Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a delightful hybrid title that is distinctively old-school. Furthermore, its variety of characters and interesting boss battles will keep you coming back for more. However, it is pretty shallow and the action is somewhat repetitive. Yet, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this nostalgia-fueled beat ’em up.
This side-scrolling beat ’em up title was developed by Secret Base and published by Maximum Entertainment. Moreover, it has some fine rogue-lite elements and a glorious sense of early 90s bravado. As such, if you want a trip down memory lane or a simple but fun fighting game, then you need look no further. Yet, if you want a deep and fulfilling plot, you will be left wanting.
Double Dragon Gaiden is mindless and violent.
Though I’m not one for inane, mindless violence, I couldn’t help but enjoy the non-stop arcade approach. Accordingly, Double Dragon Gaiden demands that you fight alone or with a friend as you try to rid the streets of scummy criminals. What’s more, if you play this alone, you must master a range of combos and simple combat. On top of this, you are expected to tag team every enemy with your partner in crime.
This interesting approach adds a slender layer of tactics to an otherwise straightforward affair. Additionally, there are plenty of characters to unlock. Each of these heroes has unique strengths and weaknesses that must be exposed and manipulated to overcome every obstacle. Yet, you can simply choose your favourite protagonist and beat the snot out of every goon or boss you face.
The plot focuses on the young Double Dragon brothers. These determined lads will stop at nothing as they try to overcome every criminal they face. Yet, occasionally, they must step aside and allow other fighters or heroes to complete the missions that they may fail.
An excellent difficulty curve.
Unlike some of its peers, Double Dragon Gaiden has a fantastic difficulty curve. At the start of every playthrough, you must select your fighters and the mission you wish to take. Each quest has set objectives and the missions gradually become harder and longer as the game progresses. Moreover, the bonuses for success improve, but so does the difficulty of every enemy you face.
What you must consider as well is the special skills of each hero. You can lift barrels or your foes with certain individuals. Alternatively, you may prefer a huge fighter that can annihilate every enemy they face. Either way, you’ll cruise through each level collecting money and finding food to eat. As you near the end of each stage, you will face a sarcastic and overbearing boss. If you somehow identify their weaknesses, you may be able to defeat them and earn a considerable cash reward.
This money is important as it allows you to improve the skills of each hero. Additionally, it can be used to purchase tokens to unlock new characters. This was a fine move as you must return to unlock every unique hero.
Double Dragon Gaiden is wonderfully old-school.
I’m old enough to remember the original title. Consequently, I was impressed that Double Dragon Gaiden captures the retro essence of its predecessor. Moreover, though it has a pixelated and garish finish, it has a modern edge as well. As such, this will appeal to a varied audience. On top of this, the interesting level design and varied character models prevent it from becoming mundane.
The audio is loud, crass, and uncomfortable. However, it suits the genre perfectly and it has that thrilling arcade edge we all love. The distinct synth approach complements the ear-splitting noise of every kick and punch. Additionally, the crashing of every piece of furniture and the thump of your special attack will bring a wry smile to your face.
Excellent controls.
The developer has done a great job with the control layout. Thanks to the rudimentary approach, it takes no time at all to master the controls. Moreover, the responsive inputs help unleash hell on each of your foes.
Mindless beat ’em up games can become tedious very quickly. Thankfully, Double Dragon Gaiden doesn’t suffer from this issue. The combination of rogue-lite elements and the ability to select from a large roster of characters helps to keep things fresh. What’s more, each of the protagonists has an array of special moves and abilities to be mastered. Consequently, you must adjust your playstyle to get the best out of each hero.
Double Dragon Gaiden is a blast from the past.
Though I love to experience original ideas, I adore a heart-warming blast from the past. Double Dragon Gaiden brilliantly blends nostalgia with a modern edge. Additionally, it can be played alone or with a friend cooperatively. Therefore, this is the perfect opportunity to scratch that retro itch. If you love mindless violence, and you want to kick the crap out of everything you see, this is the ideal game for you. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you take out every scumbag? Choose your heroes and unleash hell on everyone you see.
