Highlights
"Abobo's Big Adventure" is an exceptional Double Dragon game developed by devoted fans, highlighting the remarkable creativity and delightful humor of its creators. This game transports players on an exhilarating journey across diverse NES franchises.
"Double Dragon (Neo Geo)" is a fighting game that draws inspiration from the 1994 film. Unlike most movie tie-in games, it stands out as a noteworthy fighting game featuring sprite-based characters.
In 1993, an unexpected crossover brawler game called "Battletoads & Double Dragon: The Ultimate Team" was introduced.
Combining elements from Battletoads and Double Dragon, this game presented a more even difficulty level than other Battletoads titles. Originally debuting in 1987, Double Dragon captivated players and became a popular arcade game that was later adapted for numerous consoles such as the NES. Enjoying immense success throughout the 80s and 90s, the series experienced a decline in entries during the 2000s.
6 Abobo's Big Adventure
Double Dragon 4, released in 2017, received a disappointing response from fans. However, after a long wait of six years, the beloved series is making a comeback with Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons. Fans are eagerly anticipating this new installment and are curious to see if it lives up to the high standards set by previous entries.
Although Abobo's Big Adventure is a fan-made game, it can be considered as a part of the Double Dragon series. This remarkable creation showcased the incredible talent of fans who went beyond mere game modifications. Regarded as one of the most renowned fan-made games, it definitely deserves recognition. However, due to the decline of flash-based content on the Internet, it has almost faded away into obscurity. Initially released online in 2012, this game centers around the antagonist, Abobo, who takes on the role of the protagonist.
5 Double Dragon (Neo Geo)
In this captivating game, the protagonist's child is abducted, initiating an initial stage that follows the familiar structure of a typical brawler. However, the gameplay takes an unexpected turn as the main character plunges into different NES franchises, such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. The incorporation of various surprises and twists throughout the game makes it preferable not to disclose any further details. Abobo's Big Adventure offers an enjoyable gaming experience due to its innovative approach and comedic elements, urging players to allocate at least an hour of their time to fully immerse themselves in its captivating world.
Double Dragon, also known as Double Dragon (Neo Geo), was a popular fighting game released in 1995. Originally launched in arcades, it later made its way onto consoles such as the PS1. While there are other titles in the series, including Double Dragon 5: The Shadow Falls, Double Dragon (Neo Geo) stands out as the superior installment.
4 Battletoads & Double Dragon: The Ultimate Team
It utilizes sprite-based characters, setting it apart from Street Fighter, another fighting game movie tie-in. Unlike Street Fighter: The Movie, which suffered from the cumbersome digitized actors, this tie-in game stands out as the highlight of the 1994 movie's existence. In comparison to Double Dragon (Neo Geo), which remains a solid fighting game, it outshines the confusion of Street Fighter: The Movie and offers a more enjoyable gameplay experience.
During the 80s and 90s, the brawler genre saw numerous impressive titles, but there was a notable lack of crossovers. However, in 1993, Battletoads & Double Dragon: The Ultimate Team came as a pleasant surprise. Rare, primarily responsible for its development, seamlessly incorporated elements from their successful Battletoads franchise and introduced Billy and Jimmy Lee from Double Dragon. This game stands out as the finest Battletoads installment, partly due to its superior balance of difficulty compared to its counterparts.
It supports co-op and players can choose one of five characters. It made it to a plethora of platforms, including the NES, Game Boy, SNES, and Sega Genesis.
3 Double Dragon Advance
The 2003 GBA remake of the original game, Double Dragon Advance, is based on the arcade version. One noteworthy aspect of its release was that Atlus took charge of the publishing duties. Besides their involvement in RPGs, Atlus played a significant role in publishing various games on the GBA.
The
2 Double Dragon Neon
gameplay surpasses that of other consoles and the original arcade version, offering the smoothest experience. A notable aspect of this version is its utilization of mechanics from future titles in the Double Dragon series. For fans seeking to explore the origins of this series, Double Dragon Advance is the go-to version.
Bringing back memories of the beloved franchise, Double Dragon Neon not only pays homage to the past but also takes advantage of the 80s nostalgia. This game made its digital debut on modern consoles, namely the PS3 and Xbox 360, in 2012. Developed by WayForward, known for their pixel art in games like Shantae, Double Dragon Neon took a different visual approach.
Billy and Jimmy Lee, along with their adversaries and various other characters, appeared more muscular and formidable. The vibrant colors were the standout visual element, making everything vibrant and reminiscent of a Lisa Frank folder. While it remained a brawler at its core, the unique element was the integration of cassette tapes that players could gather and equip as if they were donning armor in an RPG. These tapes had the power to enhance stats or bestow special abilities upon the brothers. And let's not forget about the exceptional soundtrack, which was simply out of this world.
1 Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons stands out as the latest installment in the series, surpassing all its predecessors in quality. It successfully rectifies numerous issues from its predecessor, Double Dragon 4. The musical score is exceptional, perfectly complementing the game's pixelated visuals. While it can be completed within a few hours, the captivating gameplay encourages players to embark on multiple replay sessions due to its dynamic nature. The game's core concept revolves around allowing players to explore a world map and make choices regarding which formidable boss to confront.
Defeating a boss and their gang will result in changes for the other adversaries on the map. As more bosses are vanquished, additional levels will be unlocked in rival compounds. This game incorporates a roguelike element, where upgrades are randomized for added excitement. Players can expect numerous unlocks, including new playable characters, ensuring a worthwhile experience for those who choose to invest more time after their initial playthrough.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons was launched on July 27, 2023, and can be enjoyed on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.