Double Dragon Was the 80s Game That Kicked and Punched Its Way to History

Relive the glory of Double Dragon, the 80s beat ’em up that became a cultural icon. Action, co-op fun, and nostalgia await!

Just hearing the name Double Dragon takes me back to that golden age of video games. A time, when arcades were full, and the best way of surviving those pixelated streets filled with gangs, was with your best friend at your side. You know, the 80s wasn’t just about having big hair, wearing neon leg warmers, and listening to synth-wave music. For some, it was all about the games. And, Double Dragon was right there in the middle of it all, kicking butt, and taking names.

To the younger generation at the time, it wasn’t just another video game. Double Dragon was a cultural phenomenon. It was a perfect snapshot of 80s action movie sensibilities, pounded into a quarter-eating arcade machine. It featured musclebound heroes, some of the most outlandish villains you’ve ever seen, and a soundtrack that slapped harder than a spinning roundhouse. Whether you played it solo or with a buddy, you felt like an unstoppable force. And, for an entire generation of gamers, it was the game to play if you wanted to flex your skills in the arcade.

So, what exactly made Double Dragon so iconic? Let’s take a closer look at those pixelated streets as we punch our way through the gangs.

What You Need to Know About Double Dragon

• Title: Double Dragon
• Developer: Technōs Japan
• Publisher: Technōs Japan (Arcade); Taito (NES); Acclaim Entertainment (North America NES)
• Release Date: 1987 (Arcade), 1988 (NES)
• Genre: Beat ’em up
• Platforms: Arcade, NES, Sega Master System, Atari 2600, and more

Button-Mashing Glory

In its simplest form, Double Dragon was a side-scrolling beat ’em up game. You could choose to play as either Billy or Jimmy Lee and beat the game single-handed or with a friend. The story is very straightforward. Billy’s girlfriend, Marion, got kidnapped by a gang called the Black Warriors. And, your sole mission is to punch, kick, and elbow your way through wave after wave of enemies until you rescue her.

Although that made the game sound a bit simple, the gameplay itself is not. Beating the game did not mean simply mashing the buttons aimlessly. Instead, you had to employ a strategy. You could use punches, flying knees, kicks, and every weapon you picked up. You would need to smack goons with a whip, throw barrels at someone, and so much more.

Then there were the bosses. Abobo was a hulking brute who quickly became a fan favorite. Beating him was a test of true skill and patience. And, every single flight felt like it mini action movie. The game simply kept you on your toes with its mix of enemies and levels. And, it wasn’t just about teamwork, it was about competition. After all, if both you and your friend made it to the end, you would have to duke it out with one another in order to gain Marian’s affection.

The Game That Punched Above Its Weight

Let’s face it, double Dragon wasn’t just another arcade game. For many during the early 80s, it was the entire arcade. The game took the beat ‘em up genre to a whole new level, letting action, co-op gameplay, and just enough storytelling to make it revolutionary.

When we talk about the co-op action of the game, we are talking about something that was completely different at the time. Before the release of Double Dragon, most games were either single-player or competitive. But this game stood out because it allowed you to team up with a buddy to take on a common enemy. Granted, you often found yourself arguing with your friend over who got to use the nunchucks, but the pure thrill of clearing level together was unparalleled at the time.

Then there was the art. The sprites perfectly matched the 80s ethos and featured chunky yet expressive animations. This allowed every kick and punch to feel satisfying, almost realistic. And, when coupled with the soundtrack that was composed by Kazunaka Yamane, the game became an instant smash. If you haven’t had the opportunity to listen to the Double Dragon theme, then head on over to YouTube and look it up.

But, the influence of the game didn’t simply stop with one. Instead, it spawned sequels, spinoffs, and even a live-action movie. Okay, so the live-action movie wasn’t exactly the best. But, it was a cult classic. And, the game set a whole new standard for beat ‘em ups, like Final Fight and Streets of Rage.

The Story Behind the Brawls

Before Double Dragon was released, no one even knew who Technōs Japan was. Nevertheless, they did make a popular precursor, Renegade. But, they wanted to push the concept even further, which is why they developed Double Dragon. They wanted to create a game that felt more like a co-op action movie, and the result was a successful one.

Of course, the development of the game wasn’t without its own challenges. The developer had to balance the limitations of arcade hardware at the time, with their vision of a more dynamic, two-player experience. Using existing hardware, they were able to introduce two-player simultaneous gameplay along with a variety of different fighting moves. This was simply groundbreaking at the time. And, it inspired other simultaneous gameplay games like Ninja Turtles and The Simpsons.

Then there was the NES port. Granted, it wasn’t a perfect translation of the arcade game due to the limitations of the Nintendo Entertainment System. Nevertheless, Nintendo was able to successfully bring Double Dragon into homes across the country. Yes, the graphics took a major hit, and the co-op mode was stripped down quite a bit. But, the core of the gameplay was still there. And, for many kids in the 80s, it was their first taste of the game.

Still Kicking After All These Years

Double Dragon hit the arcades back in 1987, becoming an instantaneous hit. The critics praised its gameplay, graphics, and of course, the co-op mode. And, players simply couldn’t get enough of it. It ended up becoming one of the highest-grossing arcade games of the year. And, this helped to cement its place in gaming history.

Porting it over to home gaming consoles was a tossup. Some of these ports were quite good such as the Nintendo. But, others were just plainly awful, like the Atari 2600 version. But, regardless of which platform you had, you were bound to find a copy of the game available for it.

Today, the game itself is considered to be a classic. It has been re-released on countless platforms over the years including Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo Switch. In 2017 it even got a modern reboot, Double Dragon IV.

Then there is the fan community. Whether we’re talking about the speed run, the retro gaming enthusiast, or the people who simply want to relive their childhood, Double Dragon continues to resonate today. It is a game that has stood the test of time, and, it’s easy to see why.

FAQ: Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Double Dragon

Can you still play Double Dragon today?

Yes, you can! The game is available on many different platforms such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and many different emulators.

What’s the best version of the game?

Without question, the arcade version is the definitive experience. While the NES port holds a special place for fans, it was the arcade version that stood out from the crowd.

Did Double Dragon inspire other games?

Double Dragon inspired several other games. You have Streets of Rage and Final Fight which owe their existence to the legacy created by the game.

Was there really a live-action movie?

Unfortunately for some, yes. The live-action Double Dragon film is more of an acquired taste.

Why Double Dragon Still Rocks

No matter how you look at it, Double Dragon was more than just the gameplay. Although the gameplay itself was a big part, its popularity came down to what the game actually represented. It featured excitement, creativity, and fully represented the sheer fun of 80s gaming. It is a constant reminder of the time when you could walk into any arcade and hear rows upon rows of digital music, bleeps, and beeps.

Double Dragon isn’t just another game, for me it’s a memory. It was a time that I hung out with my friends eating greasy pizza and trying, time after time, to beat Abobo. I remember those days vividly when my mother would give me $20 to spend at the arcade. And you could spend an entire day playing games on $20. It is what made the 80s the golden age for gaming, and made me fall in love with computers. So, if you haven’t tried the game yet, what are you waiting for? Grab a friend, fire up an emulator, and take a trip back to a time when quarter-eating monsters were a quintessential part of growing up.