Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons Reviews
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a fun little beat-'em-up that scratches the itch of obliterating a ton of foes at once. The roguelike elements and multiplayer provide some nice added value, but unfortunately, it quickly ends up feeling pretty repetitive. It doesn't quite match the absurd polish of something like Streets of Rage 4, but it manages to be a darn fun time nonetheless.
A fun and engaging beat 'em up with an interesting progression system and a pack of diverse fighters. If only it had just a few more levels, then almost everything in this game would be perfect.
Review in Russian | Read full review
This latest entry in the brawling brothers series employs some sound tactics to keep the gameplay feeling good across multiple playthroughs. Its lack of staying power holds me back from offering a full-throated recommendation, but beat-'em-up fans will definitely be able to squeeze some juice out of this muscle-bound orange. Even if I'll always prefer Bimmy to Billy, Double Dragon Gaiden has enough moves to make it worth a look.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a side-scrolling beat'em up that basically restarts the franchise respecting its roots, valuing the classic style of the genre and updating specific concepts that guarantee the reference for old-school fans. At the same time, it proves to be a beautiful gateway for new fans of good old beat'em up in the best pixel art style.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Double Dragon Raiden: Rise of The Dragons is a great beat 'em-up game that takes everything you loved about the series and adds a ton of strategy. With a great retro look and sound, this is a must-play, even though it doesn't always explain things very well!
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a solid successor to one of the most iconic beat 'em up series out there. If you're up for some brawling fun with an interesting roguelike structure then definitely give it a go but watch out for those TNT blasts.
In a way that was totally unimaginable until a few months ago, the historic Lee brothers' series re-enters the video game landscape with Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons. Although the levels recently achieved by competitors are still out of reach, the chapter developed by Secret Base Pte Ltd surprises with magnetic gameplay and ingenious introductions borrowed from the roguelite world. What emerges is a gangly and highly entertaining scrolling beat'em'up, even at the expense of some glaring issues (above all, the level design and the absence of an online mode). With that in mind, Gaiden will bring a smile (finally and after so many years) to fans of the saga and beyond.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The reward mechanics in "Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragon" might seem a bit convoluted, but its highly addictive Super KO and Crowd Control mechanics make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It is able to authentically tap into the nostalgia, while creating a completely original gameplay experience. With a sizable and distinctly diverse playable cast, attractive presentation, and intricate fighting mechanics, this game is one that genre fans can fully engage with while still being very accessible for casual gamers.
Though I love to experience original ideas, I adore a heart-warming blast from the past. Double Dragon Gaiden brilliantly blends nostalgia with a modern edge. Additionally, it can be played alone or with a friend cooperatively. Therefore, this is the perfect opportunity to scratch that retro itch. If you love mindless violence, and you want to kick the crap out of everything you see, this is the ideal game for you. Accordingly, I enjoyed it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you take out every scumbag? Choose your heroes and unleash hell on everyone you see.
Are you looking for a cute beat m' up? Then this is your game. It's nice to play together and you can unlock a lot of characters.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Even if Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is technically a new game or a "one-off" from the franchise, I can't say it's a comeback. The dazzling flame of novelty is quickly snuffed out, leaving a lukewarm experience marked by underdeveloped roguelike elements and difficulty balance issues. In short, it's fun, but only for very short periods.
Review in French | Read full review
Double Dragon Gaiden is the breath of fresh air this franchise needed. It does just enough to modernize the graphics and gameplay while preserving many of the best elements that make Double Dragon the revered fighting game series it is today.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is an appreciable attempt from a small team of devs who are well-versed in its legacy. Huge character variety, Tag system and the Roguelite elements are welcome additions to the long-stagnant IP, and it can be a genuinely fun game at times. However, it does not always hit the right notes. A criminally short campaign, the lack of additional gameplay modes and the TBA online co-op makes it a tough sell when SoR and TMNT have offer so much more at a cheaper price point. If I were you, I’d wait for some content updates before taking the plunge.
It makes you want more. Very dynamic and eager to invite someone to play to unlock everything you have and continue feeding the content that the game itself gives. An imperative recommendation to any lover of the genre.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
A call back to the Double Dragon series golden days. Gaiden offers a fair beat 'em up experience, but its rogue-lite mechanics aren't well implemented.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons is set in the year 199X where a nuclear war has devastated New York City. Citizens are left to their own devices by fighting for their survival as riots and crime invade the streets. The city has been overtaken by criminal gangs fighting for total dominance of the now-destroyed Big Apple. It’s up to young Billy and Jimmy Lee to take it upon themselves to drive the gangs out of their city.
This gives me hope that maybe we will get a new main installment in the series sooner, rather than later, but as it is, Gaiden is a more than suitable re-introduction to a franchise that still has a fanbase, and can still attract new players.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is one of the best games in the series, combining elements of a beat 'em up with those of a roguelike while maintaining the challenge for which Double Dragon is known. The sprite animation is superb. It's a decent buy for the price of $25. You can get a fantastic time on the standard difficulty. This game will put your understanding of beat 'em ups to the test on the more challenging modes.
It’ll be interesting to see what other beat ’em ups get the modern retro treatment, maybe ‘Golden Axe’ or ‘Final Fight’? For now though, it’s time for the Dragons to rise from the ashes and beat down the streets once again, with hours upon hours of old-school couch co-op fun and soon, online as well. Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is the long overdue modern classic that fans have been waiting for.
The game ultimately can’t shake off the repetitiveness that eventually sets in, while the lack of rewarding incentives and awkward platforming do not help its cause. Yet, the combat delivers with great impact, helped by a colourful roster of unique characters and a smart tag-team system that expands the possibilities of combat approaches. All in all, Double Dragon Gaiden is a journey worth embarking on, even if it is for the first few runs to give players a taste of the various mechanics in play.