Double Dragon Neon (XBLA): "The 80's Reborn"

The 80's were a magical time in history when the entertainment industry was at it's best, and most original. There were all sorts of awesome movies being released, the music was arguably the coolest, and video games were truly awe-inspiring. I grew up in the 80's myself, and was able to partake of the greatness that it had offered. Those who were as lucky as me will often tell you that they miss such days, because everything seemed so much simpler. As a gamer I spent most of my spare time in the 80's playing on my family's NES with my brothers. We played what seemed like hundreds of games, and never grew tired of doing so. We would revisit some games on a constant basis while certain others we would just conquer, and move on. One game we often revisited was "Double Dragon". I remember getting in fights with my brothers over the game, but looking back we did have our fun moments as well. It's memories like these that I cherish so dearly. Being able to do a review on the latest installment of the 'Double Dragon' series gave me a trip of nostalgia that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Double Dragon Neon combines a massive amount of 80's references with the old Double Dragon formula. You'll notice as you play that there is the occasional quote, bad guy, or environmental visuals which seem to be oddly reminiscent of a television show, movie, or NES game you may have played during your childhood. Everything from the character designs down to the various stages are of 80's origin. Even Billy, and Jimmy are sporting hairstyles from the 80's era. Regardless of the fact that the game presents a lot of 80's content it is still a next-gen title. The graphics have been greatly enhanced giving the game an up-to-date appearance that is in no way like it's predecessors. There were also some additions that definitely do not mirror those of previous 'Double Dragon' games.

In this installment of the series we once again find a damsel in distress who is abducted moments before Billy, and Jimmy enter the scene. The damsel in question is none other than Marian, the Brothers' sweetheart. Somehow realizing that Marian is gone the Bro duo sets out to save Marian without so much as a lead to follow. Faced with a never ending wave of thugs, dominatrix, otherworldly bosses, and a new nemesis that goes by the name "Skullmageddon" our heroes are definitely in for the fight of their lives. Fortunately the two brothers have a new bag of tricks with which to topple their adversary. Music from the 80's will be the deciding factor in this brawl, and you can be sure that you'll be hearing a lot of it as you guide the brothers to their final showdown.

The core gameplay of "Double Dragon Neon" is pretty much the same as it has always been. You have a punch (X), a kick (Y), a jump (A), and a grapple/throw button(B) with which you can dispatch the game's baddies. Also included with the core controls is the ability to pick up, and use dropped weapons. By pressing the throw button (B) when standing over a weapon Billy/Jimmy will pick it up. If you press (B) after picking the weapon up you will throw it in the direction you are facing (the Dominatrix whip & boomerang are exceptions). For movement you will use the (Left Thumbstick).

In addition to these familiar controls Billy, and Jimmy are now able to perform a handful of extra maneuvers. Dodging/rolling, and running now play a huge role in the game. In order to dodge/roll you can press the (Left Trigger) button. If an enemy throws/shoots a projectile at you you can roll under it with this move. If you do dodge such an attack it will activate what is called a "Gleam". A "Gleam" is simply a boost to Billy's, and Jimmy's attack power. If done correctly Billy/Jimmy will glow red for as long as the boost is active. Gleams can also be activated by performing a "High Five". High Fives are also a new addition to the game that offers both boosts, and a little bit of humor for the brothers. In order to activate one of the three "High Fives" (Psych, Gleam, Shared Health) you need to simply press the (Right Thumbstick) in a certain direction.

Along with the new core gameplay mechanics comes a musical RPG-like system the likes of which the 'Double Dragon' universe has never seen. As you defeat bad guys, and bad girls throughout the game you will find mixed tapes left in their absence. Collecting the mixed tapes will give you one of two different added boosts/moves. Side "A" of the tape, or "Sosetsitsu" as it is known is a special attack that can be used as long as you have the energy meter to work with. The special attacks include such things as fireball projectiles, screen filling dragons, and even invincible hurricane kicks. On side "B" of the mixed tapes you will find "Stances". Stances are basically attribute boosts that enhance Billy, and Jimmy's stats (HP, MP ...).

The unique thing about the mixed tape system is that the more you collect of a certain mixed tape/song, the more powerful/effective it will become. Initially each song/mixed tape is only capable of being enhanced 10 times but with Mythril, and the aid of the Tapesmith (A burly dude who's similar to a blacksmith) you will be able to increase the number of mixed tapes you can collect for each song. Mythril is an element that is dropped by bosses upon their defeat, and as such you will need to revisit past bosses several times in order to get enough Mythril to enhance all of your mixed tapes/songs. The Tapesmith inhabits a shop that you can enter which is located in the background of one of the first few stages. In order to visit the Tapesmith, and the other available shop owner you will need to play through the appropriate level again. Accessing, and managing your mixed tapes/songs can be done by pressing the (Start) button, and going through the various menu options.

Double Dragon Neon is made up of a sequence of 3D side-scrolling levels/stages. In order to complete a level/stage within the game you have to defeat all of the bad guys, and bad girls that cross your path. Some of the enemies will attach with normal melee attacks while others are more violent, and will use any weapon they can get their hands on. You'll even encounter larger than life baddies such as "Abobo" who will take quite some time to defeat. This is where the use of your "Sosetsitsu" attacks really come in handy. Eventually as you progress to certain stages you will come face to face with a boss that will require certain tactics/strategies to defeat. Upon defeating the boss you will be able to access a new part of the map that features an entirely new theme.

Playing through the game can prove quite difficult at times, but thankfully you can pick-up extra lives, health refills (soda bottles), and energy refills (batteries) that will aid you in your quest to save your girl. Money can also be collected from fallen foes, and in turn spent on mixed tapes and health refills at certain stores located throughout the game. Another good thing to note is that after beating a level/stage the game actually saves your progress allowing you to continue your playthrough. I think that continues are unlimited, so you can retry as often as you like. When, and if you finally complete your playthrough of "Double Dragon Neon" your finish time will be uploaded to a global leaderboard ranking you amongst the many XBL gamers who have aided Billy, and Jimmy in their most excellent adventure. Aside from the leaderboard perk you'll also unlock the next difficulty setting, and eventually a new playable character, assuming you meet the requirements.

When it's all said, and done "Double Dragon Neon" is an awesome game that is as fun, as it is nostalgic. You'll no doubt enjoy the various songs that play with each mixed tape you select, and use. The many different 80's references will likely have you doing a double take as well. As far as the gameplay goes it is solid. There wasn't a flaw within the entire game. While I wasn't able to play the game with a friend, and experience it like I should have I can assure you that if you play it as it was meant to be played (with a friend) you'll enjoy it even more than I have. For those who do not have friends to game with there is some good news. The developer (WayForward/Majesco Ent.) is working on an online co-op patch that will be released in a few weeks. If you haven't got this game yet it's definitely worth having, especially if you have someone to game with. For 800 msp you're getting a great deal.