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Double Dragon IV: A Classic Reborn or a Disappointing Revival?

Writer's picture: Steve ZimmermanSteve Zimmerman

Written by Steve Zimmerman

ThunderStash Gaming

 


Introduction: A Love Letter to the Classic or a Missed Opportunity?


Double Dragon IV brings fans back to the golden age of beat 'em ups with a nostalgic trip to the past. Developed by Arc System Works, this 8-bit retro revival picks up where Double Dragon III left off, maintaining the core mechanics that made the original series such a hit in the late '80s and early '90s.



 

Story/Concept: A Retro Throwback to the Classics


If you’ve played the earlier games in the series, you’ll feel right at home with the plot of Double Dragon IV. After defeating the Black Warriors in Double Dragon II, Billy and Jimmy Lee are on a mission to expand their martial arts dojo when the Black Warriors return, this time with an alliance from the Renegades. The storyline is as simple as you'd expect for a beat 'em up—it's not meant to be deep, but it serves as a fitting backdrop for the brawling action.



The developers clearly wanted to create a direct sequel to the original Double Dragon arcade games, capturing the spirit and fun of the series without overcomplicating things. It feels like the game could have been released right after Double Dragon III—a true continuation of the trilogy.


 

Gameplay/Controls: Classic Beat 'Em Up Action


The controls in Double Dragon IV are straightforward, just like the original games. You’ll punch, kick, and throw enemies as you fight your way through a series of levels. The gameplay doesn’t innovate, but it doesn’t need to. This is a game that celebrates the simplicity of classic beat 'em ups. The mechanics are easy to pick up, and there’s a fluidity to the combat that makes it satisfying to play.


While the graphics are intentionally retro, sticking to the 8-bit aesthetic, the gameplay is just as fun today as it was back then. The lack of modern polish doesn’t hurt the experience—it’s all about nostalgia. You can almost feel the arcade vibe as you move from stage to stage, dispatching enemies with punches and kicks that feel satisfying with every hit.


 

Graphics/Performance/Art Style: A Retro Love Letter


The graphics are one of the standout features of Double Dragon IV. The game opts for an old-school 8-bit visual style that stays true to the look and feel of the classic Double Dragon games. The character designs, backgrounds, and animations are simple yet effective, evoking that retro charm.





Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly on all platforms. There's no slowdown or stutter, and the clean visuals remain consistent throughout. If you’re a fan of pixel art and retro games, Double Dragon IV hits the mark in delivering a nostalgic experience.


 

Sound: Classic Tunes and Modern Tracks


The music in Double Dragon IV is a perfect complement to the gameplay. The retro tunes, composed by the original team, bring a feeling of continuity from the earlier games. It’s a bit cheesy, sure, but it’s that nostalgic, catchy cheese that makes it so great. If you’re a fan of the original soundtracks, you’ll appreciate the familiar beats.


For those looking for a more modern sound, Double Dragon IV includes an updated soundtrack as well, but it’s the retro tunes that truly shine in this game. They fit perfectly with the action and help create the overall atmosphere of the game.


 

Audience: Who’s This Game For?


Double Dragon IV is made for fans of retro beat 'em ups, especially those who grew up with games like Streets of Rage or the original Double Dragon series. If you have a soft spot for those old-school games and want to experience the Double Dragon saga in a new way, this game is for you. It’s also perfect for anyone who appreciates the simplicity and charm of the 8-bit era.


It’s not a game that’s trying to win over a modern audience with flashy graphics or complicated mechanics—it’s for the people who want to experience that classic arcade beat 'em up feel again.


 

Content: Retro-Filled to the Brim


When it comes to content, Double Dragon IV stays true to its roots while packing in just enough extras to keep players engaged. The story mode offers a series of classic side-scrolling levels filled with enemies, obstacles, and boss battles that fans of the genre will instantly recognize. Beyond the main campaign, there are several additional modes to explore.


