Released on August 1, 1987, Double Dragon stands as a seminal title in the arcade and action gaming landscape. Originally developed by Technos Japan, this classic beat 'em up has endured through decades, finding availability across multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Android, and Game Boy Advance. Set in a gritty, post-apocalyptic New York, the game follows twin brothers Billy and Jimmy Lee, masters of the Sou-Setsu-Ken martial arts style.

Story and Setting

The narrative kicks off with Billy and Jimmy Lee running a martial arts school focused on self-defense. Their peaceful existence is shattered when Marian, Billy's girlfriend, is abducted by the Black Warriors, a savage street gang commanded by the gang leader Willy. The Black Warriors issue an ultimatum: the Lee brothers must reveal their martial arts secrets in exchange for Marian's freedom. Consequently, the brothers embark on a relentless rescue mission, pushing through the city slums, industrial zones, and forests to confront the gang's hideout and save the kidnapped woman.

Double Dragon Gameplay Mechanics

As a definitive entry in the fighting and action genres, the game challenges players to utilize a wide arsenal of combat techniques. The Lee brothers employ basic punches, kicks, invulnerable elbow strikes, and various items found throughout the stages. The gameplay emphasizes close-quarters combat where timing and positioning are crucial. The NES iteration features a VS. fighting mode for one or two players, allowing them to select from six different characters, including Billy and enemy fighters, for one-on-one matches until a health bar is fully drained.

  • Combat Systems: Players execute a variety of moves ranging from the basic flying kick to the grapple. The NES version requires pressing both buttons to perform the flying kick initially. Later iterations like Double Dragon Advance expand the repertoire with a dash mechanic, counter block, rising knee, and dashing tackles.
  • Game Modes: Beyond the standard co-op, the Advance port introduces a Survival mode focused on endurance. It also offers a single-player variant of the co-op mode that allows switching between the brothers, providing flexibility for solo players.
  • Level Design: The game traverses distinct areas involving scaling fences and climbing ladders. The NES port is notable for a sprite limitation where only three sprites can appear on screen simultaneously, which impacts the flow and requires players to adapt to increasing difficulty spikes.

Platform Availability

Double Dragon has been preserved and ported extensively to ensure accessibility for modern and retro audiences. The game is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Android, and Game Boy Advance. Each iteration brings unique characteristics; for instance, the GBA and Switch releases offer improved audio quality and a visual upgrade with sprites that pop against older background assets. The NES version remains a distinct historical artifact with its specific sprite handling and the inclusion of its unique VS. mode.

Who It Appeals To

This title is essential for fans of the classic beat 'em up genre and players who appreciate cooperative gameplay. The game appeals to those who enjoy martial arts themes, challenging platforming segments, and the satisfaction of mastering combo-based combat. Reviewers note that the NES version includes platforming elements that can be unforgiving, requiring precise jumps on moving platforms in later stages. Whether seeking the raw difficulty of the original arcade experience or the expanded features of the Advance iteration, the series offers a compelling action experience for veterans of the 8-bit and handheld eras.