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Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 • 2023

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Quick resume

The Double Dragon brothers return in this fresh addition to the iconic franchise. With roguelite elements, every playthrough is a chance at new action. Tag in with 2 of 4 starter characters or unlock 16 additional characters, each with their own special moves and playstyles. Online & Local Co-op.

Global score

86/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Casual, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Fighting, Arcade

Pros

  • Engaging and skillful combat system
  • Innovative tag-team mechanics
  • High replayability with multiple characters and stage orders
  • Solid local and planned online co-op
  • Nostalgic pixel art and soundtrack

Cons

  • Short main campaign length
  • Lack of online multiplayer at launch
  • Some difficulty spikes and boss cheapness
  • Limited character customization options
  • Minor bugs and occasional technical issues

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players can choose character pairs, upgrade builds, and select stage order, allowing significant control over gameplay experience."

  • Competence
    4

    "Combat requires skillful combos, timing, and strategic use of tag mechanics; difficulty scales and rewards mastery."

  • Competition
    -2

    "Focus is primarily on solo or local co-op play with no strong emphasis on ranked or leaderboard competition."

  • Continuation
    4

    "High replayability due to multiple characters, unlockables, and stage order variations encourage repeated playthroughs."

  • Cooperation
    3

    "Supports local and planned online co-op; gameplay designed for tag-team mechanics and cooperative play."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players customize character upgrades and team compositions; some strategic variety in power-up choices."

  • Domination
    -3

    "Gameplay encourages shared experiences and mutual challenge rather than dominance or trash talk."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Engaging combat and nostalgic setting provide immersive distraction and stress relief."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and nostalgia without external pressure or obligation."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Tag system and character variety encourage experimentation with combos and strategies."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Stage order affects level design and boss difficulty, encouraging discovery through multiple playthroughs."

  • Expression
    2

    "Character selection and unlockables allow some degree of personal expression, though limited cosmetic customization."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Features exaggerated combat and fictional gang bosses in a stylized urban setting."

  • Fellowship
    3

    "Community aspects through co-op play and shared achievements foster social connection."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills, learn combos, and improve through repeated runs and character upgrades."

  • Health
    -4

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement during combat sequences."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Some social interaction through co-op but limited emotional or close relationship building."

  • Leadership
    1

    "Players coordinate tag team strategies but no formal leadership or authority roles."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong progression through unlockable characters, upgrades, and in-game currency."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Balanced challenge and flow provide satisfying and enjoyable gameplay."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Engaging pixel art, animations, and soundtrack provide stimulating audiovisual feedback."

  • Status
    -2

    "Limited social recognition features; focus is on personal and cooperative play."

  • Story
    2

    "Simple narrative backdrop with multiple endings and branching stage order."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Combat and progression require planning combos, tag timing, and upgrade choices."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Combat intensity and boss difficulty provide moments of tension and excitement."

  • Value
    2

    "Good replay value and content updates justify purchase for fans of the genre."

  • Violence
    4

    "Core gameplay centers on combat, defeating enemies, and boss fights."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must manage health and resources to avoid failure and progress."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026