"Double Dragon" for Game Boy - A lot of fun, holds up well even today.
Written: Oct 12 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Looks good, sounds good, and is fun.
Cons: Low challenge factor, only two enemies on screen.
The Bottom Line: An extremely well done port that stands up even today. Fans of the genre and series will enjoy a small stroll down memory lane.
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| Mr_D's Full Review: Double Dragon for Game Boy Color |
Double Dragon was probably one of my original favorite arcade titles. It's one of those genre defining games, that other games would model itself after and be compared to. In my ongoing retro revival, I busted out the Game Boy version of the DD, which I am sure I had at the time, but don't remember much of now.
Quick Facts:
Game: Double Dragon
System: Nintendo Game Boy
Players: 1-2
Genre: Brawler
Released: 1990
Time to Complete: 2-3 hours.
The arcade version of Double Dragon was released in 1987, with the slightly modified NES version coming out a year later. This Game Boy port dropped in 1990, and in some ways is superior to the NES version. Oddly enough, you'll notice how crisp the graphics look in monochrome, and the character models look great. Unlike the NES version, your player will start out with your full arsenal of moves, including the newly included standing jumpkick (as opposed to the roundhouse found in the other version).
The gameplay is the same - Move across the stages (occasionally moving up as well as to the right) engaging enemies in an attempt go get your lady back. You are given several attacks to do this, punches, kicks, jump kicks, elbows, headbutts, and more. Also, enemies may drop weapons that you can pick up and use as well.
At the end of each stage you'll encounter a boss (usually these boss fights will become regular encounters later in the game) until you end up at the last encounter with the machine gun wielding girlfriend stealer.
A couple technical limitations plague this release as much as the NES version: Only two enemies can be on stage at once, and any weapons you pick up will disappear as you defeat the group of enemies that dropped the weapon. While we're talking about the downside, the challenge factor to this title is pretty low.
Double Dragon was known in the arcade for its cooperative play - There is a 2-Player link mode for the Game Boy, but it involves battling another player, as opposed to going through the story with them.
The music for this title is fantastic, and the stages themselves look interesting and varied. In terms of presentation, I think this is one of the sharpest Game Boy titles I've ever played. Despite the ease of difficulty, this game moves briskly, and is very enjoyable, and you never seem to really get tired of beating the crap out of the waves of enemies that come your way.
I will say this for genre evolution: The lack of a "Dash" is extremely noticeable, as there are times you'd like to zip across the screen or charge at/away from an enemy - And instead you'll need to meander over to them tough guy style.
Graphics:
To me, the Game Boy version looks sharper and crisper than the NES version of the game. The monochrome palette and attention paid to the characters makes them look fantastic. The stages are interesting and well done, and I experienced no slowdown at any point.
Sound:
The music stands out in Double Dragon as well. Decent, non-annoying tunes will help guide you on your mission to save Marion. The battle sound effects are a bit repetitive and minimalist, but it doesn't detract from the game in any way.
Control:
The control is impressive and response, again probably trumping that of the NES version. It felt very natural and easy to move and attack, jumping worked when you wanted it to, and you were able to execute your moves on demand. The lack of a "Dash" is definitely something that gamers today will notice.
Gameplay:
By now, the formula is classic - The side scrolling brawler has you moving along the stages battling various enemies. There are no friends, there are no shops, there is you, your fists, and several heads that they need to be introduced to. Weapons usable from fallen foes add a little variety, but even if you never used them, I don't think you'd mind much. Some system limitations force only two enemies on screen at once, and the challenge factor is generally low for the title - it's enjoyable all the way through.
What I liked:
1. Crisp presentation.
2. Fantastic gameplay.
3. It's just fun.
What I didn't like:
1. Technical limitations only allowing 2 enemies on screen.
2. Not very challenging.
3. I only got two for this one.
The Bottom Line:
An extremely well done port that stands up even today. Fans of the genre and series will enjoy a small stroll down memory lane.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Mr_D
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Location: Upstate New York
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