73
MONSTER
Prepare to throw down the Double Dragon way in this fresh addition to the iconic beat ‘em up franchise. Explore the early beginnings of the young Double Dragon brothers as they take on both new and familiar enemies in this alternate story. In this fresh roguelite take, every playthrough is brand new chance at new action. Featuring a unique and dynamic level structure, the difficulty of the missions you take on will change depending on the order you have selected them. Tag in and out as the classic duo Billy and Jimmy, switch it up with Marian and Uncle Matin, or experiment with 9 additional unlockable characters, each with their own special moves and unique playstyles. With 2 player local co-op, the action quadruples as you and a friend clean up the mean streets.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
71
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons impresses with its nostalgic post-apocalyptic NYC setting and classic beat 'em up vibes, but critics slam its simplistic, generic storyline that feels more like a backdrop than a core element. While the gameplay shines with unique factions and allies, the narrative's lack of depth detracts from the overall experience, leaving fans wanting more substance in this otherwise entertaining title.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
71
Positive Reviews (80-100)
15%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
85%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons impresses with its nostalgic post-apocalyptic NYC setting and classic beat 'em up vibes, but critics slam its simplistic, generic storyline that feels more like a backdrop than a core element. While the gameplay shines with unique factions and allies, the narrative's lack of depth detracts from the overall experience, leaving fans wanting more substance in this otherwise entertaining title.
Gameplay Mechanics
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79
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons impresses with its mix of classic beat 'em up tropes and modern rogue-lite mechanics, earning praise for its engaging tag team combat and replayability. Critics applaud its strategic gameplay and non-linear level design, but some warn of repetitive combat and frustrating difficulty spikes, leading to a mixed reception. While the game charms with diverse characters and options, its simplistic mechanics may leave some players wanting more depth and a smoother challenge. Overall, it’s a fun throwback that may not fully satisfy hardcore beat 'em up fans.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
79
Positive Reviews (80-100)
69%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
31%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons impresses with its mix of classic beat 'em up tropes and modern rogue-lite mechanics, earning praise for its engaging tag team combat and replayability. Critics applaud its strategic gameplay and non-linear level design, but some warn of repetitive combat and frustrating difficulty spikes, leading to a mixed reception. While the game charms with diverse characters and options, its simplistic mechanics may leave some players wanting more depth and a smoother challenge. Overall, it’s a fun throwback that may not fully satisfy hardcore beat 'em up fans.
Graphics and Visual Design
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74
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons impresses with nostalgic pixel art and smooth animations, winning praise for its charming retro style. Critics highlight its colorful environments and engaging sprite work but point to flaws like gray defeated enemies and a lack of distinct visual identity. Mixed reactions to character designs, especially the chibi style, suggest that while some relish the homage to classic games, others feel the execution falls short, leading to a generally positive yet divided reception.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
74
Positive Reviews (80-100)
32%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
65%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
3%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons impresses with nostalgic pixel art and smooth animations, winning praise for its charming retro style. Critics highlight its colorful environments and engaging sprite work but point to flaws like gray defeated enemies and a lack of distinct visual identity. Mixed reactions to character designs, especially the chibi style, suggest that while some relish the homage to classic games, others feel the execution falls short, leading to a generally positive yet divided reception.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
77
"Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons" boasts a nostalgic and energetic soundtrack, praised for its classic remixes and immersive combat sound effects, enhancing gameplay. However, some critics argue the music lacks memorability, potentially diminishing replay value. Overall, while the sound design excels, opinions on the soundtrack's lasting impact are mixed.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
77
Positive Reviews (80-100)
65%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
30%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
"Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons" boasts a nostalgic and energetic soundtrack, praised for its classic remixes and immersive combat sound effects, enhancing gameplay. However, some critics argue the music lacks memorability, potentially diminishing replay value. Overall, while the sound design excels, opinions on the soundtrack's lasting impact are mixed.
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
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61
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons delivers retro charm and solid audio-visuals on Xbox Series X and decent gameplay on Switch, but faces serious technical issues across all platforms. Criticisms include long load times on PS5 and Switch, frustrating controls on PC, and gameplay glitches on Switch. Overall, while nostalgic, the game needs major technical upgrades to improve playability.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
61
Positive Reviews (80-100)
13%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
88%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons delivers retro charm and solid audio-visuals on Xbox Series X and decent gameplay on Switch, but faces serious technical issues across all platforms. Criticisms include long load times on PS5 and Switch, frustrating controls on PC, and gameplay glitches on Switch. Overall, while nostalgic, the game needs major technical upgrades to improve playability.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
76
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons garners positive reviews for its replay value, praised for engaging rogue-lite elements, diverse characters, and unlockable content that encourage multiple playthroughs. Critics highlight dynamic mission selections and strategic choices that enhance longevity. However, concerns arise about potential repetitiveness and limited content, with some reviewers noting a lack of long-term engagement and depth. While it appeals to genre fans seeking exploration and new strategies, its overall sustainability may falter post-unlock.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
76
Positive Reviews (80-100)
50%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
45%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons garners positive reviews for its replay value, praised for engaging rogue-lite elements, diverse characters, and unlockable content that encourage multiple playthroughs. Critics highlight dynamic mission selections and strategic choices that enhance longevity. However, concerns arise about potential repetitiveness and limited content, with some reviewers noting a lack of long-term engagement and depth. While it appeals to genre fans seeking exploration and new strategies, its overall sustainability may falter post-unlock.
Overall Verdict
73
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
46%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
52%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
"Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons" garners mostly positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and nostalgic charm, with critics praising its replay value and rich combat system. However, it faces criticism for visual design issues, repetitive gameplay, and the lack of online co-op, leaving some players wanting more. While a solid entry for beat 'em up fans, it may not live up to the heights of contemporary titles in the genre. Proceed with caution!
73
MONSTER
Reviews
112 reviews found93
Hooked Gamers
Jul 28, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a fun and nostalgic beat 'em up with a pleasant amount of replayability. The potential issue of feeling railroaded into certain routes is mentioned, but the game is highly recommended for fans of Double Dragon, beat 'em ups, or roguelike games.
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90
Windows Central
Jul 27, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is highly recommended for fans of beat 'em ups, offering a rich combat system, diverse character playstyles, and engaging gameplay elements that elevate it as one of the best modern entries in the genre.
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88
Xbox Tavern
Jul 28, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a perfect addition to the series, keeping what made the originals memorable while enhancing the experience. Worth picking up.
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85
Generación Xbox
Jul 27, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Successfully blends nostalgia with innovation, high praise for classic-meets-contemporary approach, excellent soundtrack, and variety of unlockable content.
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85
Gamers' Temple
Aug 14, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is highly recommended and praised for its replay value, addicting gameplay, fantastic soundtrack, and character variety. The lack of online co-op is mentioned as a negative point.
85
XboxAddict
Jul 27, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is praised for its gameplay, visuals, and sound design. The lack of online multiplayer is seen as a drawback. Overall, the game receives a score of 8.5 out of 10.
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85
App Trigger
Aug 8, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review gives the game a score of 8.5/10 and highly recommends it for fans of beat 'em ups.
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85
Hobby Consolas
Jul 27, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A notable entry in the franchise that combines humor and action effectively, providing an enjoyable experience despite lacking some modes and spectacle.
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83
Gaming Age
Jul 27, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game puts an interesting spin on the beat'em up genre with its gameplay mechanics and post-apocalyptic setting. It is worth a playthrough for fans of the genre.
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80
Cultured Vultures
Jul 27, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a smart, fun, and well-executed roguelike beat 'em up.
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