Despite the long diatribe about the game's problems, Double Dragon is still a good title. The cart does pack plenty of solid beat-em-up action that will keep you entertained. While the game can be difficult with only three lives and no continues, with some practice it can be overcome. As for the exclusive Vs. Mode, it's a nice addition and can be fun with two players going at it. However it's too limited to really be special. You're stuck playing character vs. same character, and once you finish the match that's all, which ultimetly makes the Vs. Mode pointless. Having the ability to match different characters against each other would have been a lot more fascinating.
So ultimately, the NES version of Double Dragon is a good arcade port that still ranks as a decent brawler for the system, but could have been better. The graphics and sounds are well done and it does do a solid job of carrying on the spirit of its arcade predecessor. Unfortunately the lack of two-player simultaneous action, the slighty-annoying earning of moves and the cheap hits may turn off beat-em-up fans, especially those that enjoyed the coin-op original. Nevertheless if you give the game a chance, you'll find Double Dragon is still worth a playthrough or two. Double Dragon discyples looking for real 2-player action should check out the Sega Master System version or better yet, the superior NES sequels instead.
- Review posted on February 4, 2008