Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
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  1. Gaming Nexus
    Jul 27, 2023
    85
    Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons comes during a time where we wouldn't mind some good ol' fashioned beat 'em up side scrolling games. A huge roster of characters and a great new tag team feature really push the franchise forward. While it gets everything right, it baffles me that we have to wait for online co-op. Still, that shouldn't deter you. Double Dragon fans should grab this right now.
  2. PlayStation Universe
    Jul 27, 2023
    85
    The most interesting part of Double Dragon Gaiden's legacy is that it arguably shows there is a whole lot of untapped creative latitude when it comes to freshening up traditional concepts and mechanics. Most commendably of all, late game difficulty spikes notwithstanding, Double Dragon Gaiden manages that rarest of feats by fashioning an irresistibly engaging genre effort that cribs both from the old and the new to give wannabe brawlers one of the best genre entries since Streets of Rage 4 punched its way into our hearts.
  3. PlayStation Country
    Jul 27, 2023
    80
    Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a surprisingly clever and fun brawler that manages to add some neat touches to a well-trodden genre. The run-based nature of it gives players plenty of decisions to make and the game is good at giving you options. The pixel aesthetic works well and the action is very easy to read. There's a lot to manage on screen but I find the special attacks provide frequent and effective crowd control. The gameplay is familiar but the new tweaks have been really refreshing.
  5. GameSkinny
    Jul 27, 2023
    80
    If what you’re looking for is a quick burst of arcade action, or just a decent action game you can jump into and play for 10 to 20 minutes, Gaiden’s got you covered. It doesn’t have quite as much depth as something like Streets of Rage 4, but its crowd-control mechanics are an entertaining addition to the basic beat-’em-up formula.
  6. PSX Brasil
    Jul 27, 2023
    80
    Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a side-scrolling beat'em up that basically restarts the franchise respecting its roots, valuing the classic style of the genre and updating specific concepts that guarantee the reference for old school fans. At the same time, it proves to be a beautiful gateway for new fans of good old-fashioned beatings in the best pixel art style.
  7. Hey Poor Player
    Jul 27, 2023
    80
    If Double Dragon IV left a bitter taste in your mouth and you’ve been waiting for the franchise to return to its former glory, it’s time to celebrate because the Lee boys are back and fighting fit. With its furious fisticuffs and a wealth of smart evolutions to the series’ established formula, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a must-play for fans of the beat-’em-up genre.
  8. Impulsegamer
    Aug 7, 2023
    78
    Double Dragon Gaiden is another solid addition to a year of excellent brawlers.
  9. Digital Chumps
    Jul 27, 2023
    75
    Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is missing a little zest, something extra. When I dived back in after that first run, the fun and the warts and all were still there. Combat was a blast and my newly unlocked characters asked me to play the game in a different way and tackle its gauntlet of gangs in a different order. And much like the classic Double Dragon with its handful of stages, that’s eventually all that would become of it. Maybe the game needs permanent unlockable buffs, more levels, better ways to spend tokens, and more ways to tweak the difficulty. All games must run their course and, depending on who you are, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons will be a long ride or a short one. Thankfully either imperfect journey is still fun.

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2023

User Reviews

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User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 3 out of 10
  1. LTTS_Kyle
    Aug 1, 2023
    8
    Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a syringe of nostalgia to the veins of any old-school gamer who fell in love with theDouble Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a syringe of nostalgia to the veins of any old-school gamer who fell in love with the side-scrolling beat 'em up genre. Luckily, the visual flair, rogue-lite elements, and healthy number of unlockables keep it from feeling too stale. While it may not have staying power past a couple of weeks, for around $20 you get a fun, slick, simple side scroller with an array of unique-feeling characters to play as. Especially with a friend, the new Double Dragon is a blast, if even for just a couple hours.… Full Review »
  2. LOBEI
    Aug 4, 2023
    9
    Really fun game. Remember you have to cancel your attacks recovery into run or jumps in order to have good mobility. Try to get as muchReally fun game. Remember you have to cancel your attacks recovery into run or jumps in order to have good mobility. Try to get as much special KOs and crowd controls too.… Full Review »
  3. Mind_Flayer
    Aug 2, 2023
    0
    Don't waste your money in this game, it is a complete mess, slow movements no enemy variety, boring bosses, awful music and a mediocre pixelDon't waste your money in this game, it is a complete mess, slow movements no enemy variety, boring bosses, awful music and a mediocre pixel art. I have never regretted a purchase so much. This is not the Double Dragon game we deserved.… Full Review »
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