Double Fight Dragon 1995

Double Fight Dragon 1995: A Legendary Beat 'Em Up

Double Fight Dragon 1995, originally known as Double Dragon, is a classic beat 'em up video game series that revolutionized the gaming industry in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Initially developed by Technōs Japan, this game series was first released as an arcade game in 1987. The series revolves around twin martial artists, Billy Lee and Jimmy Lee, who embark on a series of adventures to defeat various adversaries and rivals.

The original Double Dragon was a massive hit, ushering in what many call the "Golden Age" of beat 'em up games. This success led to numerous sequels and adaptations across multiple platforms. The NES version, produced by Technōs, was released in 1988, followed by a Game Boy version in 1990. Over the years, various licensed versions were created for platforms like the Master System, Atari 2600, Atari 7800, Genesis, Atari Lynx, and home computers.

Two direct sequels, Double Dragon II: The Revenge and Double Dragon 3: The Rosetta Stone, were released for the arcade in 1988 and 1990, respectively. These were followed by console versions, with Double Dragon II for the Game Boy featuring an unrelated storyline. In 1992, Super Double Dragon was released exclusively for the Super NES, marking the last game produced by the original Technōs team.

In 1994, Double Dragon V: The Shadow Falls was released for the Super NES and Genesis by Tradewest. Developed by Leland Interactive, this fighting game was based on the Double Dragon animated TV series by Bohbot Entertainment. A Jaguar version was also released by Telegames.

Beyond its primary releases, Double Dragon has made appearances in other notable games. For example, Super Spike V'Ball on the NES features Billy and Jimmy as playable characters. In WWF Superstars (arcade), Billy makes a cameo appearance as a spectator. Additionally, River City Ransom (NES) incorporates the Double Dragon theme music during battles against characters inspired by Billy and Jimmy.

Another significant crossover game is Battletoads/Double Dragon, which combines characters from both franchises. Voltage Fighter Gowcaizer on the Neo Geo includes a cameo by Burnov, a character from the Neo Geo version of Double Dragon. Even in Rage of the Dragons (Neo Geo), the main characters are named after Billy and Jimmy, though with a different surname.

The legacy of Double Dragon extends beyond official sequels and adaptations. Unofficial parodies like Abobo's Big Adventure pay homage to the series, while newer titles such as River City: Rival Showdown and River City Girls continue to feature the iconic Lee brothers in various roles.

From its humble beginnings as an arcade hit to its enduring influence across multiple genres and decades, Double Dragon remains a beloved classic in the world of video games.