The Tower Battle Mode is a standout addition, offering an endurance-style challenge where you fight waves of enemies as you aim to climb the ranks. On top of that, Duel Mode lets you go head-to-head with a friend, adding a competitive layer to the game. Plus, unlocking characters as you progress gives players a sense of reward and encourages experimentation with different playstyles.


The game doesn’t overwhelm you with modern-day extras, but it offers enough variety and replayability to feel like a complete package. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia trip or just looking for a solid arcade brawler experience, there’s plenty of content here to keep you busy.


 

Difficulty/Grind/Pacing: Not Too Easy, Not Too Hard


The difficulty in Double Dragon IV strikes a nice balance. It's not punishingly hard, but it’s not a walk in the park either. The game is designed to be challenging, but fair. There's no insane difficulty spike, and even when you lose all your continues, the stage-select feature allows you to jump back in at the point you left off.


For those who want a bit of extra challenge, there’s the Tower Battle Mode. It’s an arcade-style mode where you face waves of enemies and rack up a high score. It’s fun, but not overly grindy, and provides replayability for those looking for more than just the story mode.


 

Emotion/Charm: Nostalgia-Powered Punches


The charm of Double Dragon IV lies in its unabashed embrace of nostalgia. From the 8-bit visuals to the catchy retro soundtrack, the game feels like a time capsule that transports you back to the days of arcade brawlers and couch co-op gaming. Every punch, kick, and throw feels like a callback to the golden era of the series, and it’s hard not to crack a smile when you see those pixel-perfect character sprites and hear those iconic sound effects.


What makes Double Dragon IV special is its ability to evoke warm, fuzzy memories while still delivering a game that feels fun and accessible today. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel or win over a modern audience with gimmicks; instead, it leans wholeheartedly into its old-school identity. For those who grew up with the series, playing this game feels like reconnecting with an old friend.


That sense of charm extends beyond the gameplay, too. There’s a simplicity and earnestness to Double Dragon IV that reminds you why these kinds of games became classics in the first place. It’s a love letter to a bygone era, and for those willing to answer its nostalgic call, it delivers an experience that’s both fun and heartfelt.



 

Fun Factor: Retro Brawling at Its Finest


The most important question when reviewing a beat 'em up is: Is it fun? And the answer here is yes, absolutely. Whether you’re playing solo or with a friend in co-op mode, Double Dragon IV delivers the goods. The combat is satisfying, the levels are challenging, and the overall feel of the game takes you back to a time when beat 'em ups ruled the arcades.


The addition of extra modes, such as Duel Mode and Tower Battle Mode, extends the gameplay and gives you more ways to enjoy the game. There’s a certain charm in unlocking characters and exploring every level, trying to beat your high scores.


 

Gametime: Short and Sweet


The main story mode is relatively short, clocking in at around an hour and a half. However, if you’re going for full completion, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. With additional characters to unlock and the Tower Battle Mode offering an arcade-style challenge, you could easily spend 8-10 hours getting everything done. It’s a perfect length for a retro beat 'em up—long enough to be satisfying, but not too long to overstay its welcome.


 

Legacy: A True Sequel to the Classic Trilogy


Double Dragon IV pays homage to the original trilogy with its retro aesthetic, familiar enemies, and classic gameplay. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it sticks to what made the earlier Double Dragon games so beloved. For longtime fans of the series, this game is a gift—a love letter to everything that made the franchise great.


 

My Final Thoughts


In the end, Double Dragon IV is a fantastic throwback for fans of the series and retro beat 'em up enthusiasts. It delivers the perfect balance of nostalgia and new content, with fun combat, retro graphics, and great music. At $6.99, it’s a steal.

If you’re a fan of the Double Dragon series or just love classic beat 'em ups, I can’t recommend this enough. It’s simple, fun, and totally worth your time.


You can check out my full review below or by visiting my channel, ThunderStash Gaming, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thunderstashgaming.

 


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