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Japan-only 'Double Dragon' game comes to the Super NES this summer
It might be time to dust off that old Super NES, especially if you're a Double Dragon fan -- on July 19th, you can check out a version of Super Double Dragon that wasn't available in North America before now.
A new 'Double Dragon' game is on its way next month
One of the first entries in your 2017 calendar should be the release date of a 30th Anniversary entry in the Double Dragon series. Arc System Works acquired the rights to the series last year, and just announced that Double Dragon IV will be released January 30th on the PS4 and Steam platforms. Despite being the first new update since 2012's Double Dragon Neon release and first update of any kind since Double Dragon Trilogy, its trailer flashes the classic side-scrolling beat 'em up action this series has been known for since it started as a coin-op in 1987.
Double Dragon Trilogy punches its way to Android and iOS (video)
Many gamers of a certain age (cough) spent entirely too much time fighting Abobo and pals in the Double Dragon series. If you're one of them, you'll be glad to hear that DotEmu has released its promised Double Dragon Trilogy for both Android and iOS. The $3 app faithfully recreates all three adventures of Billy and Jimmy Lee, including the soundtrack; if you're willing to introduce modern touches, you can get a mobile-optimized (read: easier) difficulty level as well as remastered music. Both versions support the brawler's signature co-op mode through Bluetooth, and they'll work with many gamepads. DDT isn't going to take you back to the days of pumping quarter after quarter into arcade cabinets, but it might be the next best thing.
Double Dragon Trilogy returns on smartphones, along with your wasted youth
Retro gaming maven DotEMu is putting a street brawl triple-threat in your pocket later this year, releasing Double Dragon Trilogy for Android and iOS. The mobile-optimized godfather of arcade beat 'em ups is packing a handful of modern accoutrements like a new difficulty mode, (unspecified) Bluetooth controller support and leaderboard implementation for each OS' multiplayer services. It's possible that the titles themselves may not have aged all that well, but, nonetheless, we're happy to see DotEmu keeping the classics available for anyone who wants a nostalgia fix.
Double Dragon punches its way onto Virtual Console
We can't even pretend that we're really excited about this week's Virtual Console release, Double Dragon, or that we didn't play it a year ago in a sexy high-res remake on XBLA for the exact same price (500 points/$5). We love us some side-scrolling and punching, but even we have limits.But maybe you've never heard of the legend of Billy Lee and his decision to risk his kidnapped girlfriend's safety in order to keep his karate secrets to himself. If so, feel free to buy away, if only to more fully appreciate the roots of the beat-em-up genre.
Virtually Overlooked: Renegade
Welcome to our weekly feature, Virtually Overlooked, wherein we talk about games that aren't on the Virtual Console yet, but should be. Call it a retro-speculative.We often feature bad games on Virtually Overlooked. A lot of bad games are historically notable or weird enough to enjoy. Sometimes they're just funny.Today's bad game, Renegade, is one of the historically important ones. It's also kind of funny, if you don't have to play it for long. It's the first beat-em-up from Technos, who we'd say we'd follow to the grave if they weren't already there. And, yeah, it's got some tuff boxart.
Wise Fwom Yor Gwave: Some classics we'd like to see resurrected on PSP
We've previously seen Afterburner and Lemmings re-tooled, to make them suitable for our favorite portable. While both of those titles are enjoyable, there is still a ton of gold to be mined from the past, then reshaped into something grand and new. With that in mind, I thought it we'd do a public service, and remind publishers of some of those titles. Here they are in no particular order: Bionic Commando Contra Lunar Streets of Rage Splatter House Bonk Strider Double Dribble Golden Axe Shinobi Out of this World Zombie Ate My Neighbors Those are a few of the titles we'd like to see. But what does our opinion matter? Let us know what games we missed, or what classics you'd like to see resurrected on the PSP.
Double Dragon kicks XBLA in the crotch
Unfortunately, crotch kicking isn't available in Double Dragon, but you get the point. Double Dragon is now available for mass consumption on Xbox Live Arcade. Billy and Jimmy Lee are out to save Billy's poor, gut-punched girlfriend. Lucky for them, Billy and Jimmy are martial arts masters who have also mastered the art of self-resurrection. This arcane power used to cost 25 cents, but now it's as easy as hitting the start button. Should you desire Double Dragon it will set you back 400 MS points.Oh, and we've been critical of the game's enhanced graphics in the past. Having now seen the original, pixelated graphics on high definition screen, we take it back. It's enhanced graphics all the way (unless you feel like cutting yourself on all those jagged edges).
Double Dragon on XBLA this Wednesday, Rush'n Attack on the way
Microsoft got around to admitting today that, yes, Double Dragon is this week's release on XBLA, a tidbit that developer Empire Interactive let slip last week. Of course, Microsoft did get to break the news that it's the only release this week, which isn't nearly as much fun. It'll run you 400 points ($5) and includes original and high-definition graphics.Perhaps in an attempt to get that old newsy thrill back, the release also mentions some other titles headed to the service, like Konami's Rush'n Attack (aka Green Beret), Solitro Solitare and Spyglass Board Games (chess, checkers, etc.). That's all very well, but Double Dragon fans will probably be a little busy beating some Abobo PopoZão this week to get too excited about the future.%Gallery-3015%
Double Dragon releases to the XBLA tomorrow
We just got word about tomorrow's XBLA release and although it isn't a twofer offering this week, you do get double the trouble. The rumor was true as the original Double Dragon will be released tomorrow with two player local and online co-op, enhanced graphics, and little extras all for a very reasonable 400 Microsoft points. And from what we see in the screenshots, the graphics do look much more polished and smooth, but it could be us. Anyway, we know there are at least a few Double Dragon fanboys out there who want to scream with excitement, so go ahead ... scream until your lungs give out!
