Well, here we are, ready to tackle Double Dragon on the NES. You know, the arcade version was quite a hit, and I am curious to see how the NES port holds up. My favorite genres shine in the game, so I am excited!
Absolutely. Let’s rescue Marian and bring those Shadow Warriors to their knees. I read something interesting in Nintendo Power; they mentioned that the developer Technos Japan brought this over under the direction of Yoshihisa Kishimoto. He’s quite a legend already!
Yeah, Kishimoto directed Renegade before this. Apparently, it inspired the beat ’em up genre we all love. So, Double Dragon, shall we start?
So, this side-scroll brawler is set in a post-apocalyptic New York. Pretty grim setting, but it adds to the intensity. I like the different backdrops from city slums to industrial areas and even a forest. Variety is nice.
Indeed. The move set feels natural. Punches, kicks – oh, and don’t forget that elbow strike. It’s practically invulnerable! And picking up weapons from the enemies is satisfying. Even a whip or a bat can make quite the difference.
Good point. The elbow strike is essential. Speaking of which, I’ve got a game tip here: if an enemy gets too close, use the elbow strike for a nearly guaranteed hit. Also, hitting an enemy in mid-air causes them to drop their weapon, which you can then use.
Look at those Abobo enemies! Some of the toughest opponents. Environmental aspects like conveyor belts and spikes add an extra layer of strategy. The control response is crisp, but I must say it can be a bit challenging at times.
Oh, definitely. Multiplayer adds a cool dynamic too. Too bad we can’t play co-op due to hardware limitations, but the alternating turns option keeps it fun together. And then there’s the Vs. mode which is a nice addition. I appreciate it but let’s focus on the main quest for now.
Spoilers ahead, but here comes the climax! Willy with his machine gun. Such a dynamic final showdown.
Defeating him feels so rewarding considering the journey. And hey, did you know that Marian’s rescue scene could be slightly different based on whether you play solo or with a friend? In fact, in co-op, you actually battle each other for her affection at the end!
That’s an unexpected twist! Like a hidden gem in the game’s conclusion. It keeps that replayability factor strong. Despite some technical limitations compared to the arcade, this game does really well on the NES.
Indeed, the soundtracks are catchy – they stick in your head. Though not as polished as in the arcades, the tunes fit well with the game theme. And having musicians like Kazunaka Yamane working on it certainly shows. Some parts could be smoother, but hey, it’s 1988, right? We’ve seen games give much less.
Given the time, this is quite an impressive feat. The playability, the engaging combat mechanics, and the challenge make it quite a title. Definitely a strong addition to our collection.
Agreed. Well, that wraps up our session of Double Dragon. It might have its flaws, but it’s a thrilling ride. The Lee brothers’ quest to save Marian amidst a backdrop of gritty, digitized New York is bound to be a memorable one.
Here’s to more adventures like these and looking forward to what Technos Japan will bring next. Ready for a high score run now?
Absolutely. Let’s fight those Shadow Warriors again!
You can also read the Villain View for Double Dragon here!
