Double Dragon II: The Revenge for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is a quintessential beat 'em up game that left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. Developed by Technōs Japan and published by Acclaim Entertainment, this sequel to the original Double Dragon game continued the saga of the Lee brothers, Billy and Jimmy, as they embarked on a relentless quest for justice, vengeance, and the rescue of Marian, Billy's girlfriend. In this review article, we will explore the key aspects of this iconic NES title, from its gameplay mechanics to its memorable cheat codes.
Double Dragon II: The Revenge was initially released in Japan on January 12, 1989, and later made its way to North America in June of the same year. The game was developed by Technōs Japan, a renowned developer responsible for several classic arcade and console titles, including the original Double Dragon.
Storyline
Double Dragon II: The Revenge builds upon the narrative of the first game. The story revolves around the tragic murder of Marian, the love interest of Billy and Jimmy Lee. The Lee brothers must confront their adversaries, the Black Warriors, who are responsible for Marian's death, and seek vengeance. The plot, while straightforward, sets the stage for an intense and action-packed beat 'em up experience.
Gameplay
The core gameplay of Double Dragon II remains true to the beat 'em up genre. Players navigate a series of side-scrolling levels, defeating waves of enemies using a variety of martial arts moves. The NES version introduced improvements to the control scheme compared to the original, making it more responsive and accessible. Players can punch, kick, jump, and execute powerful special moves as they progress through the game.
One of the game's standout features is its two-player cooperative mode, allowing friends to team up as the Lee brothers to tackle enemies together. Cooperative play adds an extra layer of enjoyment and strategy as players coordinate their attacks to defeat tougher opponents.
Level Design
Double Dragon II features diverse and challenging levels, each with unique environments and enemies. From the city streets to the interior of a helicopter, the game keeps players engaged with its changing scenery and encounters. Boss battles are memorable and require strategic thinking to defeat.
Cheat Codes
While Double Dragon II: The Revenge doesn't have a multitude of cheat codes like some other NES games, it does have a noteworthy code that can be quite useful:
The famous "stage select" code that allows you to choose the level you want to start from. To activate this stage select cheat, follow these steps:
1. Start a new game and play until you reach the title screen.
2. On the title screen, press and hold the A and B buttons simultaneously.
3. While holding A and B, press Start.
4. You will now enter a stage select screen where you can choose which level you want to start on.
Finale-o-rama
Double Dragon II: The Revenge on the NES stands as a classic example of the beat 'em up genre and is remembered fondly by retro gamers. Its engaging gameplay, cooperative mode, and memorable storyline make it a must-play for fans of 8-bit gaming. While its cheat codes may not be numerous, they can provide an extra layer of enjoyment for those seeking a more relaxed gaming experience. Even decades after its release, Double Dragon II: The Revenge remains a beloved title that continues to entertain gamers and exemplify the timeless appeal of classic NES games.
