Rage of the Dragons NEO is a re-release of a hidden gem, blending the classic fighting game. Originally envisioned as a sequel to Double Dragon ’95, this title carves its identity as a fast-paced tag-team fighter with memorable characters and unique mechanics. Now available on modern platforms, Rage of the Dragons NEO is both a piece of fighting game history and a solid throwback.
Originally envisioned as a sequel to the 1995 Neo Geo Double Dragon fighting game, licensing issues transformed Rage of the Dragons NEO into a standalone title. Despite the shift, the game retains obvious callbacks, with brothers Billy and Jimmy “Lewis” serving as lead characters. Overall there isn’t much of a story here, but the Double Dragon roots almost feel like fanservice.
Rage of the Dragons NEO is a tag-team fighting game where players select two characters to duke it out in dynamic matches. The mechanics solid, featuring systems like “First Impact” combos, partner sacrifices for power boosts, and team supers. The game’s emphasis on juggling opponents and chaining combos feels satisfying, though its steep difficulty curve will deter newcomers. CPU opponents are tough, but adding training modes and adjustable difficulty provides some balance.
The single-player content is limited throughout, making this one for hardcore genre fans. Beyond arcade and versus modes, the game feels sparse, with the newly added “Dragon’s Challenge” offering a slight extension of replay value. The lack of cross-play in online matches also hinders its long-term appeal, especially for an already niche title. It’s hard to see Rage of the Dragons NEO surviving long as a fighting game staple.
The game’s art direction captures the spirit of late-era Neo Geo fighters, with vibrant sprite work and fluid animations. Each character has distinct designs and moves that contribute to a diverse roster. The updated version includes visual filters, a pinned move list for convenience, and a CRT effect that brings out its retro charm. The soundtrack has energetic tunes, and the option to customize tracks is a welcome touch.
Rage of the Dragons NEO delivers an engaging experience, but its punishing difficulty, limited content, and high price make it a harder sell for casual players. It offers enough nostalgia and strategic depth for dedicated fighting game fans to warrant a look, especially during a sale. For everyone else, there are more beginner-friendly options with greater replay value on the Nintendo Switch.
