Unlocking the Untold Legacy: Double Dragon Gaiden's Epic Homage to the Kunio Kun Origins

After numerous successful modern releases in beloved franchises and innovative indie titles that bring fresh elements to the aging genre, it is evident that beat 'em up enthusiasts have been thoroughly entertained in recent years. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Double Dragon, one of the pioneering franchises in this genre, is soon to receive a new installment called Double Dragon Gaiden. Interestingly, the origins of the Double Dragon series can be traced back to another prominent genre franchise, River City Ransom, which has also seen recent releases.

The River City Ransom games, along with several other titles developed by Technos, are actually part of a long-standing series known as Kunio-kun. The first game in the franchise to receive localization in the West was the NES classic Renegade. As an offshoot of Technos' other beat 'em up games, the Double Dragon series can be seen as an extension of the Kunio-kun series. Since Technos' intellectual rights were acquired by Arc System Works, all newer entries in both the Double Dragon and River City Girls series have been developed under their supervision. In a recent interview, Secret Base founder Raymond Teo discussed the connection between Double Dragon Gaiden and the Kunio-kun games, shedding light on how the upcoming title pays homage to its Kunio-kun roots in conjunction with other modern River City games.

Arc System Works, known for their dedication to preserving classic titles, is handling the publishing duties of Double Dragon Gaiden. During discussions about the game's non-linear progression and RPG-style mechanics, the conversation naturally turned to the influence of Arc System Works' River City Girls games and the impact of both classic and modern Kunio-kun titles on Double Dragon Gaiden. Teo, a member of the team, mentioned that extensive research on beat 'em up games, including those in the Kunio-kun series, heavily influenced the development of Gaiden.

When I initially conceived the idea, I conducted research not only on Double Dragon but also on numerous beat 'em up games from the '80s and '90s. I made an effort to immerse myself in as many games as possible. My goal was to deconstruct the gameplay mechanics and then reassemble them into a more comprehensive and satisfying experience for the player.

Discussing the similarities between Double Dragon Gaiden and the mechanics found in the Kunio-kun games, Teo reveals, "In our game, you have the opportunity to accumulate cash. Performing well grants the ability to acquire more cash, some of which can be used for revival purposes if needed." Earning cash is undoubtedly a fundamental aspect of the River City games, where protagonist Kunio (or his girlfriend Misako in the case of River City Girls) gains both cash and experience for defeating enemies. Subsequently, players can utilize this cash at in-game shops to purchase items such as health-restoring food or formidable special moves.

Another characteristic feature of the Kunio-kun games is their non-linear progression and the possibility for players to discover alternative paths instead of a linear sequence of screens that take them from point A to point B. This aspect is also emphasized in Double Dragon Gaiden, which pays homage to its Kunio-kun roots. According to Teo, during the initial stages of conceptualization and design, they aimed to include non-linear progression and repeating stages as a fundamental element of the game.

"My intention was to ensure that when players replay the game, they can explore different things and discover alternative routes. With each playthrough, players have the option to switch to a different character or a combination of characters, granting them access to new routes. Each playthrough offers a unique experience."

Since its inception with Renegade and River City Ransom, the Kunio-kun series has continuously evolved and maintained its popularity, evident in the successful offshoot, River City Girls. While the Double Dragon series was originally meant to offer a unique beat 'em up experience compared to Technos' other titles, Double Dragon Gaiden not only embraces the Kunio-kun influence seen in Double Dragon Neon but also establishes itself as a fresh take on this beloved franchise.

Mark your calendars for the release of Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons on July 27, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.