Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Jul 28, 2023
    93
    In all, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a fun and nostalgic beat'em up with a pleasant amount of replayability, before even mentioning the local co-op to allow for even more of that good old arcade feeling. The only real issue this reviewer found while playing is that players may feel railroaded by whichever route through levels they find the easiest. That being said, if you're a fan of Double Dragon, beat‘em ups, or roguelike games that toy with a different genre, then Rise of the Dragons comes highly recommended!
  2. Jul 27, 2023
    85
    Probably, the best iteration of the franchise since the original game. Some minor pace problems don't ruin a nostalgic, fun and varied experience.
  3. Jul 27, 2023
    84
    Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons convincingly declines the experience gathered with Streets of Red, giving new and interesting mechanics to the eternal Lee brothers' fight. A good number of extras and a roguelite structure are the pass for good longevity, penalized only by the absence of online play.
  4. Jul 28, 2023
    80
    Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is an exceptional side-scrolling beat ‘em up that infuses modern elements into the classic structure to make it more than the sum of its parts. Short, sweet and with a fascinating tag team mechanic at its heart, this old-school treat is worth a bash.
  5. Jul 27, 2023
    80
    Double Dragon Raiden: Rise of The Dragons is a great beat 'em-up game that takes everything you loved about the series and adds a ton of strategy. With a great retro look and sound, this is a must-play, even though it doesn’t always explain things very well!
  6. Jul 27, 2023
    80
    Either alone or with a buddy, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a good time. It updates a decades-old beat ’em up franchise by adding roguelike mechanics that actually harmonize pretty well. The gameplay is accessible but plenty challenging, and the large roster of unlockable characters keeps things interesting.
  7. Jul 27, 2023
    80
    Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a smart, fun and well-executed roguelike take on the beat ‘em genre.
  8. Jul 27, 2023
    80
    Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a super solid beat ’em up with a steep learning curve but a lot of options to adjust the difficulty and help incentivize replay.
  9. Jul 27, 2023
    78
    I really enjoyed playing Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons. It's a solid beat 'em up that offers a great deal of fun and challenge. If you're a fan of the genre, or if you're looking for a roguelite game with a retro touch, then Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is an excellent option and if you're one of the completionists you'll have a game for a while. Of course, they could have included more levels because it becomes very short.
  10. Jul 27, 2023
    75
    On balance, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons captured us with its playful system halfway between tradition and innovation and was able to give us several hours of carefree fun. It is not a perfect title and perhaps it will not reach the heights reached by the fourth chapter of Streets of Rage but it is still nice to see such an important series rise from its ashes offering both newbies and historical fans the opportunity to return to impersonate the Lee brothers and their companions. If you are a fan of the scrolling beat 'em up genre, you should definitely give it a shot.
  11. Jul 27, 2023
    75
    We were quite skeptical, but Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons has definitely something to say when it comes to enhancing impacts, handling contents and adding depth to such a classic and overused gameplay.
  12. Jul 27, 2023
    75
    Not a mere reboot or refresh, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons delivers a fiendishly familiar beat ‘em up that will have you hooked on its charming retro styles and clever modern trappings.
  13. Jul 27, 2023
    75
    Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons may seem like a side dish to the main course, but it still manages to be a fun beat ’em up experience. The combat mechanics are responsive, and the ever-growing challenge across each stage makes subsequent playthroughs unique, further defined by the characters you choose. One thing is for certain, even after all these years, Double Dragon remains just as cool as ever.
  14. Jul 31, 2023
    70
    Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a solid beat ‘em up that fans will enjoy in solo or cooperative play. It might not be the greatest beat ‘em up that has been released over the last few years, and the lack of online in a time where most people will be playing cooperatively this way is a big shame, but even so, this release is certainly one of the more interesting ones in the genre and offers fun for a few hours to grind through the unlocks in the shop.
  15. Jul 27, 2023
    65
    It doesn’t really feel like it’s trying to be revolutionary in any way, nor does it seem like it wants to present you with a glut of content. It serves more as a tribute to the Double Dragon series but more in an aesthetic sense, as the combat system is unlike any of the previous games. You can tell that a lot of love went into making the game, but that doesn’t necessarily result in something indisposable or memorable. It’s less a rise and more of a bow.
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. Aug 31, 2023
    10
    It sounds like your initial hesitation about the roguelike elements in the game turned into a positive experience once you gave it a try. It'sIt sounds like your initial hesitation about the roguelike elements in the game turned into a positive experience once you gave it a try. It's great to hear that you had a blast playing the game! The challenging nature of the final boss level adding a lot to deal with can indeed be frustrating yet incredibly satisfying when you manage to overcome it.

    Your observation about the fighting mechanics and the wish for more safe options like invincibility frames during grappling is noted. Feedback like this can be valuable for both players and developers to understand how to enhance the gameplay experience.

    Your recommendation to give the game a try is valuable for others who might be considering playing it. Each player's experience can vary, but your positive outlook on the game and its fun mechanics can inspire others to explore and enjoy it as well.
    Full Review »
  2. Aug 31, 2023
    9
    The game is quite interesting and requires repeated play to unlock more content.
  3. Aug 7, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. I'm glad to hear that you give this game a perfect 10! It sounds like you enjoyed the gameplay and tag team action in the game, and you appreciate the inclusion of playable character Marian and the storyline where you have to reject the mayor, face off against the 4 gangs, and ultimately confront the unknown boss. It sounds like a thrilling and awesome gaming experience for you! If you have any more thoughts or questions about the game or anything else, feel free to share! Full Review »