Gameplay - 10/10
Storyline - 8/10
Graphics - 8/10
Game Score : 26/30
Hey y'all; your friendly neighborhood gamer here. Sad to say that I almost didn't write up a review this week because work has seriously been kicking my ass and I didn't feel comfortable writing up a half-assed review for a game I didn't really play. So Instead of not giving you all anything I figured it would be better to at least give you something and write up a review for a game I played but didn't write a review for yet. This game is currently available on Xbox 360 (XBLA) and PlayStation 3 (PSN); it is free for Playstation Plus members and XBOX Live Gold Members. I present to you Double Dragon Neon...
Double Dragon Neon is a video game in the Double Dragon series of beat 'em up games. It was developed by WayForward Technologies and published by Majesco Entertainment, and is intended as a reboot of the Double Dragon series. As with previous installments of the series, the player takes control of martial artists Billy Lee (Player 1) and Jimmy Lee (Player 2) in their fight to rescue Marian from the Shadow Warriors gang, this time led by the super-lich Skullmageddon. In addition to the standard punch, kick, and jump buttons and a designated run button, the player now has a evade button for dodging attacks. If the player times their evasion right so as to perfectly dodge an enemy attack, they will "Gleam" by briefly glowing red, during which time their attacks will be more powerful.
What's Good:
The soundtrack for this game is really good. While playing this with my friend David we actually found ourselves enjoying the soundtrack itself a lot. The fun factor of this game is insane from doing forbidden techniques to double teaming enemies for long combos its just all around fun. The inclusion of items to power-up and change your character as you play adds an element of RPG character customization. There are two types of collectible items in the game which play a huge part in how you will approach the game. One to grant the brothers a powerful attack that consumes a separate energy meter, and one to alter their statistics and grant special effects. By collecting multiple copies of a tape, its effect gradually increases until it reaches a maximum capacity. You can effectively mold your character into a healer type of fighter that absorbs health points with ever successive hit or you can make an all out strength based character that does crazy damage. This helps add a layer of diversity and versatility to the game.
What's Bad:
This game is unforgiving; as such you may very easily find yourself dying a lot. It has multiple difficulty levels but honestly even on normal me and my friend David had a hard time on some of the levels. Not to mention after we beat the game we tried it on hard and couldn't properly get past level one.
What Should Have Been Added:
After playing through the game I kind of wish there was an option to play as some of the other notable characters in the game. Would be so cool to do a play through as Skullmageddon. I swear that he became my favorite character after playing through the game almost wanted to let him get to lay the pipe on Marian.
Final Thoughts:
Well with all that said its a no brainer to get this game for free if you are a PSN Plus Member or XBOX Live Gold Member. Be sure you play it with a friend cause many good times are there to be had. Also if I were you I would stick around after the ending credits of the game for a nice plot twist surprise so to speak. Game-play with commentary provided by Maximilian.
