Double Dragon

About Double Dragon (NES)

Double Dragon is the beat ‘em up that defined the genre. Developed by Technos and released on the NES in 1988 (following the 1987 arcade smash), it stars martial artist brothers Billy and Jimmy Lee on a mission to rescue Billy’s girlfriend Marian from the Black Warriors gang and their machine-gun-toting leader, Willy.

Where the arcade version was a straightforward brawler, the NES port added depth: a unique experience system lets you earn new fighting moves as you progress, and a separate one-on-one versus mode turns the game into a fighting tournament. Playing it today, you are holding a piece of arcade history — the game that taught every side-scrolling brawler what to be.

Detailed Gameplay

Double Dragon is a side-scrolling beat ‘em up. You walk right through city streets, factories, and gang hideouts while waves of thugs attack from both sides. Punch and kick combos, jump attacks, and grab moves form your arsenal, and weapons scattered through the levels — baseball bats, whips, knives, dynamite, even rocks and boxes — hit far harder than fists.

Mode A: The Story Campaign

This is the main adventure: a multi-stage journey through the Black Warriors’ territory, playable solo or with a friend taking turns. As you defeat enemies you earn hearts, and at certain thresholds you learn new techniques — from the devastating elbow smash to the jumping knee. Enemies get tougher and smarter in later stages, culminating in the showdown with Willy himself.

Mode B: One-on-One Fighting

A bonus versus mode that pits two players (or one player against the CPU) in a straight duel using the full move set. It is a surprisingly deep little fighter for its era and a great way to settle scores with a friend.

Moves and Weapons

The NES move list grows as you play: punches, kicks, the flying jump kick, the shoulder-barge elbow smash, and the hair-grab knee strike. Weapons have limited durability and can be knocked from your hands — grab a bat before a tough crowd and the fight gets much easier.

Game Highlights

• The genre-defining beat ‘em up — Double Dragon invented the side-scrolling brawler formula everyone copied.
• Unique NES experience system — earn hearts to unlock new martial arts moves as the campaign progresses.
• Two-player alternating co-op — take turns with a friend fighting through the Black Warriors’ turf.
• Bonus versus mode — a full one-on-one fighting mode included alongside the story campaign.
• Iconic weapons — baseball bats, whips, knives, and dynamite turn the tide of any brawl.

Controls

Movement uses the D-pad (or arrow keys). One button punches, another kicks, and combining them with movement produces jump kicks, elbow smashes, and grab attacks. Weapons are picked up automatically by walking over them.

• D-pad / Arrow keys: move
• A / Z: punch
• B / X: kick
• A+B while jumping: jump kick
• Toward enemy + punch: grab, then punch for knee strikes

Tips and Strategies to Win

• Master the elbow smash — it is one of the strongest moves in the game and shreds crowds when you are surrounded.
• Save weapons for crowds — a baseball bat in the early stages and dynamite in the later ones clear screens fast.
• Earn hearts aggressively — the more enemies you defeat, the more moves you unlock; do not rush past fights you can win.
• Use the jump kick for approach — it covers distance and knocks enemies down, giving you breathing room on landing.
• Watch for cheap shots — some enemies attack the moment they enter the screen; keep moving and never stand still.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the NES version of Double Dragon different from the arcade? A: Yes — significantly. The NES port adds an experience-based move unlock system, a two-player alternating mode instead of simultaneous co-op, and a bonus one-on-one versus mode not found in the arcade.

Q: Who are Billy and Jimmy Lee fighting? A: The Black Warriors, a ruthless street gang that has kidnapped Billy’s girlfriend Marian. Their leader Willy waits at the end of the campaign.

Q: What is the best move in the game? A: Most players swear by the elbow smash for its damage and reach, with the jump kick a close second for crowd control. Unlock both as early as you can.