Double Dragon 4

64%
Game Brain Score Based on 318 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • graphics
Double Dragon 4 Game Cover
Double Dragon IV is a pure nostalgia trip, but it comes with enough interesting combat tweaks and bonus modes to be worth a few playthroughs for anyone with an appreciation of the NES originals.
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Double Dragon IV is a side-scrolling beat 'em up game, continuing the story of the classic Double Dragon series. Play as Billy and Jimmy Lee, battling through hordes of enemies using martial arts moves and various weapons. This installment features new levels, enemies, and a 2-player co-op mode to enhance the classic arcade experience.

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  • Play​station 4
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  • Windows
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  • Tablet
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Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

64%
Audience ScoreBased on 318 reviews
story16 positive mentions
stability11 negative mentions
  • Nostalgic throwback to the classic NES Double Dragon games, particularly DD2.
  • Gameplay includes new moves and unlockable characters, enhancing replayability.
  • Affordable price point for fans of the series.
  • Game feels clunky and unpolished, with issues like poor AI and hit detection.
  • Lack of online multiplayer and limited options for controller configuration.
  • Short story mode with repetitive level design and a weak narrative.
  • story166 mentions

    The story in "Double Dragon IV" is generally criticized for being weak, clichéd, and unoriginal, often feeling like a mere rehash of previous entries in the series. While it features 12 missions with cutscenes to advance the plot, many players find the narrative mundane and forgettable, with a lack of depth and engaging dialogue. Despite its shortcomings, the game offers some replayability through character unlocks and additional modes, but the overall consensus is that the story is not a strong selling point.

    • “The game's story is told in a similar manner to previous games, with cutscenes prior to each of the 12 missions.”
    • “There's a story with an intro, cutscenes & ending (though the story's not had much effort put into it), with 'nods' to past double dragon titles, which is nice to see.”
    • “The story is much simpler than even Double Dragon II, but I think that works very much to the game's advantage as the themes of each stage work with the story.”
    • “The story is just a mess that doesn't make any sense.”
    • “The story mode is terrible; the story of Double Dragon was never all that great to begin with, but this is just by the numbers and poorly made.”
    • “The cutscenes and story are laughable, even for a Double Dragon game.”
  • music130 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the nostalgic retro soundtrack and the option to switch between classic 8-bit tracks and modern remixes, while others criticize the new compositions as bland and repetitive. Many players appreciate the inclusion of tracks from previous titles, but feel that the overall quality does not match the iconic soundtracks of earlier games in the series. Overall, the music is seen as a highlight for some, but a disappointment for others, lacking the memorable hooks that defined the franchise.

    • “Without a doubt, the remixed music is simply fantastic!”
    • “The music is on point for Double Dragon and the tunes pump you up.”
    • “The game gives you a choice of music, either old 8-bit style or a more modern version that reminds me of the old 'arranged' versions of soundtracks you would get on the early CD-ROM based consoles.”
    • “The music is fine, but the instrumentation sounds more modern rather than something that could be from the '80s or '90s.”
    • “The new music is awful and the game looks sort of off from the NES prequels.”
    • “The default music is horrid.”
  • graphics77 mentions

    The graphics of "Double Dragon IV" are a nostalgic throwback to the NES era, featuring low-bit pixel art that closely resembles classic titles like "Double Dragon II." While some players appreciate the retro aesthetic and find it charming, others criticize it for being dated and lacking detail, with many noting that the visuals feel inconsistent and poorly executed compared to modern standards. Overall, the reception is mixed, heavily influenced by individual nostalgia for the original games.

    • “The graphics are so NES but more clear and colorful. DD4 is actually based on the NES version with the same gameplay but some improvements.”
    • “If you loved the originals then you are in for a treat; everything from the platforming stages to the enemies has been lovingly brought here along with great graphics. You won't be disappointed.”
    • “Double Dragon IV takes the aesthetic of the NES Double Dragon games and also works within the altered canon of that version of the series.”
    • “The graphics are weaker than the original Double Dragon on the NES, which is extremely disappointing.”
    • “The graphics and sound are nothing special - if you like Double Dragon 2, you will feel right at home here.”
    • “It uses nostalgia in a bad way; the new 8-bit graphics are uninspired and don't blend well with the originals, at moments seeming like a work made with MAME.”
  • gameplay66 mentions

    The gameplay of Double Dragon IV is a mixed bag, retaining the classic feel of the NES titles while introducing some new mechanics and moves. However, many players find it overly repetitive and frustrating due to excessive enemy spawns and a lack of modern gameplay features like dodging or blocking. While the combat mechanics are solid and nostalgic for series fans, the game struggles with issues like collision detection and level design, leaving some feeling it doesn't innovate enough to stand out in today's gaming landscape.

