In the smoky aftermath of nuclear devastation, the streets of New York City have descended into chaos. Gangs reign supreme, and it’s up to the Lee brothers, along with some unlikely allies, to restore order in Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons. Developed by Secret Base and published by Modus Games, this revival of the classic beat ’em up franchise breathes new life into the genre with innovative roguelite elements. Having played Double Dragon games since the 1980s, we couldn’t wait to check this one out.
Double Dragon Gaiden immerses players in a gritty story set in a post-apocalyptic cityscape. No longer mere damsels in distress like in the classic 80s arcade game, the characters now come alive with new roles and abilities. In this narrative twist, players control characters like Marian, reimagined and now armed with a pistol, and Uncle Matin, a strong brawler. The power dynamics and engaging storyline add depth to the game’s classic beat ’em up foundation.
The addition of roguelite elements is where Double Dragon Gaiden really surprises though. The old arcade games were notoriously short and offered little replay value, so the dynamic mission select feature in Gaiden offers a smart way to achieve lasting appeal. Players can strategize and choose the order of stages, affecting mission length, enemy count, and overall difficulty. The seamless tag team gameplay, reminiscent of classic fighting games, allows for strategic combinations and crowd control maneuvers as well. Performing special attacks also adds a layer of depth by rewarding players with health-restoring food.
The progression system, where you spend your hard-earned cash and tokens, adds customization and replayability. Investing in upgrades, unlockables, or revival credits offers meaningful choices, making each playthrough potentially unique. The ability to tailor the game’s difficulty and modifiers ensures a personalized experience, making it accessible to both newcomers and beat ’em up veterans.
The visuals feature vibrant and well-animated sprites that capture the essence of the franchise, though some will find them to be too far removed from the original look and feel of the first games in the series. The character designs with their pixel-based form pay homage to the series’ roots, while modern aesthetics add a lot more color to the game. The stages, ranging from urban ruins to unique locales, showcase a variety of art styles, contributing to the game’s overall charm.
One of the standout features is the exceptional soundtrack. The music is both nostalgic and exhilarating, tapping into the beat ’em up’s retro roots. The audio design, coupled with the pulsating tunes, enhances the game’s atmosphere and nostalgic appeal. Players who enjoy online multiplayer will lament the absence of online co-op though, as this is limited to the local variety.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons comptently brings back a beat ’em up classic, showcasing Secret Base’s ingenuity in creating a replayable and enjoyable experience. While it may not reach the same level of polish as other modern beat ’em ups, its distinctive roguelite elements, diverse (and extremely broad) character roster, and engaging gameplay make it a standout addition to the genre. Fans of classic beat ’em ups and newcomers alike will find themselves immersed in the world of Double Dragon once again, ready to clean up the crime-filled streets and relive the glory days of arcade brawling.
Score: 7.6/10
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