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Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons
Item: Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Fighting, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJul 27, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperSecret Base

Overview

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.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

"Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons" impresses with its post-apocalyptic NYC setting and engaging beat 'em up action, but critics largely find its story simplistic and generic, lacking depth and complexity. While the narrative serves as a basic backdrop for gameplay, it fails to create a memorable experience, leaving players wanting more innovation. Despite these flaws, the game still offers solid mechanics that fans of the genre will likely enjoy.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

85%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of "Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons" has garnered a generally positive reception from critics, particularly for its engaging premise set in a post-apocalyptic New York City. Reviewers like Gamers' Temple and XboxAddict appreciate the setting, highlighting the Lee brothers' mission to combat criminal gangs and restore order. Critics such as Windows Central and Xbox Tavern note that the narrative adds depth to the beat 'em up gameplay, with various characters joining the fight, including Uncle Martin and Marian. The game's non-linear progression and the introduction of different themes and bosses, as mentioned by SECTOR.sk, also contribute to a sense of variety and replayability, which many players find appealing. However, several critics have pointed out weaknesses in the story, often describing it as simplistic or generic. TheXboxHub and God is a Geek both characterize the narrative as straightforward, lacking complexity and depth. Impulsegamer and Metro GameCentral go further, labeling the storyline as confusing or inconsequential, suggesting that it serves merely as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a compelling narrative in its own right. Critics like Everyeye.it also mention the absence of branching narratives, indicating a missed opportunity for a more engaging storytelling experience. This sentiment resonates with multiple reviewers who feel that while the premise is solid, the execution falls short of creating a memorable story. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while "Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons" offers an interesting setting and premise, the story itself is often viewed as a weak point. Many reviewers, including Hardcore Gamer and PlayStation Country, acknowledge the familiar trope of a post-apocalyptic world plagued by gangs, which may not resonate with players looking for a more innovative narrative. Despite the criticisms, the game's action and gameplay mechanics appear to shine, suggesting that while the story may not be its strongest element, it provides a functional framework for the engaging beat 'em up experience that fans of the genre may enjoy.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons impresses with its blend of classic beat 'em up action and rogue-lite elements, earning praise for engaging mechanics and replayability. Critics celebrate the tag-based combat, strategic choices, and diverse character abilities. However, concerns arise over combat simplicity and potential repetitiveness, with some pointing to frustrating mechanics like stun-locking and difficulty spikes. Overall, it’s a fun ride for genre fans, but its limitations may turn off some players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons has garnered a generally positive reception from critics, highlighting its engaging mechanics and replayability. Many reviewers, such as Gamers' Temple and XboxAddict, appreciate the game's combination of classic beat 'em up elements with modern rogue-lite features, allowing players to choose different paths and unlock a variety of characters with unique abilities. The combat system is frequently praised for its depth and addictive nature, with critics like Windows Central and Xbox Tavern noting the effectiveness of tag-based mechanics and the emphasis on crowd control. The introduction of special moves and power-ups also adds layers to the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience as players navigate through stages filled with diverse enemies and bosses. However, not all feedback is favorable, as several critics point out significant drawbacks in the gameplay. Game Informer and Destructoid express concerns regarding the combat's simplicity and lack of depth, suggesting that it can lead to a repetitive experience, particularly when relying heavily on spamming special moves. Additionally, some reviewers, including GameSkinny and ZTGD, mention frustrating mechanics such as enemy stun-locking, which can detract from the enjoyment of combat. The difficulty spikes and the potential for the gameplay to feel monotonous over time are also highlighted as areas needing improvement, indicating that while the game has a solid foundation, it may not sustain long-term engagement for all players. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons successfully merges nostalgic elements with modern gameplay mechanics, offering a fun and varied experience, particularly for fans of the beat 'em up genre. Reviewers like Hardcore Gamer and Push Square commend the game for its replayability and strategic elements, while others caution that its simplistic combat design could limit its appeal. The game strikes a balance between fun and frustration, making it a title worth exploring for those who appreciate the genre, though it may not resonate with everyone due to its repetitive aspects and combat challenges.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons impresses with nostalgic pixel art and fluid animations, winning praise for its vibrant environments. Critics celebrate its retro charm but raise concerns about a lack of distinct visual identity and cluttered graphics. While some design choices may not appeal to all, the game successfully captures the spirit of its predecessors, delivering an enjoyable aesthetic experience for longtime fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons have garnered a largely positive reception among critics, particularly for their nostalgic appeal and charming execution. Many reviewers, such as Gamers' Temple and Windows Central, praised the game’s pixel art graphics, noting that they effectively reference the classic Double Dragon games while maintaining a modern touch. The animations received widespread acclaim, with critics like XboxAddict and ZTGD highlighting their fluidity and quality. The vibrant environments and detailed backgrounds were also frequently mentioned, with Worth Playing and Xbox Tavern appreciating the colorful and diverse settings that pay homage to the original arcade aesthetic while infusing a fresh flair. However, not all feedback has been favorable. Some critics pointed out significant drawbacks, particularly regarding the visual identity of the game. SECTOR.sk expressed concern over the lack of a distinct visual style, suggesting that it may not resonate with all players. Generación Xbox highlighted issues such as defeated enemies appearing in gray and an overly cluttered graphical interface during boss battles, which detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, Metro GameCentral criticized the graphics as low-budget and not reminiscent of the original games, while Hardcore Gamer noted that the cartoonish character designs, particularly the disproportionately large heads, might be off-putting at first, though they may grow on players over time. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a strong appreciation for the game’s retro-inspired visuals and smooth animations, with many reviewers celebrating its nostalgic charm. While there are criticisms regarding the lack of a cohesive visual identity and some design choices that may not appeal to everyone, the positive comments about the pixel art style and engaging environments suggest that Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons successfully captures the spirit of its predecessors. Critics like Impulsegamer and PCMag emphasized the visual appeal, reinforcing the notion that, despite some shortcomings, the game offers an enjoyable aesthetic experience that resonates with fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons boasts a largely praised soundtrack and sound design, with critics lauding nostalgic remixes and energetic audio that enhance gameplay. However, some reviewers found the music lacking in memorability and noted potential repetitiveness, raising concerns about its long-term impact on the gaming experience. Overall, while the sound contributes positively to the atmosphere, opinions are divided on its lasting appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons have garnered a predominantly positive reception among critics. Many reviewers, such as Gamers' Temple and XboxAddict, praised the soundtrack for its nostalgic remixes of classic Double Dragon tracks, with XboxAddict even going so far as to call the Double Dragon theme one of the greatest gaming theme songs of all time. The energetic and punchy audio design enhances the gameplay experience, with XboxEra highlighting how the impactful combat sounds blend seamlessly with the slower combat style. Critics like Generación Xbox and Hardcore Gamer also emphasized the retro charm brought by the nostalgic 80s metal soundtrack and the mix of new and revamped familiar tunes, respectively, which contribute to the overall atmosphere of the game. However, not all opinions are as favorable. Some critics, like SECTOR.sk and ZTGD, found the music to be lacking in memorability, which could detract from the overall gaming experience. ZTGD specifically mentioned that while the music feels familiar, it is ultimately forgettable, and PlayStation Country echoed this sentiment by stating that while the music fits well with the level motifs, it is not particularly memorable. Additionally, a few reviewers noted that the combat music could become repetitive over time, which may diminish the excitement during extended gameplay sessions, as pointed out by Hobby Consolas. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons features a strong soundtrack that effectively enhances the gameplay experience, there are notable concerns regarding the memorability of the music. Many reviewers, such as Push Square and Impulsegamer, appreciated the nostalgic elements and energetic remixes that resonate with fans of the original series, but others highlighted that the soundtrack may not significantly elevate the game's replay value. Thus, while the sound design and music contribute positively to the game's atmosphere, there remains a divide in opinions regarding their lasting impact and memorability.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons charms with retro aesthetics and responsive gameplay on Xbox and Switch, but suffers from significant technical flaws across all platforms. Critics cite long loading times and frustrating gameplay mechanics, especially on Nintendo Switch and PS5, overshadowing the nostalgia factor. While it has its highlights, the game ultimately falls short of expectations due to persistent performance issues.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

