Double Dragon II: The Revenge

About Double Dragon II: The Revenge (NES)

Double Dragon II: The Revenge is a beat-em-up game developed by Technos and published by Acclaim for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990 in North America, after its 1989 Japanese release. It follows the arcade hit Double Dragon II, which arrived in arcades in 1988, and continues the story of martial artists Billy and Jimmy Lee.

The plot is driven by revenge. The Black Warriors gang returns, and Marian is killed in the opening attack, sending Billy and Jimmy on a mission across the city to defeat the gang and its mysterious leader. The NES version is known for its cooperative play, varied moves, and tough later stages.

Detailed Gameplay

Double Dragon II is a side-scrolling brawler where you punch, kick, throw, and use weapons against waves of gang members. The NES version adds a more technical fighting system than many arcade ports of its time.

Combat System

• Punch and kick with different buttons to build combos and knock enemies down.
• Grab stunned enemies and throw them into walls, pits, or other foes.
• Use uppercuts, jump kicks, and spin kicks to control crowds.
• Pick up whips, bats, and other weapons to deal extra damage.

Stages and Enemies

• Fight through city streets, a helicopter pad, underwater areas, and enemy hideouts.
• Face regular gang members, knife fighters, and larger brutes with more health.
• Watch for traps and pits, since some stages punish careless movement.
• Defeat stage bosses who use faster attacks and stronger combos than normal enemies.

Cooperative Play

• Play alone or with a second player as Billy and Jimmy Lee.
• Coordinate attacks so one player stuns enemies while the other finishes them.
• Avoid hitting your partner, since friendly attacks can interrupt combos.
• Share weapon pickups and health recovery chances to survive longer missions.

Game Highlights

• True co-op brawling: Two players can fight side by side through the whole story.
• Technical fighting moves: Grabs, throws, and special kicks reward skillful timing.
• Varied stage settings: Streets, rooftops, and underwater sections keep the action fresh.
• Classic revenge story: A simple, emotional setup powers the whole campaign.

Controls

Use the NES controller to punch, kick, and move through each stage.

• D-Pad: Move in all directions and climb ladders where available.
• A: Kick or perform a jump kick when moving.
• B: Punch or grab a stunned enemy.
• Start: Pause the game.
• Select: Choose game mode on the title screen.

Tips and Strategies to Win

Crowd control is the key skill in Double Dragon II, not raw aggression.

• Keep enemies on one side of the screen so you are not surrounded from both directions.
• Use jump kicks to knock down groups, then finish them while they are on the ground.
• Grab and throw enemies into pits or walls for quick eliminations.
• Pick up weapons early in a stage, but drop them before they slow your movement in tight fights.
• Against bosses, attack in short bursts and retreat, since long combos leave you open to counters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can two players play Double Dragon II together? A: Yes. The game supports two-player cooperative play with Billy and Jimmy Lee.

Q: Is the NES version the same as the arcade game? A: Not exactly. The NES version adapts the arcade story and stages with its own combat system, moves, and level design.

Q: Can I play Double Dragon II: The Revenge online for free? A: Yes, you can play Double Dragon II: The Revenge online for free in your browser here, with no download or installation required.