Double Dragon is back! In the first 90 minutes of Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons, players are introduced to a simple storyline and a diverse set of gameplay mechanics that will hook them for many future runs.
The stage is set in a world ravaged by the chaos caused by four troublesome gangs. The mayor calls upon the players to take charge and restore peace to the old world. It’s a straightforward premise, but one that serves as a solid foundation for the ensuing action-packed adventure.
Double Dragon Gaiden boasts responsive controls that work seamlessly. While not groundbreaking, the control scheme allows players to execute various inputs to unleash unique specials. Defeating enemies with these specials grants rewards based on the number of foes taken down simultaneously.
Cooperative play is highly recommended, as teaming up with a friend enhances crowd control and provides significant health boosts. This feature proves especially valuable in the later stages when challenges become more demanding. The game presents an array of enemy types, forcing players to adapt their strategies as they progress through the levels.
Adding to the replay value, players have access to two characters they can switch between during gameplay. Starting with four characters and unlocking more as they progress, each character offers a distinct playstyle. One character wields guns, offering an ideal choice for newcomers to the genre, allowing them to maintain distance while dealing with enemies. However, players can also opt for characters with close-quarters combat abilities for a more challenging experience.
Upon completing a level, players can spend the money earned to purchase upgrades. This unique feature gives the game a rogue-lite feel, allowing players to specialize in one character or strike a balance between the two. The ability to swap characters at will, as long as the special gauge is full, provides flexibility and encourages experimentation in gameplay styles.
The game introduces an intriguing post-game shop called the token shop, though its mechanics were not fully accessible in the preview. Dying in the game depletes the player’s funds, but any money left at the end of a run converts into post-game tokens. Difficulty modifiers offer an additional challenge, rewarding players with more tokens for successful runs.
Visually, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons boasts excellent animations and retro graphics, adding charm to the overall gaming experience. The music complements the action with a fun soundtrack, while the sound effects add a satisfying punch to every move and attack.
In the first 90 minutes of Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons, players are treated to an exciting, yet safe beat ’em up adventure. With a unique upgrade system reminiscent of roguelike games, players can tailor their experience and unlock new characters for future runs, promising tons of replay value.
