When the first Double Dragon, which was a huge arcade hit, was ported to Nintendo’s premiere console, it stood out as a very different game as compared to the title it originated from. Two players could no longer play simultaneously, the presentation was severely downgraded, and a level-up system was implemented into the game.
A sequel soon hit arcades, and it wouldn’t take long for a port to be made for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Double Dragon II: The Revenge once again differs from the arcade original, but it still manages to provide a more authentic Double Dragon experience than that of its predecessor.
Double Dragon II Storyline – Avenge Marian’s Death
The plot in Double Dragon II once again revolves around Billy Lee’s girlfriend Marian and the Black Warriors. Marian is shot to death by the Black Warriors, so Billy and his brother Jimmy set out to avenge her death. One of the changes made to the arcade game’s formula is the addition of in-game cut-scenes. These cut-scenes are a welcome addition, and they help create a sense of imagery for the story.
Double Dragon II Gameplay – A True Double Dragon Experience
Double Dragon II features gameplay mechanics that are more closely associated with the arcade game. The level-up system from the previous game has been done away with, and players are left with a pure beat ‘em up game that is based solely on brawling and nothing more. Even though the level-up feature was a nice touch, its omission in the sequel doesn’t hurt the game.
Double Dragon II features a revamped control scheme (carried over from the arcade game). The face buttons are no longer just used to punch and kick exclusively. Instead, the A button is used to punch to the right (or kick to the right if the character is facing left), and the B button is used to punch to the left (or kick to the left if the character is facing right).
There are also new combos that Billy and Jimmy can perform. The twins’ martial arts arsenal contains spinning kicks, uppercuts, and jumping kicks. The new control scheme takes a little getting used to, especially after playing the previous game, but it ultimately becomes second nature, and it works much better than the former method.
The biggest addition to Double Dragon II on the NES would have to be two-player simultaneous play. Removed from the NES port of the first game, this mode was sorely missed, so its inclusion in the sequel makes this title easier to recommend than the first Double Dragon. Two players can now play alongside one another as Billy and Jimmy Lee and take on the Black Warriors cohesively.
Graphics and Sound
While still a step up from the first game, the graphics in Double Dragon II on the NES are no match for the arcade installment. This, however, is to be expected given the NES’s technical limitations when compared to an arcade machine. Regardless of that, though, it’s nice to see a major improvement in graphics from the first game.
The game’s soundtrack is what it is. It’s not one of the most memorable soundtracks in the history of the NES, but it still features a handful of catchy themes. The ending theme in particular is a highly inspired and memorable song, and it goes without saying that this theme is the best one in the game.
Lasting Value
Featuring a total of nine expansive missions, as opposed to the arcade version’s four, Double Dragon II on the NES lasts players a decent amount of time to play through. The game includes three difficulty settings, with the highest difficulty being the only option for players who want to play through every stage in the game. Additionally, co-op mode adds to the game’s value exponentially.
Double Dragon II – NES Version vs. Arcade Version
Double Dragon II: The Revenge not only manages to outshine the first game in the series, but also its arcade counterpart. The added cut-scenes help the story unfold and give the game an ongoing plot. The fact that the game has more levels than the arcade version also makes it the port of choice. Despite the downgrade in graphics and sound, Double Dragon II on the NES is the definitive version of the game.
Score: 8/10
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