Double Dragon

Double Dragon: The Birth of the Beat 'Em Up Revolution

Released in 1987 by Technōs Japan, Double Dragon is a landmark in arcade gaming history, defining the beat 'em up genre for years to come. Developed by the legendary Yoshihisa Kishimoto, this game introduced cooperative two-player action, a gripping urban revenge story, and an iconic combat system that inspired countless successors.

The Story: A Tale of Brotherhood and Revenge

Players step into the shoes of Billy and Jimmy Lee, twin martial artists who run a dojo in a post-apocalyptic city. Their mission? To rescue Billy's kidnapped girlfriend, Marian, from the ruthless gang known as the Black Warriors. Armed with their fists and a variety of weapons found along the way, the brothers must fight through waves of thugs, culminating in a shocking final showdown.

Gameplay: A Brawler Like No Other

What set Double Dragon apart from its predecessors was its deep and satisfying combat system. Players could punch, kick, elbow, and even use grappling moves like headbutts and throws. The ability to pick up weapons dropped by enemies—such as whips, bats, and knives—added another layer of strategy.

The game was designed for cooperative play, allowing two players to team up and fight together. However, if both players made it to the final boss, a twist awaited them—they had to fight each other to determine who would take Marian home.

Graphics & Sound

For 1987, Double Dragon boasted impressive visuals. The large, detailed character sprites and smooth animations were a step up from earlier arcade brawlers. Each stage had its own unique setting, from grimy city streets to industrial areas, reinforcing the game's gritty atmosphere.

The soundtrack was equally memorable, with its fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping tunes keeping players engaged. The sound effects, from the satisfying thuds of punches to the clash of weapons, added to the intensity of the action.

Mastering the Combat

Learning the combat system in Double Dragon is key to survival. Here are the main moves players can perform:

• Punch: Quick attack with decent range.
• Kick: Slower but deals more damage.
• Elbow Smash: One of the most effective moves, dealing heavy damage.
• Jump Kick: Great for avoiding enemies and hitting from a distance.
• Grappling Moves: Grab an enemy and deliver headbutts or throws.
• Weapons: Pick up whips, bats, and knives for added damage.

Home Conversions

Double Dragon was ported to many home systems, with varying degrees of success:

• NES: A reworked version with different level layouts and a single-player focus.
• Atari 2600 & 7800: Simplified versions with weaker graphics and fewer moves.
• Commodore 64 & Amiga: Decent ports, but with some gameplay and performance issues.
• Sega Master System: One of the better ports, featuring two-player co-op.

The Legacy of Double Dragon

Double Dragon paved the way for countless beat 'em ups, influencing classics like Final Fight, Streets of Rage, and River City Ransom. The series spawned multiple sequels, crossovers, and even a live-action movie. The franchise remains a beloved piece of arcade history.

Memories of an '80s Kid

The first time I saw Double Dragon in an arcade during summer vacation, I was ten or eleven years old. By then, I had already seen countless arcade games in my short existence, but I remember being absolutely stunned by this game. It was incredibly innovative in its gameplay, and its graphics seemed absolutely stunning to me at the time.

I was amazed by the interaction with the environment, the ability to pick up weapons, use them, or even throw them. The sheer variety of moves against enemies, the grappling techniques—it all felt so dynamic. My jaw dropped when I saw that two players could team up against a single enemy, with one grabbing them from behind while the other unleashed punches and kicks at will. It was breathtaking.

Double Dragon was a milestone in arcade gaming, laying the foundation for so many beat 'em ups that followed. A true legend of the genre.

Verdict

Double Dragon is one of the most influential arcade games of all time. Its groundbreaking co-op mechanics, thrilling combat, and engaging level design set a new standard for the beat 'em up genre. While later games improved upon its formula, this classic remains an essential experience for any retro gaming fan.

Pros

✔ Revolutionary two-player co-op gameplay.
✔ Deep and satisfying combat system.
✔ Memorable music and sound design.
✔ Gritty urban setting with detailed sprites.

Cons

✘ Slowdown when too many enemies are on-screen.
✘ The final battle forces players to fight each other.

Final Score

Arcade:

91%