Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons takes the classic fighting game formula and wraps it in a story about dragons, magic and a family torn apart by war. The game, developed for Series X|S, PS4, PC and PS5, launched in 2023 as a spiritual successor to the original Double Dragon series. It aims to bring back the street-fighting action while adding a fantasy layer that the originals never had. Does it succeed? Mostly.
Trailer, via Gematsu.
The Story of the Dragons
The plot follows the descendants of the Dragon clan, a family cursed by a dragon god who turned their ancestors into stone. Players control Alex, the son of the clan’s patriarch, and later his brother Robert, each with their own fighting style and moveset. The story unfolds through cutscenes rendered in cel-shaded animation, which gives the game a distinct visual identity separate from its fighting sequences.
The narrative leans heavily on fantasy tropes: gods, curses, prophecies and magical artifacts. It borrows directly from the lore of the original Double Dragon games, which also featured a dragon-themed antagonist and a family conflict. The story is told in a straightforward, linear fashion, with little room for player choice beyond which character to play.
Fighting With the Dragons
The core combat in Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a mix of street fighting and fantasy elements. Players can punch, kick, grapple and throw enemies, along with special moves tied to the dragon theme. Each character has a unique set of attacks, and the game encourages mastering both characters to get the full range of techniques.
The controls are responsive on Series X|S and PS5, with quick animations that make combos feel satisfying. On PS4 and PC, the experience holds up well too, though the frame rate can dip during busy screen chaos. The game supports online multiplayer, allowing players to fight against each other across all platforms.
“The controls are responsive on Series X|S and PS5, with quick animations that make combos feel satisfying.”
The Dragon Elements
The fantasy elements are the biggest addition to the formula. Enemies include armored knights, lizard riders and dragon minions, giving fights a more varied look than the standard gang members of older Double Dragon titles. Bosses are large and dramatic, often requiring players to dodge fire attacks or break through shield barriers before landing the final blow.
The setting shifts between gritty city streets and mystical locations, with occasional references to the dragon god that cursed the Dragon clan. These fantasy touches are mostly cosmetic, but they give the game a distinct identity within the genre.
Presentation Across Platforms
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons runs on four platforms, and the presentation varies between them. On Series X|S and PS5, the game looks sharp with smooth frame rates during most fights. The cel-shaded cutscenes hold up well on both consoles, though they are limited to pre-rendered sequences rather than dynamic motion-capture.
On PS4 and PC, the visuals are slightly less detailed, and the frame rate drops more noticeably during busy screens. The game still runs smoothly enough for extended play sessions, but the drop is noticeable to anyone paying attention. The game’s audio design includes a mix of electronic and orchestral scores, with sound effects that emphasize the fantasy setting.
Learning the Moves
The game offers a tutorial that covers basic punches, kicks and throws, but it doesn’t go deep into the special dragon moves until players start playing. This means early sessions can feel frustrating as players learn the timing for combo inputs.
The difficulty curve is steep, especially on higher settings, which can frustrate players used to modern games with adjustable challenge levels. Some boss fights require precise button presses at specific times, adding an extra layer of challenge beyond simple reflexes.
A Mixed Verdict
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons succeeds in bringing back the energy of classic street fighting while adding a fantasy twist that keeps the formula fresh. The dragon theme gives the game a distinct identity, even if it occasionally overreaches with its fantasy elements. The fighting mechanics are solid, and the presentation is strong on Series X|S and PS5.
The game is best enjoyed as a shared experience with friends, whether online or in the same room. Playing with a second person adds a layer of strategy that solo play lacks, especially when facing off against the game’s bosses.
The weaker points are the platform performance differences and the steep learning curve. The PS4 and PC versions suffer more than the newer consoles, and new players may struggle to get past the initial hurdles. The game’s reliance on pre-rendered cutscenes also limits its emotional impact compared to fully animated storytelling.
Where It Lands
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is a worthy entry in the franchise, mixing classic fighting with a fantasy twist that gives it a distinct identity. It won’t appeal to everyone, but fans of the genre and those curious about its fantasy direction will find plenty to enjoy.
The game is available on Series X|S, PS4, PC and PS5, with a mix of console and PC versions showing different strengths. The PS5 version is the most polished, while the PC version lags behind in performance. The game’s critical reception has been mixed, with some reviewers praising the fighting and others noting the platform issues.
For players willing to put in the time, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons offers a solid, if imperfect, package. It respects the legacy of the original games while pushing the series forward in a new direction.
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