
Double Dragon
The seminal 1987 beat 'em up that defined the genre. Players control Billy and Jimmy Lee as they fight through waves of thugs to rescue Billy's girlfriend Marian from the Black Warriors gang. Features iconic moves like hair grabs, elbow drops, and two-player co-op.
Platform
arcade
Year
1987
Genre
Beat 'em up
Developer
Technōs Japan
Controls
About This Game
Double Dragon introduced combo-based combat and character progression to arcades, with players earning new moves like the cyclone kick as they gain experience.
The game's urban gang warfare theme and pseudo-3D fighting arenas were revolutionary for 1987, inspiring countless imitators.
Notable for its two-player simultaneous gameplay - though the brothers must fight each other for Marian's affection in the final showdown.
Related Games


Double Dragon
NES1988
Beat 'em up
Series: Double Dragon
The landmark beat-'em-up where brothers Billy and Jimmy Lee rescue Marian from the Black Warriors gang. Introduces combo attacks and upgradable moves in a single-player campaign.


Double Dragon II: The Revenge
NES1989
Beat 'em up
Series: Double Dragon
Billy and Jimmy Lee return in this brutal sequel to avenge Marian's death, introducing new combat mechanics including aerial attacks and grapple throws across 9 stages of street brawling action.


Double Dragon III: The Sacred Stones
NES1991
Beat 'em up
Series: Double Dragon
The Lee brothers embark on a global quest to recover five mystical stones, featuring new playable characters Chin Seimei and Yagyu Ranzou with unique fighting styles across 7 international stages.


Renegade
NES1987
Beat 'em up
Series: Renegade
The precursor to Double Dragon that established the urban beat-'em-up formula. Battle through 4 districts of New York using punches, kicks, and throws against street gangs.


River City Ransom
NES1989
Beat 'em up
Series: Kunio-kun
This groundbreaking hybrid combines street brawling with RPG elements as Kunio and Riki fight through gangs to rescue Kyoko, featuring an open city to explore, shops to upgrade stats, and co-op gameplay.


Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game
NES1990
Beat 'em up
Series: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The faithful NES adaptation of Konami's hit arcade beat 'em up lets players control all four Turtles in their quest to rescue April O'Neil from Shredder. Features cooperative multiplayer and signature pizza power-ups.