There was a time when Double Dragon was the king of arcade brawlers. I still remember the first time I played it, mashing buttons, punching and kicking my way through enemies. The mix of street fights, cheap enemies, and that iconic soundtrack made it unforgettable. Years later, Double Dragon Neon attempts to bring that same magic to a new generation. In this review, we’ll explore how it stands out with its flashy, self-aware spin on the series.
Originally released in 2012, Double Dragon Neon reimagines the classic beat ‘em up. WayForward takes the familiar formula of punching through waves of enemies but adds humour, a unique combat system, and a bright, colourful style. While some beat ‘em ups stick to their roots, Double Dragon Neon leans into its over-the-top style with mixtape power-ups, high-fives, and a villain who sounds straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon.
More than a decade after its release, Double Dragon Neon remains a game fans are split on. Some appreciate its dedication to nostalgia and co-op fun, while others find its combat slower than expected. But does it still hold up against modern beat ‘em ups? Let’s find out in this Double Dragon Neon review.
A Classic Rescue with a Wild Twist
At its core, Double Dragon Neon sticks to the series’ classic setup. Marian gets punched in the gut and kidnapped, leaving Billy and Jimmy to fight through waves of enemies to save her. It’s a familiar premise, but this time, things take a wild turn. Instead of just fighting street thugs, the Lee brothers end up in outer space, facing off against Skullmageddon, a cartoonish villain who could be straight out of a Saturday morning show.
The exaggerated style is a major shift from the original Double Dragon, which had a more grounded setting. Neon fully embraces over-the-top humour, throwing in ridiculous dialogue, exaggerated animations, and a self-aware tone that constantly pokes fun at itself. Skullmageddon steals the show with his Skeletor-inspired voice and endless stream of cheesy one-liners. The game leans into its ‘80s influences, mixing classic action tropes with goofy antics, making it clear that it doesn’t take itself seriously.
Even with all the craziness, the game still follows the basic Double Dragon structure. You move from one area to the next, taking down colourful henchmen and progressing through increasingly bizarre levels. The story is simple, but it stays fun with its nonstop action and retro humour. Whether you like the change depends on how much you enjoy the game’s goofy style.
Brawling with Style and Strategy
At first look, Double Dragon Neon looks like a standard beat ‘em up—walk forward, punch enemies, move to the next area. But WayForward have added gameplay mechanics that set it apart. Combat is slower and more deliberate than games like Streets of Rage 4, focusing on dodging, counterattacks, and mix-and-match upgrades through the mixtape system.
Instead of mashing punches and kicks, you’ll need to time your moves carefully. Dodging at the right moment triggers the Gleam system, doubling your damage. It rewards timing over button mashing. Weapons like bats and whips show up, but they don’t dominate fights like in older Double Dragon games. Instead, your moves and mixtapes determine your strategy.
Mixtapes function as both special moves and stat boosts. You can equip one Sosetsitsu mixtape for abilities like fireballs or spinning kicks and one Stance mixtape for stat bonuses. Upgrading them requires Mythril, dropped by bosses or found in levels, encouraging you to replay stages.
During one fight, things got chaotic. I grabbed a baseball bat, and just as I swung, an enemy dodged and knocked it away. Other enemies started to close in, I had to rely on dodging and counterattacks. Luckily, by timing my rolls I got a Gleam boost, and a charged uppercut cleared them all out.
The pace might feel slow, but the mix of dodging, mixtapes, and special moves keeps it interesting.
Neon Brilliance and Retro Beats
Double Dragon Neon lives up to its name with a bright, colourful visual style that sets it apart. Its bold neon colours, larger-than-life character designs, and fun environments give it a unique look. Each level feels visually unique, from urban streets lit by glowing signs to out-of-this-world outer space scenes. The vibrant aesthetic captures the wild ‘80s cartoon style, creating a mix of nostalgia and something new.
The soundtrack, composed by Jake Kaufman, is fantastic. It combines remixes of classic Double Dragon themes with original tracks that capture the retro ‘80s sound. From high-energy beats to laid-back tunes, the music matches the mood of each stage. The music doesn’t just fit the mood; it also makes battles more exciting and memorable.
The game’s playful tone ties everything together. The exaggerated animations give every hit more weight, turning simple attacks into satisfying moments. Cheesy dialogue and goofy villains keep things light, even during tough fights. This mix of humour and high-energy action helps the game maintain a consistent rhythm, making it easy to pick up and enjoy.
Double Dragon: Neon is a Unique and Charming Retro Throwback
More than a decade after its release, Double Dragon Neon still feels enjoyable and relevant. Its bright, cartoonish look and self-aware humour give it a unique identity. The mixtape system and dodge-based combat add strategy, offering a satisfying challenge once you adjust to the slower pace.
Not everyone will enjoy that slower pace, though. If you’re looking for fast, non-stop action, you might be disappointed. The humour and over-the-top style might not click with everyone, either. While I found the dialogue and characters funny, I can see how they could feel too silly for some.
Still, Double Dragon Neon has its charm. The colourful visuals and Jake Kaufman’s amazing soundtrack make every stage enjoyable. Even if it doesn’t reinvent the beat ‘em up formula, it’s still a fun, memorable experience. If you enjoy a mix of strategy, humour, and retro flair, Double Dragon Neon is worth a look.
Double Dragon: Neon
Summary
Double Dragon Neon reimagines the classic arcade beat ‘em up with bright, ‘80s-inspired visuals, over-the-top humour, and a unique mixtape-based combat system. Its slower pace and strategic gameplay set it apart from other brawlers. Although the style and pace may not appeal to everyone, Double Dragon Neon delivers a memorable, fun experience for fans of retro-inspired action games.
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