Double Dragon

NES Archives (A-)

Double Dragon is a game that was very popular in its time but due to some weak sequels at the end of its series is no longer given its proper due. Sure it’s a bit short and lacks a two-player simultaneous option but it is still a very fun and original beat ‘em up classic. For a longer game and the ability to fight together with a friend check out the equally classic Double Dragon II: The Revenge.

1UP! (90 out of 100)

C'est l'essence du beat'em up sur 8-bit. Les sprites sont juste à la bonne taille, et donc l'environnement suffisamment large pour être confortable, les couleurs sont assez bien choisies, même quand elles sont tendance fluo, les bruitages sont simples et excellents, les musiques très bonnes (avec mention spéciale pour celles d'intro et des niveaux 1 et début du 4, géniales !), mais le gameplay surtout est vraiment accrocheur, au niveau des attaques en particulier. Difficile de dire quelle en est la raison; donner des coups dans Double Dragon est toujours un régal, peut-être le tempo, peut-être la forme ramassée des personnages, ou peut-être une parfaite connexion entre les sprites, peu de beat'em up donnent en tous cas autant de plaisir que lui en matière de cogne.

Game Informer Magazine (9 out of 10)

Along with the standard punch and kick maneuvers, there are an assortment of special moves that are opened throughout the game. Additionally, these bad boys can acquire various weapons such as knifes, bats, and the infamous whip. Double Dragon absolutely rocks and the NES version is great in its own right.

Raze (89 out of 100)

Great definition and animation of the characters and objects make it worthy of Raze reader purchase. The two-player man-to-man option adds value to this enthralling package.

The Video Game Critic (B+)

A two-player "duel" (one-on-one) mode is included, but it's hardly worth your time. A very challenging and addictive game, Double Dragon spawned a number of sequels, including two on the NES.

Computer and Video Games (CVG) (83 out of 100)

On their own merits, both versions are competent. I think that the Sega version could have been a little better, as it doesn't play quite well as the Nintendo, but nevertheless, it'll satisfy Double Dragon fans. The Nintendo unfortunately lacks the two-player option, but more than makes up for this deficiency with an extra one-on-one Street Fighter-style game included on the ROM. As a solo game it's engrossing and fun - it's a shame it won't be available until next year.

Just Games Retro ( )

Double Dragon on the NES fares pretty well, even when considering that it has two strong strikes against it from the start. First, it's an 8-bit port of Taito's arcade cabinet, and the NES graphics aren't even close. Second, and more retrospectively, the genre quickly filled with "me too" brawlers - Bad Dudes, River City Ransom, Renegade, and Bad Street Brawler come immediately to mind. If you owned an NES, you couldn't swing a dead cat without hitting a so-called "Double Dragon clone." Even though DD was not the first beat-em-up game (Taito released Renegade the year before), it is credited with defining the genre. So looking back, it must not only prove itself as a good game in its own right, it must also show why it is a better game than all the clones that followed - a sort of Double Dragonian quest for honor, if you will.

Retro Archives (16 out of 20)

Là où la plupart des conversions de Double Dragon s’étaient lamentablement vautrées, la version NES initie au contraire une sorte de relation privilégiée avec la saga de Technos – au point d’offrir une version plus longue, plus technique et tout simplement plus intéressante à jouer que la version arcade! Évidemment, il faudra composer avec une réalisation 8 bits, mais les graphismes de la borne originale n’ayant de toute façon plus rien d’impressionnant pour un joueur contemporain, cela ne devrait pas arrêter grand monde. Dommage, en revanche, que le mode deux joueurs soit passé à la trappe, mais cela n’empêche pas Double Dragon d’être un des meilleurs Beat-them-all de la console.

Digital Press - Classic Video Games (8 out of 10)

Beat-em-ups would come and go on the NES. "River City Ransom" is generally regarded as stealing the crown on the system and there's a strong case for "Mighty Final Fight," but you always come back to "Double Dragon." That says something and it's not just blind nostalgia either. This is a true classic, arguably even better than the arcade game it's based on... if it had a co-op mode that is.

