Double Dragon 4

54%
Game Brain Score Based on 563 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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  • PC
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  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Mobile Platform
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  • Tablet
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Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

54%
Audience ScoreBased on 563 reviews
story32 positive mentions
stability18 negative mentions
  • Nostalgic throwback to the classic NES Double Dragon games, particularly DD2.
  • Gameplay includes new moves and combos, enhancing the classic fighting mechanics.
  • Unlockable characters and modes, such as Tower Mode, add replay value.
  • Game feels unpolished with issues like poor AI, inconsistent hit detection, and frustrating platforming sections.
  • Lack of online multiplayer and limited options for screen resolution and controls.
  • Short story mode that can be completed quickly, leading to a lack of challenge for experienced players.
  • story324 mentions

    The story in "Double Dragon IV" is generally criticized for being weak, mundane, and lacking depth, often feeling like a rehash of previous entries in the series. Players noted that the plot revolves around the familiar trope of rescuing a kidnapped character, with cutscenes that are considered laughable and unmemorable. While the game offers some nostalgic elements and unlockable characters, the overall narrative fails to engage, leading many to view it as a secondary concern compared to the gameplay itself.

    • “The game's story is told in a similar manner to previous games, with cutscenes prior to each of the 12 missions.”
    • “When you finish the story mode once, you'll be allowed to venture into the tower; a survival mode, and each five floors conquered will give you access to the right of playing through the story mode using other characters.”
    • “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 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 story is just a mess that doesn't make any sense.”
    • “The cutscenes and story are laughable, even for a Double Dragon game.”
  • music235 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 and modern remixed versions. However, many players find the new music to be bland and repetitive, lacking the memorable quality of earlier titles in the series. Overall, while the retro option is appreciated, the original compositions are often criticized for not capturing the same charm as the classic soundtracks.

    • “Without a doubt, the remixed music is simply fantastic!”
    • “The music is good and has a nice old school feel to it.”
    • “Great music, perfect nostalgia trip.”
    • “The new music is awful and the game looks sort of off from the NES prequels.”
    • “The default music is horrid.”
    • “The soundtrack sounds bland even in retro style, and some of the original sound effects are missing.”
  • graphics136 mentions

    The graphics of "Double Dragon IV" are a nostalgic throwback to the NES era, featuring low-bit pixel art that some players find charming while others deem it dated and uninspired. While the character sprites evoke fond memories, the backgrounds often lack detail and cohesion, leading to mixed reviews on their overall quality. Many appreciate the retro aesthetic, but criticisms arise regarding the lack of graphical options and the game's reliance on reused assets, resulting in a visual experience that feels inconsistent and sometimes rough around the edges.

    • “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.”
    • “The graphics and sound are clearly a throwback to the glory days of the NES.”
    • “It uses nostalgia in a bad way, the new 8-bit graphics are uninspired and don't blend well with the originals; at moments it seems like a work made with MAME.”
    • “The graphics are horrible and I could have produced a better game myself using Unity.”
    • “The background visuals are almost entirely drawings or even photos clumsily reduced to lower color depth, rather than actual pixel art.”
  • gameplay120 mentions

    The gameplay of Double Dragon IV has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it retains the classic feel of the NES games, it suffers from issues such as overwhelming enemy numbers, stunlock mechanics, and a lack of modern gameplay features like dodging or blocking. Although some improvements have been made, including more varied moves and better combo mechanics, the overall experience is marred by repetitiveness and frustrating platforming elements. Fans of the series may appreciate the nostalgia, but newcomers might find the gameplay outdated and lacking in innovation.

    • “The gameplay is simple and all the moves are easy to execute.”
    • “In a nutshell -- the mechanics are solid, its combat is everything Double Dragon II was but better.”
    • “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.”
    • “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 has so much potential; its main inspiration is clearly Double Dragon 2 for the NES, but I think it also included gameplay from DD arcade or DD 3. 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.”
  • replayability36 mentions

    Replayability in the game is mixed; while it offers some fun through modes like the endurance tower and the ability to unlock various characters with unique movesets, many players feel that the overall replay value is limited, especially due to the absence of online multiplayer and a lack of challenging content. Fans of the series may find enjoyment in replaying the story with different characters, but those seeking extensive replay value 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.”
    • “Low replay value due to lack of or obnoxious challenges, though fans of the NES games might enjoy a playthrough to try it.”
    • “Lack of any online multiplayer especially kills replay value.”
  • stability22 mentions

    The game's stability is generally mixed; while it runs smoothly on the Steam Deck with no major issues reported, players have encountered various glitches, including immunity exploits and minor visual bugs. Some users experienced significant screen tearing and performance problems on PC, suggesting that the game's stability may vary significantly across different platforms. Overall, while there are no game-breaking issues, the presence of multiple glitches detracts from the experience, leading some to feel it resembles a fan-made project rather than a polished title.

    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “Update: I managed to use the Steam controller's configurator to figure out a workable way to re-map the controls, but the game runs so poorly with massive screen tearing on my PC (Intel i5 6400 CPU, AMD R9 380X 4GB, 16GB system RAM) that it's not worth the troubleshooting effort.”
  • humor8 mentions

    The game's humor is described as subtle and not overly exaggerated, contrasting with the more comedic tone of "Double Dragon Neon." While it offers a rewarding experience, it lacks the polish and humor found in similar titles, making it less appealing for those seeking a game with a strong comedic element. Overall, players may find the humor enjoyable but not as prominent or engaging as in other games in the genre.

    • “The game is smooth 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.”
  • monetization8 mentions

    The monetization of the game has been criticized as a "lazy cash grab," with reviewers expressing skepticism about its value and depth, likening it to a quick, shallow experience reminiscent of ROM hacks or flash games. Despite its low price point of around $7 or $8, many feel it fails to justify the cost due to its perceived lack of quality and innovation.

    • “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?”
  • grinding4 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly due to repetitive tasks like search and rescue missions. However, the improved battle mechanics, which utilize more than two buttons, help alleviate some of the monotony compared to previous installments. Overall, while the grinding can feel tiresome, the gameplay mechanics offer a more engaging experience.

    • “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. However, this time around, a better storyline than a simple, regurgitated search and rescue is needed. At this point, we can all agree that it's gotten quite tedious.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Character development in Double Dragon IV is noted for its impressive character designs and the depth of fighting styles, allowing for a variety of infinite combos. However, the reviews do not elaborate on individual character arcs or growth, focusing more on gameplay mechanics than narrative progression.

    • “Double Dragon IV features incredible character designs that enhance the overall fighting experience.”
    • “The character development in Double Dragon IV is impressive, with unique styles and infinite combo possibilities.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is heavily influenced by a nostalgic retro soundtrack that successfully captures the essence of NES games, enhancing the overall experience for players.

    • “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 6 analyzed playthroughs

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