the Commodore 64 port of Don Bluth’s arcade phenomenon
- marketed as a true sequel rather than an expansion
- remains one of the toughest quick-reaction adventures on the system

Tips
- watch background motion closely—many traps trigger offscreen
- short, early joystick taps register more reliably than full swings
- practice reaction order; repetition is key to progress

At a glance
Year - 1987
Developer - Software Projects
Design and programming - David Collier - Paul Murray
Graphics - Software Projects team
Music - David Whittaker
Publisher - Software Projects
Genre - Interactive action adventure
Players - 1
Controls - Joystick in port 2