88%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In analyzing the technical performance of Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons across various platforms, there are notable positives that emerge from the reviews. For the Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox highlights the retro charm brought forth by the game's music, sound effects, graphics, and localization, suggesting that these elements effectively evoke nostalgia. On the Nintendo Switch, while there are some criticisms, TRG notes that the game runs fluidly and responsively, indicating that the gameplay experience can still be enjoyable despite some technical hiccups. The PS5 version, reviewed by both GameSkinny and PCMag, also benefits from the platform's capabilities, although the reviewers primarily focus on the loading times rather than the graphical fidelity or sound. Lastly, the PC version, while it has its issues, allows for button rebinding, which Destructoid mentions as a positive feature for players who prefer customized controls. However, the criticisms regarding technical performance are significant across all platforms. The Nintendo Switch version, in particular, suffers from multiple issues, as noted by Hardcore Gamer, who mentions Joy-Con drift and long loading times. NintendoWorldReport points out frustrating gameplay mechanics where characters can get stuck off-screen, and enemies can attack from off-screen, which detracts from the overall experience. The PS5 version is similarly criticized for long load times, with both GameSkinny and PCMag emphasizing this as a major drawback. On PC, Destructoid's mention of poor performance with arcade sticks suggests that the game may not be optimized for all control schemes, which could alienate a segment of the player base. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed sentiment regarding the technical performance of Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons. While there are elements that contribute positively to the game's charm, such as the retro aesthetics on Xbox and the fluidity on Switch, the persistent issues with loading times and gameplay mechanics across platforms create a sense of frustration. Critics like Generación Xbox appreciate the nostalgic aspects, but the technical shortcomings highlighted by others, particularly on the Nintendo Switch and PS5, suggest that the game may not fully meet the expectations set by its predecessors. As a result, while the game has its merits, the technical performance leaves room for improvement across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

"Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons" boasts strong replay value thanks to its rogue-lite mechanics, unlockable characters, and strategic gameplay, earning praise from critics for its addictive nature. However, some warn of potential repetitiveness and limited main missions that could dampen long-term engagement. Overall, it’s a solid experience for beat 'em up fans, but players might exhaust its content before fully exploring it.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of "Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons" is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its engaging rogue-lite elements and variety in gameplay. Reviewers like Gamers' Temple and Windows Central highlight the game's addictive nature and the extensive roster of characters that can be unlocked, which significantly enhances the longevity of the gameplay. Generación Xbox also emphasizes the enjoyable gameplay experience, where decisions impact the adventure's length, further contributing to the replayability. The presence of unlockable content and different mission selections, as noted by TheXboxHub and Xbox Tavern, adds layers of depth and encourages players to revisit the game multiple times. However, some critics express concerns about the potential for repetitiveness after multiple playthroughs. SECTOR.sk mentions that while the game offers strategic choices and dynamic mission selection, it may start to feel repetitive over time. Worth Playing echoes this sentiment, suggesting that despite the engaging rogue-lite elements and multiplayer features, players might find the experience becomes monotonous. Additionally, PlayStation LifeStyle points out that the limited number of main missions can detract from the game's replay value, indicating that once players have explored the available content, they may not feel compelled to return. The overall consensus among critics is that while "Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons" offers substantial replay value through its rogue-lite mechanics, unlockable characters, and strategic gameplay, there are caveats that may affect long-term engagement. Many reviewers, including Hardcore Gamer and GamingTrend, acknowledge that while the game encourages multiple playthroughs, some players might exhaust the content before fully unlocking everything. Despite these criticisms, the game is generally regarded as a worthwhile experience, particularly for fans of the beat 'em up genre, as highlighted by App Trigger and Game Informer, who affirm its replayability and appeal.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is largely positive, with many reviewers praising its engaging gameplay, nostalgic appeal, and replay value. Critics such as Gamers' Temple and Generación Xbox highlight the game's addicting mechanics and excellent soundtrack, emphasizing its successful blend of classic and contemporary elements. XboxEra and Xbox Tavern also commend the game for modernizing the franchise while retaining its roots, suggesting that it serves as a solid foundation for future entries. Additionally, the variety of characters and unlockable content has been positively noted, with Windows Central calling it one of the best modern entries in the beat 'em up genre. Despite the numerous strengths, several critics have pointed out notable weaknesses. A consistent criticism revolves around the game's visual design and polish, with SECTOR.sk and Worth Playing mentioning that it does not quite measure up to other titles like Streets of Rage 4. The lack of online co-op has been highlighted by Gamers' Temple and XboxAddict as a significant drawback, which may limit the game's appeal for some players. Furthermore, reviewers such as Metro GameCentral and GamingTrend noted issues with repetitive gameplay and frustrating design choices that detract from the overall experience, suggesting that while the game is fun, it may not be as deep or varied as some would hope. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a commendable addition to the franchise, particularly for fans of the genre. While the game has its shortcomings—such as visual and design issues and a lack of online multiplayer—the engaging combat, nostalgic elements, and replayability are often highlighted as strong points. Critics like App Trigger and Everyeye.it emphasize that despite its flaws, the game successfully modernizes the classic series and offers a fun experience, making it worth a playthrough for fans of beat 'em ups. Overall, the game appears to resonate well with its target audience, even if it may not reach the heights of its predecessors or contemporaries.

TL;DR

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons impresses with engaging gameplay, nostalgic vibes, and strong replay value, earning positive reviews for modernizing the franchise. However, it suffers from visual shortcomings, no online co-op, and some repetitive gameplay. Critics agree it's a solid entry for beat 'em up fans, despite its flaws. Worth a play, but not a genre-defining masterpiece.

MONSTER

Reviews

112 reviews found

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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Windows Central

Xbox Series X

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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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

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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Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

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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Gamers' Temple

Xbox Series X

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.

XboxAddict

Xbox Series X

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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App Trigger

Nintendo Switch

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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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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Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

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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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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