Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons

 Xbox Series X
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Windows Central
    Jul 27, 2023
    90
    As a longtime fan of beat ‘em ups, I absolutely adored Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons. The combat system is extremely in-depth and addictive, the huge roster of characters is fun to play with and the roguelike elements massively improve the replay value. I highly recommend this game if you’re a fan of Double Dragon or beat ‘em ups in general as this is one of the best examples of the genre.
  2. Xbox Tavern
    Jul 28, 2023
    88
    Double Dragon Gaiden: ROTD is a perfect addition to the series keeping what made the originals memorable and enhancing the experience without going fully 3D. The fast-paced action and different play move sets keeps things fresh as well as playing the stages in a different order to enjoy new challenges. I appreciate the effort that has gone into keeping the game fresh with the rogue-lite elements, the unlockables in the shop and the variety of characters you can play as I think this is well worth picking up.
  3. Gamers' Temple
    Aug 14, 2023
    85
    Double Dragon Gaiden is a great game, but it just needs some fine-tuning here and there and it really needs an online co-op option. Just watching the game through trailers, I didn’t think that much of it, but once I actually played it, the game blew me away with how good it is. Thanks to the rogue-lite elements, this game can last for quite a while. There is a lot of variety in its gameplay and just enough in its overall difficulty for each playthrough. Overall, Double Dragon Gaiden is a fantastic beat’em up and one that I highly recommend.
  5. XboxAddict
    Jul 27, 2023
    85
    Other than the glaring lack of online multiplayer, I had little complaints overall. Sure combat can be a little chaotic and hectic, especially in the final stages, but that’s to be expected in the genre. I remember how long it took me to beat the original game on NES when I was a kid and trying to survive a fight against Abobo when they appeared. Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons brings some of that nostalgia back, made for a modern audience, complete with iconic soundtrack and characters.
  6. Generación Xbox
    Jul 27, 2023
    85
    Billy and Jimmy Lee are back in a new beat 'em up that manages to convey the traditional elements that made the IP great and new mechanics that could take it to a whole new level.
  7. Movies Games and Tech
    Feb 2, 2024
    80
    Double Dragon Gaiden is a fantastic trip down memory lane. The pixelated art style has a wonderful art style. Moreover, the audio is loud and crass. As such, if you adore old-school beat 'em up games, you will fall for its dated charms. My only complaint is the mindless nature of the action is shallow and repetitive.
  8. SECTOR.sk
    Jul 27, 2023
    80
    Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons brings some innovations that nicely revitalize the gameplay and offer a new experience, but the game somewhat loses its essence from the well-known series. It provides replayability, but it is still relatively short.
  9. Worth Playing
    Jul 27, 2023
    80
    Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a fun little beat-'em-up that scratches the itch of obliterating a ton of foes at once. The roguelike elements and multiplayer provide some nice added value, but unfortunately, it quickly ends up feeling pretty repetitive. It doesn't quite match the absurd polish of something like Streets of Rage 4, but it manages to be a darn fun time nonetheless.
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  1. Xboxygen
    Jul 27, 2023
    Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is certainly not the licence’s renaissance we had been eagerly awaiting. While fun, especially in multiplayer mode, Secret Base's title faces the limitations of a genre that it does not really seek to renew, except through the prism of clichés taken from other genres. It is good fun, with a unique artistic direction that will undoubtedly keep beat'em up fans happy for a while.

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Best Xbox Series X Game of 2023
42
#42 Most Discussed Xbox Series X Game of 2023

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 2 out of 6
  1. 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 »
  2. laoyu2100
    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 »
  3. NU668
    Aug 31, 2023
    10
    It's a very interesting game with a strong sense of impact. I love playing with my good friends and reminiscing about our childhood
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