Double Dragon II: The Revenge on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) brought a fresh and different experience to players. Technōs, the game's creator, made several notable changes from the previous installment. The experience system was dropped, and some moves were removed from the moveset, such as the elbow attack and turning jump kick. However, these changes seemed redundant, as the standard backward kick still allowed players to counter enemies effectively. In place of the removed moves, two new grapple moves were introduced: elbow smashes to the head and a high kick to push enemies away. Additionally, players could perform powerful rising uppercuts or knee jump attacks when crouching after a jump or being knocked down.
The NES version of Double Dragon II stands out as a sequel that showcases Technōs' innovation and uniqueness. However, it also marks the beginning of the franchise's shift into various gameplay styles and tones. While it can be considered one of the best games carrying the Double Dragon name, there's a sense that Technōs had already begun to lose a cohesive vision of what truly defined Double Dragon, both in terms of its tone and gameplay.
The PC Engine CD version developed by Naxat Soft is surprisingly similar to the NES game, featuring mostly the same levels and the rule of having no more than two enemies on screen at a given time. However, it does mix and match different enemy types and extends the stages by adding additional hoodlums. There are a few notable differences in the structure as well. For instance, the fight on the massive moving bulldozer at the end of the forest level is absent in this version. However, to compensate for its omission, the Lee brothers must face Willy before encountering their own shadows, as seen in the arcade game. Additionally, players have the opportunity to fight the Shadow Master (now without a cape) on any difficulty level. However, they will miss out on the second round in the church and the good ending with Marion revived unless they complete the game on Hard difficulty.
In conclusion, Double Dragon II: The Revenge on the NES offers a unique and innovative gameplay experience. While it deviates from the previous installment and introduces new moves and mechanics, it also represents the start of Double Dragon's journey into different gameplay styles and tones. The PC Engine CD version closely follows the NES game but includes its own set of structural differences and additional enemy encounters. Whether players prefer the NES version's changes or the PC Engine CD version's faithful recreation, both games offer a thrilling experience for fans of the Double Dragon franchise.