Computer and Video Games (CVG) (8 out of 10)

All in all Double Dragon has some very tasty graphics and has got a good solid feel to it (although it does flicker in places!) sound does tend to grate on a bit but is bearable. Definitely one of the better conversions for the Nintendo that will hopefully not be too long in getting to the shops over here.

Nerdicus Reviews (4 out of 5)

Despite the controls and sloppy mechanics that are rough around the edges, the gameplay is still spot on and addictive and it keeps you coming back for more. The more you die, the more frustrated you get, and the more you want to beat this damn game. It took me 30 yeas I tell you, but I finally did it. I'm not crying...they are tears of joy.

Questicle.net (B)

In the arcade, Billy and Jimmy were able to fight together as one brotherly unit, but the co-op was regrettably chopped from the NES version. This does hurt the port’s street cred a bit, but the fighting is solid enough to see you through to the end.

Joystick (French) (75 out of 100)

Double Dragon est un jeu assez prenant, mais il souffre nettement de la comparaison avec Double Dragon II, qui est disponible en France depuis plusieurs mois.

Lens of Truth (7 out of 10)

Double Dragon was one of my first three NES games and holds a special spot on the retro shelf. To me, it is the “granddaddy” of side scrolling beat-em-ups. There may have been others before it at the arcade, but certainly not on the NES. Its gameplay is solid, complete with a great list of moves, enemies, and a strong soundtrack to keep you deep in gang-pummeling mode. Although its sequel (DD II) is the overall better game, it is not yet available on the Wii Virtual Console. However this one is, and for only $5.00, I say buy and experience for yourself the beginning of the beat-em-up genre at home. And no, Urban Champion does not count.

Ultimate Nintendo: Guide to the NES Library ( )

The game suffers a bit from awkward, unnecessary platforming sections and the fact that the NES could only handle two enemies on the screen at the same time (and of the same type to boot). The other huge drawback is that the two-player simultaneous mode that made the arcade version a blast is absent here. However, as a small consolation you can face a friend in a one-on-one battle in Mode B (using the same fighters). It’s a competent and fine port of the arcade hit, if a bit lacking in the full translation.

Classic-games.net (7 out of 10)

Considering its early release in the system’s life this version of Double Dragon is respectable. However I would still recommend the Master System game over this as it is a straight port and pretty amazing for the time. While solid there are far too many available ways to play the original arcade game at this point. This version isn’t unique enough to warrant seeking out in light of that.

NES Times (7 out of 10)

So ultimately, the NES version of Double Dragon is a good arcade port that still ranks as a decent brawler for the system, but could have been better. The graphics and sounds are well done and it does do a solid job of carrying on the spirit of its arcade predecessor. Unfortunately the lack of two-player simultaneous action, the slighty-annoying earning of moves and the cheap hits may turn off beat-em-up fans, especially those that enjoyed the coin-op original. Nevertheless if you give the game a chance, you'll find Double Dragon is still worth a playthrough or two. Double Dragon discyples looking for real 2-player action should check out the Sega Master System version or better yet, the superior NES sequels instead.

Retro Game Reviews ( )

Double Dragon is literally a game of two halves; the first two levels are fun with solid controls and a fair level of difficulty. The last two stages are extremely cheap though with frustrating gameplay and imprecise brawling that ends things on a sour note.

Retro Game Age (6 out of 10)

If I were to recommend a version of Double Dragon to play I would say the arcade or master system version. That version is a straight port and is amazing for the time. While interesting, the NES version doesn’t stand the test of time and is too frustrating and generally not worth the hassle. Not all old video games age gracefully and Double Dragon is one of the unfortunate victims of time.

HonestGamers (Staff reviews only) (6 out of 10)

If you’ve ever enjoyed walking to the right and punching dudes, you need to play Double Dragon at least once. Other games have come along and done things better, including the NES sequels, but the original game is still good enough that it can be enjoyable for an afternoon. This is a deeply flawed port of an arcade classic, but it’s also easy to come by and cheap enough that if you’re at all curious about it, you should still seek it out.