Double Dragon the game is a classic beat ’em up that was first released in 1987. Over the years, the franchise has gained a large following and continues to be a popular choice among gamers today. In this article, I delve into the history and evolution of the Double Dragon series and provide a comprehensive overview of the original arcade game.
The Origins of Double Dragon
Double Dragon was created by Technos Japan Corp. and was released in arcades in 1987. The game was a huge success and quickly became one of the most popular beat ’em up games of the time. It was later ported to various home consoles, including the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), the Sega Master System, and the Commodore 64 and other home micros.
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The Story of Double Dragon
The story of Double Dragon revolves around two martial arts brothers, Billy and Jimmy Lee, who must rescue Billy’s girlfriend, Marian, from the clutches of the Black Warriors gang. Throughout the series, the Lee brothers face off against a variety of enemies, including other street gangs, martial artists, and even robots.
Beat up the baddies and rescue the girl, a simple goal that is as effective today as was back in the 80’s.
The Iconic Gameplay of Double Dragon
Double Dragon is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game that allows players to control one of the Lee brothers as they navigate through various levels, fighting enemies and using a variety of moves and weapons to defeat them. The game is known for its smooth controls and challenging difficulty, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.
Double Dragon is known for its fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled gameplay, which has set it apart from other beat ’em up games. Players take control of Billy and Jimmy Lee, two martial arts experts, as they fight their way through wave after wave of enemies. The game features a variety of weapons, including whips, bats, and dynamite, that players can use to defeat their opponents. The gameplay is challenging, but also rewarding, as players can use their martial arts skills to perform special moves and combos that can take out multiple enemies at once.
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The Memorable Characters of Double Dragon
Double Dragon is also notable for its memorable cast of characters. In addition to the Lee brothers, players will encounter a wide range of foes, including gang members, street fighters, and even martial arts experts. The game’s villain, Willy, is also a memorable character, who has become one of the most recognizable video game villains of all time.
Billy and Jimmy Lee
The Lee brothers, Billy and Jimmy, are the playable characters of the Double Dragon franchise. In the original game, the brothers set out to rescue Billy’s girlfriend, Marian, from the clutches of the evil gang leader, Willy. In later games, the brothers continue their adventures, facing new challenges and enemies.
Willy
Willy is the main antagonist of the original Double Dragon arcade game. He is the leader of the Black Warriors gang and is the one responsible for kidnapping Marian. Despite his initial defeat at the hands of Billy and Jimmy, Willy has returned as a villain in several subsequent games in the franchise.
Abobo
Abobo is a recurring villain in the Double Dragon franchise. He is a large and imposing figure who is known for his immense strength. He is big, bald and known for his brute force. Expect to see him at the end of level 1 in the original game.
Marian
Marian is the girlfriend of Billy Lee and the initial reason for the brothers’ journey in the original Double Dragon game. Marian’s role in the franchise is crucial, serving as the motivation for the Lee brothers and a constant source of danger for them to protect.
The Innovative Co-Op Mode
Double Dragon’s co-op mode has become one of its most iconic features, allowing two players to team up and take on the game’s enemies together. The co-op mode added a new level of depth to the game, as players had to work together and coordinate their attacks in order to succeed. The co-op mode has become a staple of the series and has been included in many of the subsequent games in the franchise.
The Game’s Soundtrack
Double Dragon’s soundtrack is another standout feature of the game. The game’s music, composed by Kazunaka Yamane, perfectly captures the game’s fast-paced and high-energy action. The game’s music has become iconic and has been praised by fans and critics alike.
Home Versions
Double Dragon was ported to several home consoles after its initial release in the arcade, including the NES, Sega Master System, and Commodore 64. Each version of the game had its own unique features and differences, and fans of the game often debate which version is the best.
The NES version of the game is considered by many to be the best of the home versions. It closely followed the arcade version and featured good graphics and sound effects for an 8-bit console.
The Sega Master System version of the game was also well-received, with improved graphics and sound effects compared to the NES version.
Overall, the various home versions of Double Dragon each had their own unique features and differences, but all remained true to the classic arcade game that players loved.
The Relevance of Double Dragon Today
Despite being over three decades old, Double Dragon remains a relevant and influential game in the video game industry. Its impact can still be felt today in the many beat ’em up games that have followed in its footsteps. The game continues to be a popular choice among fans and is frequently included in “best of” lists and retrospectives of classic video games.
Evolution of the Double Dragon Franchise
Over the years, the Double Dragon franchise has evolved and expanded, with new games and spin-offs being released for various consoles and platforms. Some of the most notable games in the series include Double Dragon II: The Revenge, Double Dragon III: The Sacred Stones, and Double Dragon Advance.
The Legacy of Double Dragon
The Double Dragon franchise has had a lasting impact on the video game industry and remains one of the most beloved and respected beat ’em up series of all time. Its popularity has spawned numerous merchandise, including comic books, cartoons, and even a movie adaptation.
It is fair to say that without Double Dragon we probably wouldn’t have got such classic games as Final Fight and the Streets of Rage series. The Double Dragon arcade was one of the first iconic co op beat em ups that showed the world what this style of arcade game could be.
Double Dragon in Pop Culture
Double Dragon has made numerous appearances in popular culture and has been referenced in numerous other video games, movies, and television shows. The game has even been cited as an influence on other beat ’em up franchises, such as Streets of Rage and Final Fight.
Did You Know:
Billy Lee makes an appearance in the ringside crowd in the WWF Superstars arcade game.
Jimmy and Billy Lee are also playable characters in Super Spike Volleyball on the Nintendo Entertainment System.
The Future of Double Dragon
Despite its longevity, the Double Dragon franchise continues to thrive and evolve, with new games and spin-offs being released for modern platforms, such as the Nintendo Switch. The series remains a popular choice among fans and continues to be a staple of the beat ’em up genre.
Final Thoughts on Double Dragon the Game
Double Dragon is a classic video game series that has stood the test of time. Its engaging gameplay, memorable characters, and rich history make it a must-play for anyone who loves beat ’em up games, especially in the arcade. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Double Dragon is a game that is sure to provide hours of fun and excitement.
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