August 1st 2023.
Double Dragon Gaiden is the latest entry in the long-running, beat 'em up franchise that began in the arcades of the 1980s. This version focuses on tag team combat, allowing you to swap between characters to extend combos and defend against enemies. It's a great idea, but unfortunately, Double Dragon Gaiden falls short of its potential.
The graphics are very low budget, and while they don't necessarily evoke the original games, they're not unpleasant. Similarly, the combat is not as involved as other beat 'em ups like Streets Of Rage 4 or River City Girls, but there's a snappiness to it that can be quite enjoyable. You can also use advanced techniques like juggling enemies and cancelling moves, and you can even unlock bosses and use their abilities.
The new tag team system is easily the most interesting aspect of the game, as you can pick a team that complements each other and your human ally if you're playing in local co-op. However, the range of characters is limited, and the storyline about dealing with the city's gang problem is entirely inconsequential.
There are also some more advanced elements, like the roguelike element where you can carry money over to your next playthrough to buy perks and upgrades. Unfortunately, these elements feel undercooked and don't offer much variety. The platform sections are irritating, and the difficulty can spike unexpectedly.
Unfortunately, without any online modes, Double Dragon Gaiden is too expensive to justify its missed opportunities. The original arcade games are still the most enjoyable, while WayForward's 2012 effort Double Dragon Neon remains the best of the modern interpretations. Double Dragon Gaiden doesn't add anything to the equation beyond a few simple gimmicks, and it gets beaten by its competitors.
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