Double Dragon Preview

When it comes to classic games from the 1980s, they don’t get more iconic than Double Dragon. The title spawned an entire franchise that included a ton of sequels, a comic book series, a (dreadful) live-action movie, a cartoon, and action figures. Oh, and now it turns out that the original game is coming to the iPhone… albeit with some improvements.

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Jimmy and Billy are coming back, as Double Dragon gets ready to kick butt on your iPhone!

When it comes to classic games from the 1980s, they don’t get more iconic than Double Dragon. The title spawned an entire franchise that included a ton of sequels, a comic book series, a (dreadful) live-action movie, a cartoon, and action figures. Oh, and now it turns out that the original game is coming to the iPhone… albeit with some improvements.

That’s right, Jimmy and Billy are coming to the App Store! Aksys Games has announced that it’ll be publishing the arcade classic for iOS devices, while the port itself will be handled by Brizo Interactive. Brizo’s already got some familiarity with the game, since it handled the game for the Zeebo console. This new iPhone version is set to feature updated graphics and a custom control scheme, complete with a virtual D-pad and action buttons (based on the trailer, it looks like players will have the option to punch, kick, jump, and unleash a special attack).

New graphics won’t be the only addition to the game, either. There will also be a remixed soundtrack, new attacks, new bosses, and apparently new levels, too. Exactly how many new characters and stages hasn’t been revealed yet, though this information will probably be unveiled when the game’s release date draws a little closer.

The original Double Dragon was notable for its quality co-op play, which is a feature that will be carried over onto the iPhone. The trailer shows that iPhones will be able to link up via Bluetooth and allow two players to play the game together. No word yet about whether or not players will have to fight each other to the death at the end of the game (as was the case in the original version).

Double Dragon
Double Dragon
Double Dragon
Double Dragon

As of right now, it certainly seems like the game is in good hands and it won’t be long before it winds up in gamers’ clutches: Double Dragon is scheduled for a March release.

Mike Thompson has worked each side of the video game industry, both reporting on and creating narrative content for games. In his free time, he gorges on pizza, referees for roller derby, and uploads ridiculous cat photos to the internet.