Arc System Works announced the digital release of Double Dragon Advance and Super Double Dragon on November 9 in North America. These classic titles will be available on various platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam.
The company also announced a Double Dragon Collection featuring Double Dragon Advance and Super Double Dragon. It also includes the original Double Dragon, Double Dragon II: The Revenge, Double Dragon III: The Sacred Stones, and Double Dragon IV.
Arc System Works gained the rights to several Technos Japan games, including the beloved Double Dragon series, Super Dodge Ball, River City Ransom, and Kunio-kun games, back in June 2015. As a publisher known for preserving and refreshing classic games, Arc System Works already added to the franchise’s legacy with the release of Double Dragon IV in 2017.
Double Dragon, a classic arcade beat ’em up franchise, has left an unerasable mark on the video gaming world since its debut in the late 1980s. The series’ roots trace back to the arcade era, where it captivated gamers with its fast-paced action, memorable characters, and intense combat sequences.
Now, the new generation has access to the game on multiple platforms. Put aside your Mario Bros. for a while and give the Double Dragon series some gaming time.
The Double Dragon Franchise
Double Dragon Advance was released in 2003 for the Game Boy Advance (GBA). It is a modern-day version of the original “Double Dragon” arcade game, which was first launched in 1987. Developed by Million and published by Atlus, this game brought us nostalgic elements with today’s enhancements, delivering something old and new to the new gamers.
With improved graphics, refined controls, and more gaming content, “Double Dragon Advance” paid tribute to the classic while adding its take.
The game follows the age-old story of the Lee brothers, Billy and Jimmy, as they travel the dangerous streets of a crime-ridden city to rescue Billy’s girlfriend, Marian, from the hands of the evil Black Warriors gang.
Masters of martial arts and incredibly street smart, the Lee brothers take down groups of gang members through several urban environments. Players can engage in both single-player and cooperative multiplayer modes.
In addition to the improved original levels, “Double Dragon Advance” introduced new stages, further enhancing the gameplay. The addition of extra playable characters, each with their new and different movesets, provided players with fresh strategies and combat moves.
Super Double Dragon, also known as “Double Dragon IV,” was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1992. Developed by Technōs Japan and published by Tradewest, this addition continued the story of the Lee brothers, presenting an original storyline.
Despite its title, Super Double Dragon is not a following sequel to “Double Dragon III: The Rosetta Stone” but instead a standalone addition with its own narrative and gameplay features.
This SNES classic gave the Double Dragon formula a new meaning, introducing new techniques such as defensive moves and the ability to grab and throw enemies, making the combat more fun. Players could also collect power-ups and weapons to increase their fighting capabilities. The graphics received another noticeable upgrade, displaying the system’s capabilities with better visuals and detailed character animations.
Throughout the game, Billy and Jimmy travel through a metropolis, fighting various gangs and boss characters, each having a different power. Super Double Dragon took inspiration from classic martial arts films, mixing martial arts action with a touch of magical elements, resulting in extremely enjoyable gameplay.
Both Double Dragon Advance and Super Double Dragon have written themselves into the gaming community’s collective memory, marking the legacy of the Double Dragon franchise for generations to come.
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