Double Dragon II

STORY / GAMEPLAY
The arcade version of Double Dragon II is essentially a reworked version of the original Double Dragon, using the same engine and redrawing most of the game's graphics. The main change in the game is the replacement of the original game's punch and kick configuration by a two-way attacking system (Left Attack and Right Attack) similar to one of Technos's previous beat 'em up games, the Renegade. The objective of the game is to avenge Marian's death. Like in the first Double Dragon, there are four stages in total, consist of a heliport, a lumber storehouse, a cornfield and the gang's hideout. All enemy characters from the first game are back, with just some minor differences such as different hairstyles or physical features, as well as new attacks. Although its name, the overall gameplay is not something special. It gets a bit frustrating as most of the times you will find yourself surrounded by numerous nasties, aiming to kick or punch you instantly. And more on that, you can only hit, walk or jump from left to right and vice versa which will leave you uncovered most of the times. Other than that, the Double Dragon II (and the whole DD series) is a good title and worths to give it a try, just to remember the old good days.

GRAPHICS / SOUND
The Commodore version features nice graphics and keeps most of the original's (arcade) details while the sprites move relatively good. The backgrounds look a bit blocky compared to the CPC and ZX versions. The sound features a few simple sound effects while there is a very nice introductory theme, comparably better than the CPC's.