I played Double Dragon II and III on the NES a lot as a kid. By myself and with friends. Neon was a really great re-imagining of the Double Dragon games. It's too bad they removed the head grab plus knee bash to the face move but surprisingly I didn't really miss it much (but still I would've preferred it …
I played Double Dragon II and III on the NES a lot as a kid. By myself and with friends. Neon was a really great re-imagining of the Double Dragon games. It's too bad they removed the head grab plus knee bash to the face move but surprisingly I didn't really miss it much (but still I would've preferred it was included). Some of the extra special moves (a bomb throw?) are really out of place. They're linked to collecting tapes which increase the character's stats and special move damage. Although cassettes are thematically appropriate, I would've preferred no tape upgrade system as it's just extra padding. The fighting feels very good with the last minute dodge mechanic earning gleam that gives you more special move gauge and damage output. The levels are pretty funny and creative taking inspiration from the old games but with new elements like environmental hazards. It's too bad this wasn't successful enough to continue with a sequel.
You can only attack left-right in the game but this isn't an issue most of the time and it's typical of the 2D beat'em up genre but there are moments where you think you're in line with the enemy or boss only for your attack to whiff because you're not exactly on the same plane. Even though he seems like a Skeletor+Super Shredder mashup or ripoff, I think the final boss Skullmageddon is a brilliant and hilarious homage. It's also funny that if you pick up the comb (instead of the bat or other weapon) and are accurate with your throw you can knock off his hat before the final fight begins and deprive him of some moves. It's little details like this that I really appreciate about the game.
