The sequel improves everything: controls, levels, variety. One of the best beat'em ups on NES. The attack direction system is far more intuitive. Essential for genre fans.
Your verdict
Category
Beat-'Em-Up2 players12+
Co-op
Description
Double Dragon sequel with a more epic scenario and the finest combat mechanics in the series. Published by Acclaim, released in Japan in 1989. Billy and Jimmy with new techniques including the cyclone kick, varied enemies and imposing bosses. Second and finest Double Dragon on NES.
Double Dragon II - The Revenge review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
2/5
Story
★★★★★
"Classic"
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
The sequel sharpens street brawling with more varied moves, trickier scenery and a co-op mode at last fully integrated. Chaining enemies and syncing attacks with a friend delivers a fiercely satisfying pleasure. Harder, more generous, this entry pushes the formula a notch further and stays one of the console's beat-'em-up peaks.
The Japanese Famicom version of the Technos beat'em up, the original strain of the title before its Western NES run. On the Japanese market Double Dragon II circulates as a small-format Famicom cart at an accessible price, making it an affordable gateway into the Technos trilogy. The appeal rests on the developer's historical roots on its home console rather than on print scarcity.
Better with friends
A two-player street beat-'em-up where the twin brothers pummel gangs that come in numbers, side by side, with grabs and spinning kicks. Cooperation is straightforward, but friendly fire adds a pinch of teasing chaos when a misplaced blow drops your buddy. Snappy and a touch demanding, it bonds duos who learn to sync up, and clearing a level together instantly calls for the next.
Is Double Dragon II - The Revenge still worth playing in 2026?
Double Dragon II - The Revenge improves everything over the first entry: more intuitive controls, more varied levels and a directional attack system that genuinely revolutionises the experience. The Lee brothers chain techniques with new precision, and the cooperative mode finally becomes fully enjoyable. The difficulty stays high but fair, the soundtrack memorable. Today one of the NES's best beat 'em ups, especially shining in two-player. A must for retro Technos lovers.
