Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dan Dare III: The Escape puts you directly into the boots of Britain’s greatest space hero as he must navigate a treacherous scientific satellite in orbit around Venus. From the moment you break free of your Treen captors, you’re thrust into a non-linear exploration of five distinct levels, each packed with hidden corridors, fuel caches, and teleportation nodes. The core objective—collecting enough fuel cans to power your escape shuttle—drives every decision, forcing you to balance risk and reward as you hunt down each canister.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Combat in Dan Dare III relies on a diverse arsenal of weapons that can be purchased at computer terminals sprinkled throughout the satellite. Whether you favor the rapid-fire pulse pistol or the more powerful plasma rifle, managing your credits and ammo supplies becomes a strategic layer atop the platforming action. Enemies are varied: standard Treen foot soldiers that swarm in groups, heavily armored sentries that require upgraded firepower, and environmental hazards such as electrified floors and roaming security drones.

Movement is equally engaging thanks to Dan’s jet-pack, which grants brief bursts of aerial mobility but also introduces a fuel meter you must monitor closely. Strategic usage of the jet-pack can grant access to higher platforms and hidden alcoves, but running out of fuel at the wrong moment can leave you stranded in a gauntlet of enemies. To further complicate matters, the Mekon himself lurks in certain areas—defeating him doesn’t just reward you with the occasional pod needed for teleporter access, it also progresses you toward unlocking new sections of the satellite.

Graphics

The visual presentation of Dan Dare III strikes a fine balance between the gritty sci-fi aesthetic of the original comics and the technical constraints of its era. Character sprites are rendered with clear outlines, vibrant colors, and smooth animations that bring Dan’s every jump and shot to life. Environments range from sterile, metallic hallways to dimly lit hangar bays, each corridor feeling distinct thanks to thoughtful tile work and atmospheric lighting effects.

Background layers feature subtle parallax scrolling, which adds depth to the satellite’s expansive interior. Small details—like sparking conduits, blinking control panels, and flickering warning lights—create an immersive atmosphere that underscores the urgency of your escape mission. Enemy designs are equally memorable: the green-skinned Treens have been given a fearsome, insectoid look, while mini-boss units bristle with mechanical augmentations that hint at the Mekon’s twisted experiments.

While not pushing the boundaries of 16-bit hardware, Dan Dare III’s graphical style remains cohesive and stylish, with each level sporting a unique palette that helps players immediately recognize their current stage. Character portraits and cutscenes between major areas convey story beats effectively, using bold line art and expressive poses to keep you invested in Dan’s struggle against his alien tormentors.

Story

Dan Dare III picks up right where its predecessor left off: the Mekon has managed to capture our hero and transport him to a secret research satellite. This straightforward premise is given weight through evocative set pieces and brief but well-written dialogue interludes. You truly feel the stakes as Dan realizes the lone escape shuttle is out of fuel, kicking off a globe-trotting (or rather, satellite-spanning) scavenger hunt to reclaim freedom.

Each level reveals more about the Mekon’s sinister plans; scattered data logs and overheard transmissions hint at experiments designed to invade Earth and enslave humanity. These narrative breadcrumbs give each area purpose beyond mere gameplay, encouraging exploration to uncover hidden lore. The Mekon himself remains an imposing presence, his smug visage appearing on video feeds to taunt Dan—especially effective in ramping up tension just before a difficult boss encounter.

The pacing of the story complements the gameplay loop nicely. Instead of clogging the action with lengthy cutscenes, Dan Dare III intersperses short but impactful moments of exposition when you dock at terminals or reach key objectives. This approach keeps the focus on dynamic gameplay while still rewarding players who hunt for every clue about the Mekon’s endgame.

Overall Experience

Dan Dare III: The Escape delivers a compelling blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving that will satisfy fans of classic platform shooters. The challenge curve is well-tuned, with each subsequent level introducing new hazards and tougher Treen variants, yet always keeping accessibility in mind through generous checkpoint placement and purchasable health refills. Learning to balance currency management, jet-pack fuel, and weapon upgrades is at the heart of the experience.

Replay value comes in the form of alternative routes, hidden fuel canisters, and the lure of mastering each area under time pressure. Speedrunners may find additional thrills in shaving seconds off their runs, while completionists can aim to locate every teleporter pod and secret terminal. Multiplayer is not present, but the single-player campaign’s length—typically spanning several hours for first-time players—feels just right for its price point.

Ultimately, Dan Dare III: The Escape stands as a fine entry in the Dan Dare franchise. It respects its comic-book heritage with flair, combines tight controls with varied level design, and tells a simple yet engaging story of daring escape. Whether you’re a longtime admirer of interplanetary adventurers or a newcomer seeking a retro-style challenge, this game offers a satisfying journey through the Mekon’s lair on Venus—and a triumphant path toward freedom.

Retro Replay Score

7/10