Double Dragon Advance

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. Game Informer
    90
    A mode that lets you alternate between control of two heroes by yourself is really intriguing. It requries a lot of strategy, as one character is helpless when he isn't under your influence. It really grew on me. [Oct 2003, p.142]
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  2. Pocket Games
    90
    Not only the best brawler on the GBA, but one of the best brawlers period. Ther's no reason not to add this game to your collection. [Spring 2004, p.39]
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  3. AtomicGamer
    89
    Beat-em-up fans would do well to try Double Dragon Advance, a well-made and greatly enhanced port of the arcade classic.
  5. GameSpy
    85
    Perhaps the best brawler on the Game Boy Advance, and a good nostalgia trip for Double Dragon and beat-'em-up aficionados.
  6. GameSpot
    83
    Whether you're a longtime arcade beat-'em-up fan or a younger gamer who's new to the genre, Double Dragon Advance is just what you're looking for.
  7. NintendoWorldReport
    80
    That's the whole game: an arcade mode that takes an hour or two to get through and the little bonus features. It's no ten-thousand-hour item-finding level-gaining marathon, just an honest arcade-style game. Beat it, and you're done.
  8. Deeko
    80
    With new stages, enemies and some interesting modes of gameplay, it is definitely a title that fans of the series will want to pick up. Sadly, the game length is really, really short.
  9. eToychest
    80
    For anyone who hears the name Abobo and is instantly harkened back to a simpler, better time, Double Dragon Advance is a must buy.
  10. Nintendo Power
    78
    A graphic makeover, new superfast enemies and twice as many missions as the NES version make Double Dragon Advance for the GBA a must-have for old-school fighter fans. [Jan 2004, p.160]
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  11. Play Magazine
    75
    As much as DD die-hards will dig it, the non-initiated should take note: the visuals are a bit antiquated, and the slightly floaty action lacks the bone-crunching, impactful feel of superior brawlers like "Final Fight." [Jan 2004, p.75]
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  12. IGN
    70
    You'll get your butt thrashed the first or second time through, but it'll only take another one or two times to get to the end. After that, well...there's not much else to it. It's great while it lasts, though.
  13. netjak
    70
    Unfortunately, there is very little replay value to this game. While kicking the crap out of Willy hasn't really lost its magic after all these years, you can only go through this game at most a handful of times before it becomes repetitive.
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  14. 1UP
    70
    The original Double Dragon may not be quite as good as you remember, but this adaptation makes up the difference with its major additions and subtle improvements. In a market glutted with lazy Super NES ports, DDA stands out as a bare-knuckle champ.
  15. Gamenikki
    70
    Rent or buy, Double Dragon Advance brings a great update but is still too short. You decide.
  16. GamePro
    70
    Better suited for the GBA format than most of the muddy faux-3D titles out there.
  17. Cheat Code Central
    70
    This version of Double Dragon is simply the best; it even rivals the arcade version with new moves, weapons, updated graphics and some tweaks in the mechanics.
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  18. GamerFeed
    70
    If you're looking for some quick fun, or the ultimate Double Dragon experience, by all means pick this one up, but for anyone else, it may not be enough to keep you entertained.
  19. GameCube Advanced
    65
    Packs a punch and kick with its game play with numerous weapons, but it leaves a sense of blandness with lack of variety.
  20. Weekly Famitsu
    60
    5 / 7 / 6 / 6 - 24 [Vol 795; 12 Mar 2004]
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  21. GMR Magazine
    60
    Though nostalgia hounds will likely be amused, others will probably want more depth from the best beat-em-up 1985 had to offer. [Dec 2003, p.104]
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  22. GameNow
    58
    The fighting system is as basic and clumsy as it was back in 1987. [Dec 2003, p.75]
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Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
42
#42 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. Yojimbo2015
    May 5, 2023
    6
    Like Final Fight One this is a pretty faithful conversion of its arcade inspiration, but like all scrolling beat 'em ups is very one note andLike Final Fight One this is a pretty faithful conversion of its arcade inspiration, but like all scrolling beat 'em ups is very one note and shallow. Good if you like this type of thing but if you don't it's not going to change your mind.… Full Review »
  2. rmdhlamini
    May 3, 2022
    10
    This game is a perfect example of how remakes should be handled. Perfect game play for beginners and experts. Simply an outstanding featThis game is a perfect example of how remakes should be handled. Perfect game play for beginners and experts. Simply an outstanding feat accomplished on a handheld that still out beats many beat em ups to this day. absolute pleasure to play and experience … Full Review »
  3. yangfanhong
    Apr 2, 2021
    8
    This is a good action game. And more preciously, it added difficulty setting which is rare at that time. Great
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