Super Double Dragon was released in 1992 by Tradewest/Technos(Japan). Like
the other Double Dragons (except Double Dragon 5) you fight enemies on a
2-dimensional stage. You can move up, down, left, and right. Unfortunately
when I got this game it didn't have the booklet (this is a hard game to
find), so the only thing I know is that it is Double Dragon 4.
Gameplay and Control [8/10]:
The gameplay takes a few minutes to figure out, but it is relatively easy.
Super Double Dragon has a wide variety of attacks. There is a punch button,
a kick button, and a jump button. You can pick up weapons like the previous
games. A new addition to the game is the ability to block your opponents
attacks and an extra power bar! Blocking is simple, there is one button for
it and you can react by punching, kicking, and throwing your opponent while
you hold his arm (it will either stop the attack or grab his arm). You can
even kick other people while you hold his arm and then throw him on another
opponent. The extra power bar can be charged for more powerful attacks by
holding L or R (you will need about 8 seconds to do this all the way). If
you charge it all the way you will become "powered up" and just one hit will
knock a person down. If you charge it half way he will do a spinning kick
across the screen taking out anyone in the way. Charging below half way will
do a jump-spinning kick or spinning back-fist. The variety of attacks makes
it a lot of fun. The two player game is even more fun.
Graphics [8/10]:
The graphics are pretty good, even though there were no additions like the FX
chip or mode 7. All the stages are colorful, a few have punching bags that
you can kick (not very affective but fun). Some stages are moving the whole
time (in an elevator and on a train), and there is no slowdown. Others are
kind of plain but look like dojo's (it adds the karate element).
Music and Sound [7/10]:
The sound is kind of ordinary. There is new music for each stage. A few
songs are from the original Double Dragon. The sound is never fuzzy or
weird. You can hear all the attacks with no problem.
Challenge and replay [7/10]:
The one player game is fun but looonnnng! Same with the two player mode.
There are two modes: Two player A (can't hurt each other), and two player B
(can hurt each other). Along the way you can grab weapons from enemies
(knives, fire-bombs, nunchucks, sticks, and rocks). Super Double Dragon
feels different than the others. It kind of feels like Fighting Force. The
challenge is at a medium-hard level, just right for the game. Playing it too
long will give you sore thumbs, so I recommend you use turbo pads. Interest
for what will be in the next level will keep you coming back for more.
Conclusion/Overall [7.5/10]:
It's the only one on Super Nintendo, and it's hard to find. This game does
what it's supposed to: kick butt! Walking around beating up people has
always been fun and this is a great addition to the library.
