Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons (NSP, XCI) ROM + v1.0.7 Update

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a roguelike beat ’em up video game, a spin-off of the Double Dragon series, developed by Secret Base under the license of Arc System Works and published by Modus Games. Double Dragon Gaiden was released on July 27, 2023, for most current generation platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. The game was then released in Japan on September 14 for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.

The Double Dragon brothers are back, bringing their signature beat ’em-up action to a fresh roguelite installment in the iconic franchise. In the aftermath of a devastating nuclear war that ravaged New York City in 199X, its streets are now overrun by criminal gangs, plunging the city into chaos. Determined to reclaim their hometown, young Billy and Jimmy Lee take up arms against the ruthless gangs.

Embark on an alternate story, delving into the early adventures of the Double Dragon brothers as they face both familiar and new adversaries. This innovative rogue-lite experience ensures each playthrough is unique, offering a dynamic level structure where the missions’ difficulty varies based on your chosen order.

Play as the classic duo Billy and Jimmy, or mix it up by teaming up with Marian and Uncle Matin. Additionally, unlock 9 more characters, each with their special moves and playstyles, providing a diverse array of options. Grab a friend for 2-player local co-op mode, and together, clean up the mean streets.

GAMEPLAY

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a beat ”em-up video game that incorporates roguelike elements to its gameplay. At the beginning of the game, the player has to select two different characters to play with from an initial roster that includes Billy Lee, Jimmy Lee, Marian, and Uncle Martin. The player can freely switch between these two characters during a mission, allowing them to develop diverse strategies and combos to fight against their enemies.

The game features a local co-op mode where up to two players can join in simultaneous cooperative gameplay. The game features a dynamic mission select function, where the order in which the missions are selected will affect their length, number of enemies, and overall difficulty. A shop list is accessed at the end of each mission, where the player can spend their earned cash to purchase upgrades for their characters. These upgrades are randomized each time, making each playthrough unique.

Additionally, cash can be used to revive downed players during ongoing missions. A Modifier option is also available to enable permadeath or even infinite mode. Tokens are earned as the player advances through the game, as well as converted through remaining cash at the end of the game, which can be spent in the “Token Shop” to purchase new playable characters, gameplay tips, etc. The game’s difficulty setting can be adjusted to affect the amount of tokens that are earned per session.

Up to nine more playable characters can be unlocked this way, for a total of 13, each with their strengths and gameplay styles. If the player is defeated, they get to choose two characters again upon continuing, taking into account the dangers and obstacles presented in the following stages, with certain characters being able to overcome their difficulties more easily.

PLOT

Prepare to throw down the Double Dragon way in this fresh addition to the iconic beat ’em up franchise. It’s the year 199X, and nuclear war has devastated New York City leaving its citizens to fight for survival as riots and crime engulf the streets.

The city has been overtaken by criminal gangs who terrorize its ruins as they fight for total dominance. Unwilling to endure these conditions any longer, young Billy and Jimmy Lee take it upon themselves to drive the gangs out of their city.

KEY FEATURES

• TAG TEAM ACTION – Seamlessly switch between two fighters, unleashing devastating combos and employing various defensive and offensive tactics for strategic gameplay.
• BEAT ‘EM UP WITH ROGUELITE ELEMENTS – Experience limitless possibilities with the dynamic mission select function, influencing mission length, enemy count, and overall difficulty. After each mission, make crucial choices between randomized purchasable upgrades or saving cash to revive players during gameplay.
• 13 UNIQUE PLAYABLE CHARACTERS – Begin with Billy, Jimmy, Marian, and Uncle Martin. Earn tokens to unlock 9 more characters, each with distinct strengths and playstyles. Strategically assemble your fighting duo based on their attributes.
• SHAPE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND REWARDS – Adjust the game’s difficulty to alter token earnings, allowing access to unlockable content from the Token Shop, including characters and tips. Experiment with modifiers, such as permadeath or infinite mode, for further challenges.
• LOCAL CO-OP – Engage in a 2-player local co-op mode to team up with a friend and cleanse the city streets together.