Classic Games Database
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Double Dragon

Review
Also known as
Arcade Archives: Double Dragon アーケードアーカイブス ダブルドラゴン ダブルドラゴン

Rescue Marian by fighting through city streets using martial arts and weapons.

Double Dragon was originally released in arcades in 1987. The NES version was released in North America in June 1988, with the Japanese Famicom version following in April 1989. The earliest worldwide commercial release of the NES version is 1988.

About Double Dragon

Double Dragon is a side scrolling action game set in a post apocalyptic version of New York City. The player controls one of the twin brothers, Billy or Jimmy Lee, who operate a martial arts school. Their mission begins when the Black Warriors gang, led by Willy, kidnaps Billy's girlfriend Marian to extort the brothers' fighting secrets.

Gameplay involves moving through urban and industrial environments, using martial arts techniques and found weapons against gang members. The journey progresses from city slums to a forest and finally the gang's hideout for a confrontation with the leader. The combat is challenging, requiring effective use of moves ranging from basic strikes to more powerful attacks like an elbow strike.

Beyond the main story mode, the NES release includes a separate versus mode for one or two players. This mode features a roster of six characters, including Billy and several enemies from the campaign, who fight in one on one matches until a health bar is depleted. A simpler two player duel between the two brothers is also present in the Atari 2600 version of the game.

Double Dragon Screenshots

10 images
Title Screen
Title Screen (Japanese version)
Europe Title screen
Marian has been kidnapped!
A typical Mission opening
Billy Lee strikes back!
A Roper throws the oil drum.
A pair of Lindas guard the entrance to the factory.
Abobo, the Giant Appears!
Flying Kick at the Industrial Area.