Double Dragon

Double Dragon is a classic beat-em-up that Is legendary. The story is two martial artist brothers, Billy and Jimmy Lee, have to go save Billy's girlfriend, Marian, who has been kidnapped by the Black Warrior gang (a.k.a. the Shadow Warriors). However, when the game was ported to the NES, the story changed in order to fit the fact that two player co-op was removed due to the console's technical limitations, as Jimmy would be the leader of the Black Warriors while Billy had to rescue Marian.

Depending on the version played, there will be some major differences. The similarities are the game is four levels (which are referred to as missions) long and for the arcade, it has three buttons, punch, kick, and jump (in the NES port, the punch and kick buttons are on the A and B buttons, with jumping being done by pushing them both at the same time). Also, the game has a colorful cast of enemies, from the whip-wielding Linda to the giant Abobo, and weapons that can be knocked out of enemy hands, and picked up for your own use. The one thing that keeps it from being perfect is its difficulty, as it can be unfair at times (especially in the final level, where you have to deal with a trap wall that can do massive damage). But this is an awesome video game that needs to be played.

Well, this is one of those games that made you sit back at a child an contemplate what on earth was going on in Japan. Did no one walk? Why did they need all those conveyor belts all over the place?

There are two characters, and, like in Narc and Contra, and countless other games like this, when you were a kid their names were Red and Blue. If you played it as a teenager and actually read the pamphlet that filled you in on the script, you might actually have known their names.

But, ultimately, what you do is fight your way through levels using NES style kung-fu, picking up weapons off of people, and, yes, navigating your way though all those conveyor belts that plagued Japan in the 80s.

Double Dragon is commonly referred to as the first side-scrolling beat-em-up. It's not, there were a couple of minor hits before it, but it sure is the best that has ever dominated our arcades.

Back in 1987 me and my uncle spent a fortune on this game and it took us about 40 million credits to get to the end. It was almost as exhausting as actually beating up hundreds of thugs. You'd hammer the buttons so hard that by the time the game had ended, you're arm would be tripled in size and you'd be sweating like crazy. And I was only 7-years-old at the time!

Despite the games that followed which were classics in their own right (Streets of Rage, Final Fight) none really ever matched up to Double Dragon. When playing as 2 players, this game is absolutely lethal. By the time I was 12 I managed to finish it with a single credit. That's how sad I am. Or is it because the game is so good?

But it ain't just it's high playability that makes it so good. The cartoonish graphics have just enough color and Manga to make them almost iconic. And the music? It's amazing! When I was 7 I'd be humming this at school or while I was walking down the road. Even 19 years later it hasn't dated a bit and still sounds brilliant. So many themes, so many melodies and so bloody cool.

Double Dragon was also released on practically every home platform (don't get me started on the awful C64 version) but none of them, not even the recent Gameboy Advance version, really ever matched up to the awesomeness of the arcade machine. If you see this game, do not hesitate to spend all of your hard-earned pennies on it. It's well worth it.

Graphics A Sound A+ Gameplay A+ Lasting Appeal A

Fun to play solo, but much better with a friend. There's punches, kicks, combos, weapons, objects to throw, a lot of different actions for the player character. Scenes are interesting in the side-scroll, from streets to enemy lair. Musically excellent which adds to the excitement of game play. There's an ending worth getting to and proper continues to give the player the option of dropping in another quarter to keep the progress going. Boss fights and a short story certainly round out this classic.

A few cheap deaths here and there, but it is after all gang warfare and for some reason these characters decide to go at it with only their fists and feet. This leads to a few frustration points, but are able to plow through with persistence. Some of the actions are a little awkward, but overall responsive controls. There could've been more to the story, but some times bad guys just do bad things and you've got to stop them.

The Double Dragon series is one of the most unique fighting video games! The characters, the action, and the sure thrill of excitement makes this game a fun non-stop playing time! Below is a brief look how I think the game is!

Game Play: The game play is very good. There is really basic controls here and is easy to perform. Novice gamers should have a good time here!

Graphics: The graphics are wonderful especially for the regular Nintendo System! The backgrounds are really beautiful!

Difficulty: The game is easy but as it goes on you find out that it will become more difficult!

Music: The music is great! Just fantastic catchy tunes through out the game! In My opinion its some of the best music ever in a video game!

Sound: The sound is great. Nuff said!

Overall: I have always loved Double Dragon! If you like excellent fighting adventure games then I strongly recommend you play this game!

To purchase this video game and other Double Dragon games check out Amazon.com!