Double Dragon IV

Release Date: January 30, 2017

Action, 2D, beat 'em up, for 2 players, co-op, splitscreen, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet, LAN

5.2

OpenCritic

62%

Steam

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The fourth installment in the legendary beat ‘em up series, developed by Arc System Works. The development was supported by the persons responsible for the cult-classic previous installments of the series, including Takaomi Kaneko, Yoshihisa Kishimoto, Koji Ogata, and Kazunaka Yamane. Similarly to the previous installments of the Double Dragon series, the gameplay focuses on traversing 2D locations and eliminating hordes of approaching opponents.

Mechanics
Game Modes
Technical Aspects

Double Dragon IV is a new installment of the cult-classic series of beat ‘em ups – the release commemorates the thirtieth anniversary of the series. The game was released for multiple platforms, including PS4, PC and etc., and was developed by Arc System Works. Interestingly enough, the development process was spearheaded by people responsible for previous, cult-classic installments of the series, including Takaomi Kaneko (producer), Yoshihisa Kishimoto (director), Koji Ogata (character designer), or Kazunaka Yamane (composer).

Mechanics

Double Dragon IV is seen from a side perspective. The game focuses on traversing through next stages and the elimination of approaching hordes of enemies. We are left with numerous heroes to choose from – we begin with series’ trademark heroes (Billy and Jimmy), and proceed to unlock further characters seen throughout the series. Double Dragon IV is a fighting game – the players make use of punches and kicks, as well as an extensive arsenal of melee weapons, such as knives, sticks, and stones. Similarly to its predecessors, each stage ends with a boss fight that requires some degree of ability and reflex.

Game Modes

The game contains an extensive Story Mode, action of which takes place after the events of Double Dragon II: The Revenge. Billy and Jimmy reprise their roles as the protagonists – the second hero can be taken over by another player. Completing the campaign unlocks additional functionalities, including Tower Mode, in which the players eliminate continuous waves of enemies while climbing to the top of the titular tower. This mode enables us to unlock additional heroes which then can be used in the story mode, or in 2P Duel Mode, an online mode allowing players to face one on one. Additionally, PlayStation 4 users receive access to Share Play, enabling players without the game to participate in other players’ playthroughs. However, such sessions are limited to only one hour.

Technical Aspects

Double Dragon IV for PS4, PC and etc. is characteristic for its two-dimensional graphics and simple, pixel art visuals, a style reminiscent of its predecessors, known as being one of the reasons for the growth of beat ‘em up genre.

Last updated on February 7, 2017

Videos and Screens

[3:26] Double Dragon IV trailer #1

[1:45] Double Dragon IV teaser trailer #1

5.2

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 7% of Critics. There are 33 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

ZTGD: 4 / 10 by Ken McKown

Double Dragon IV sounds like a surefire winner on paper. Craft a sequel to one of the most beloved arcade games of all-time, keep it retro in spirit, profit. However, seeing as the game was announced and released in just over a month it feels like about that much effort went into crafting this game. Will we ever get a solid follow-up to one of the greatest arcade games of all-time? Things are not looking promising for Billy and Jimmy.

Full Review

COGconnected: 75 / 100 by Stephan Adamus

But like Capcom did with Mega Man 9 and 10, Double Dragon IV looks and plays like an NES Double Dragon.

Full Review

IGN: 3.5 / 10 by Vince Ingenito

I am certainly not immune to the charms of 80s and 90s game design, but the NES version of Double Dragon wasn’t a great example for Double Dragon 4 to follow. It’s not just that this simplistic beat-em-up formula didn’t age well graphically or mechanically, it’s that it simply isn’t very fun or engaging to play in 2017.

Full Review

62%