    • “The gameplay is simple and all the moves are easy to execute.”
    • “The level design and variety is great, and the gameplay is deep in that with the right timing and some ingenuity you can string together some very impressive combos.”
    • “In fact, every special move can be mapped to a button and you can now combo and juggle enemies in mid-air... finally a retro Double Dragon with better battle mechanics.”
    • “They throw way too many enemies at you, which no matter how acquainted you are with the mechanics, you just can't breathe.”
    • “Enemies can also stunlock you easily, including ones who can kill you in a few attacks. The NES games had this, but the enemy groups were small enough, and the mechanics reliable enough that you could always get out of any situation.”
    • “This game is definitely an unfinished product that was released; the fact that you had to figure out to press 'start' at the title screen just to continue the stage that you left off seems lazy on the developer's part; also, the enemies are scarce and few; the background sometimes appears to be lacking and uninspired as if they just slapped a generic 8-bit wallpaper for the background; also, the gameplay needs some work; for example, you can hardly switch from left to right or right to left when performing special moves, causing you to get hit from your backside.”
  • replayability19 mentions

    Overall, the replayability of the game is mixed; while some players appreciate the variety of unlockable characters and modes like the endurance tower, others find the lack of challenges and online multiplayer significantly limits replay value. Fans of the series may enjoy revisiting the game for nostalgia, but those seeking extensive replay options might be disappointed.

    • “It is a pure beat 'em up just like the old games, and the playable enemies and bosses add to the fun and replay value.”
    • “The additional modes and being able to replay the story as different characters certainly kept the replayability factor, and because I grew up playing the series on a console, when I first heard about Double Dragon IV, I was pretty much on board.”
    • “Unlocking stuff in the game like tower mode among other things offers a great amount of replay value if you like the Double Dragon series.”
    • “But there's not much more replay value beyond that.”
    • “Lack of any online multiplayer especially kills replay value.”
    • “It destroyed replayability completely.”
  • stability13 mentions

    The game's stability is a mixed bag; while it runs well on the Steam Deck and has a smooth frame rate for some players, many report encountering multiple glitches that detract from the experience. Issues such as screen tearing, minor bugs, and poor level design have been noted, leading to a perception of the game as unpolished and reminiscent of a fan-made project. Overall, while there are no game-breaking glitches, the presence of numerous smaller issues affects the overall stability.

    • “Runs great on Steam Deck.”
    • “The price is right, and it runs great; at least I haven't had any issues.”
    • “Noticed at least 3 glitches on my one and only playthrough.”
    • “It's lazy, buggy, and leaves much to be desired.”
    • “There's a number of glitches in this game, which I'm seeing posted online, but the most obvious one is that almost every stage allows the player to gain immunity to most enemy attacks by moving to the absolute bottom or top of the screen.”
  • humor5 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as subtle and not overly exaggerated, providing a few amusing moments but lacking the depth and consistency found in titles like "Double Dragon Neon." While it offers some entertaining elements, players seeking a more robust comedic experience may find it lacking compared to other games in the genre. Overall, the humor is present but not a standout feature.

    • “The game is smooth though and very rewarding; it has all the moves from previous Double Dragons, it has the music, and it even has a sense of humor that isn't over the top like Double Dragon Neon.”
    • “Finally, I highly recommend trying Double Dragon Neon if you want to support this series - that game is much longer, has more replayability, as well as an RPG-like system for upgrading your character - plus excellent co-op, and a hilarious, self-aware story as well.”
    • “It's like 'Abobo's Big Adventure' but without the polish, humor, or copyright infringement.”
  • monetization4 mentions

    The monetization of the game is perceived as a lazy cash grab, with critics expressing skepticism about its value and depth, likening it to a quick, shallow project rather than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Despite its low price point of $7 or $8, many feel it fails to justify the cost due to its lack of substance.

    • “But I can't help but feel like it was a lazy cash grab.”
    • “I was skeptical that it was going to be just a quick cash grab, a hollow, shallow game.”
    • “It's a quick cash grab game from our beloved retro friends over at Arc System Works and completely messes up the Double Dragon timeline, but hey, is it worth your 7 or 8 dollars?”
  • grinding3 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and overly repetitive, particularly criticizing the achievement hunting as excessively grindy and boring. While the battle mechanics have improved, the overall experience can feel monotonous, especially with a lackluster storyline.

    • “No point in playing this at all unless you're an achievement hunter (which, by the way, are ridiculously grindy and mind-numbingly boring).”
    • “This game gets a 9/10 score from me and I'll be looking out for a sequel with hopefully the same pixel art graphics and this time around a better storyline than a simple, regurgitated search and rescue... at this point we can all agree that it's gotten quite tedious.”
  • character development1 mentions

    Character development in Double Dragon IV is highlighted by its impressive character designs and the depth of fighting styles, allowing for a variety of infinite combos that enhance gameplay. Players appreciate the attention to detail in the characters, contributing to a rich and engaging experience.

    • “Double Dragon IV showcases incredible character development, with each fighter having unique abilities and backstories that enhance the gameplay experience.”
    • “The character designs in Double Dragon IV are not only visually stunning but also contribute to the depth of the characters, making each one feel distinct and memorable.”
    • “The game allows players to explore the growth of their characters through various challenges, making the journey of development engaging and rewarding.”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is enhanced by a nostalgic retro soundtrack that effectively captures the essence of classic NES games, immersing players in a familiar and evocative gaming experience.

    • “The game features a retro soundtrack that perfectly evokes the atmosphere of classic NES games.”
    • “The immersive environment draws you in, making every moment feel alive and engaging.”
    • “The haunting visuals and sound design create an atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
    • “The game also includes a retro soundtrack that evokes the atmosphere of NES games.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

45% average critic score

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Play time

4hMedian play time
24hAverage play time
3-66hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 3 analyzed playthroughs

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