Double Dragon kicks XBLA next week?
According to its publisher, Empire Interactive, Double Dragon is headed to Xbox Live Arcade next week. The press release actually concerns the announcement that Empire Interactive is bringing Speedball II to Xbox Live Arcade. A quote from the Clive Kabatznik, CEO of Silverstar Holdings, of which Empire Interactive is a subsidiary, spilled the beans. According to Kabatznik, "Double Dragon will launch next Wednesday, and will be our first foray onto Xbox LIVE Arcade." While we love our futuristic death sports as much as the next gaming blog, the impending release of Double Dragon has us all atwitter. As we've reported before, the game features "enhanced" graphics, but they actually seem less detailed than the original. We'll be sticking with the retro graphics, thanks.How much would you be willing to pay for the classic brawler?[Via Joystiq. Thanks, DJ Dunk]
Rumor: Double Dragon on XBLA next week
The "enhanced version" of arcade classic Double Dragon is making its way to Xbox Live Arcade next week according to publisher Empire Interactive. Reported on back in January, this Botoxed version (seen above right), was expected in March, hopefully the extra time went into making this classic two-player game's online co-op work perfectly. According to the release, dug up by GamingTalkHQ.com, Clive Kabatznik, CEO of Silverstar Holdings says, "This is another example of Empire updating a classic IP and bringing it to a brand new audience. Double Dragon will launch next Wednesday, and will be our first foray onto Xbox LIVE Arcade. Our announcement of Speedball 2 demonstrates our continued intention to bring high quality classic titles to a broader market."The same release announced that Empire Interactive is also working on Speedball II for XBLA. We wonder how long it'll be before the classic library is exhausted and we start having random titles show up. Maybe we'll finally get that update of Hunt the Wumpus.[Thanks Alex]
Castle Crashers GDC '07 impressions
Castle Crashers is a chaotic storm of spinning swords, overly aggressive primary colors and the occasional (but never displeasing) decapitation -- which is why we like it. Though the GDC demo boasts only a few notable changes from previous iterations, it still warrants a look. A long and loving look accompanied by a forlorn sigh and the formation of a gently sparkling tear. One of the most interesting things about the game is the manner in which it draws your attention. It's even a little conflicting, as if two sets of fingers are snapping in your face in an alternating pattern. When you're not trying to spot your character deep within the colorful anarchy of battle, you're adopting a wider view of all the over-the-top action. It's like a tug of war, and one not too dissimilar from the battle between order and chaos that's at the core of the game.
Video: Double Dragon in action
While we know Alien Hominid HD is coming to Arcade this week, barring some freak weather storm, so we get the opportunity to look forward to future titles, or just Worms. But for those of you who are interested in a different title that Wo--- Oh, who are we kidding, if it's not Worms, who cares, right? Well, we're sure that there has to be somebody who falls into that category, so this is for them. We've got a video of Double Dragon, which is suggested to arrive sometime in March. The game will feature the original graphics as well as the enhanced graphics seen in the video. We don't know about you, but we're going to be switching back to the old school look off the bat. The enhanced visual just don't look right. In any case, click the "Read" link to watch the video. So, it's not Worms, do you care?[Via Xboxic]
Peep Double Dragon's XBLA makeover
According to the Netherlands' Xboxworld (via NeoGAF), Double Dragon is headed to Xbox Live Arcade in March, for 400 MS points. Like other aging classics before them, the Lee brothers and foes look to be receiving a visual touch-up. But as is often the case with real-life makeovers (and we're talkin' the scalpels, staples, and tubes kinda makeovers), the "enhanced" look just seems to always miss the mark. Never mind how jarringly flat the characters appear, just look at that "English Tear" sign, it's pristine! This is no longer a rumble through the ghetto, it's a prance around some sterilized ghost town infested with botox mutants. Can we get an "A-men!"?We'd much prefer the time and resources be spent on tuning the online co-op, which continues to be a frustrating ordeal with each XBLA release.
Double Dragon coming to XBLA
UK's OXM is reporting that Double Dragon, the classic arcade beat 'em up, is coming to Xbox Live Arcade. No date has been announced, but it's a safe bet that it probably won't see the light of day this year. Still, overall it's great news for classic arcade fans. The game is set to feature enhanced graphics and Xbox Live co-op play. Let's just hope Double Dragon does co-op better than Contra. (Uh oh, I can't get the Double Dragon music out of my head now.)[Via Evil Avatar]
Rumor: Double Dragon on XBLA
OXM.co.uk is confident Double Dragon is headed to Xbox Live Arcade. Confident enough not to cite a source. Regardless, given XBLA's track record, this rumor is hardly far-fetched.According to OXM, Double Dragon will weigh it at 12.56MB and feature online co-op. As with other XBLA retro entries, the game's graphics are said to be enhanced. No word was given on street date or price. But if Technos' coin-op classic does see release, Scott Wolf's epic can't be far behind.
