Double Dragon II: The Revenge

Game Overview

Double Dragon II: The Revenge is a side-scrolling beat ’em up released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in late 1989 in Japan and early 1990 in North America and PAL regions. Unlike the arcade game of the same name, the NES version is a largely original experience developed by Technōs Japan under director Hiroyuki Sekimoto. Players control twin martial artists Billy and Jimmy Lee as they battle through nine missions to avenge Marian’s murder by the Shadow Warriors (sometimes called Black Warriors).

The game introduces simultaneous two-player cooperative play (with optional friendly fire), a full moveset available from the start, and story cutscenes before each stage. Combat uses a directional system in which the A and B buttons attack left or right depending on facing direction. Special techniques include the Spinning Cyclone Kick, Hyper Uppercut, and Flying Knee Kick. Levels mix street-fighting action with platforming, traps, and unique settings such as a helicopter, underwater base, and industrial areas. Three difficulty modes affect both challenge and game length: Practice ends after Mission 3, Warrior after Mission 8, and Supreme Master unlocks the complete game and true ending featuring a mysterious final boss. The NES version is widely regarded as one of the better Double Dragon titles and a highlight of the system’s beat ’em up library.

Quick Specifications

• Title: Double Dragon II: The Revenge
  
• Platform: NES / Famicom
  
• Developer: Technōs Japan
  
• Publisher: Technōs Japan (Japan), Acclaim Entertainment (North America / PAL)
  
• Release Dates: Japan – December 22, 1989; North America – January 1990; PAL – 1990
  
• Genre: Beat ’em up / Action
  
• Players: 1–2 (simultaneous co-op)
  
• Modes: Single-player, 2-Player A (no friendly fire), 2-Player B (friendly fire enabled)
  
• Difficulty Levels: Practice, Warrior, Supreme Master
  
• Stages: 9 missions (full game only on Supreme Master)
  
• Controls: Directional combat system with special moves
  

Key Features

• Simultaneous two-player cooperative play with optional friendly fire
  
• Full moveset available from the beginning (no experience progression)
  
• Special attacks including Spinning Cyclone Kick, Hyper Uppercut, and Flying Knee Kick
  
• Nine varied missions featuring platforming, traps, and unique environments
  
• Story cutscenes before each stage that advance the plot
  
• Three difficulty settings that change both challenge and accessible content
  
• Directional attack system (A/B buttons attack left or right based on facing)
  
• Recurring enemies and bosses with new techniques and weapons
  
• True ending and final boss available only on Supreme Master difficulty
  

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

How many stages are in Double Dragon II: The Revenge on NES?

There are nine missions in total. Practice mode ends after Mission 3, Warrior mode ends after Mission 8, and only Supreme Master difficulty allows access to all nine stages and the true ending.

Can two players play at the same time?

Yes. The game supports simultaneous two-player co-op. Mode A prevents players from damaging each other, while Mode B allows friendly fire.

What is the difference between the NES and arcade versions?

The NES version is a largely original game with different stages, new platforming sections, additional moves, story cutscenes, a unique final boss, and simultaneous co-op. It is not a direct port of the 1988 arcade game.

How do the special moves work?

The Spinning Cyclone Kick is performed by jumping and attacking at the peak of the jump. The Hyper Uppercut and Flying Knee Kick are executed after landing from a jump or getting up from a knockdown by pressing the appropriate attack button.

Is there a true ending?

Yes. Completing the game on Supreme Master difficulty unlocks the full story, the final boss (the Mysterious Warrior), and the true ending in which Marian is revived.