Double Dragon II: The Revenge is a side-scrolling beat-em-up developed by Technos Japan for the NES, released in 1988. The story is direct: the Shadow Warriors have shot Marian, and brothers Billy and Jimmy Lee fight their way through the gang’s ranks — across city rooftops, a forest, and a helicopter — until they reach Willy, the leader responsible. The NES version sets itself apart from the arcade original with a move-progression system: defeating enemies earns experience, and new techniques unlock as your level rises, rewarding players who clear each screen rather than rush past it.
How to Play
Move with the arrow keys. Z is the attack button (NES B); X is jump (NES A). Direction and distance change what you throw:
- Arrow keys — move and dodge
- Z — punch or kick (context-dependent)
- X — jump
- Face away from enemy, press Z — elbow smash, hits behind you without turning
- Jump + Z — jump kick; the cyclone kick and other moves unlock as you level up
- Enter — Start Shift — Select
Tips
- Pick up dropped weapons. Enemies carrying bats, chains, or other weapons drop them when knocked down. Grab one before they stand — weapons deal considerably more damage than bare fists.
- Use the elbow smash for enemies closing from behind. Pressing Z while facing away triggers the elbow: it hits without rotating your character, and it breaks up the tight groups that form on busier screens.
- Fight every enemy on every screen. New moves unlock at experience thresholds. Clearing screens fully rather than advancing quickly gets you the stronger techniques — including the cyclone kick — sooner.
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