Battletoads & Double Dragon

What could be better than having the finest ass-kicking superheroes, Rare's Battletoads, and Tradewest martial arts masters, the Dragon twins, join forces in a serious side-scrolling beat-em-to-a-pulp game? Well, a lot, but Battletoads & Double Dragon tries hard. While the enemies come from both games, the game layout follows the original Battletoads rather than Double Dragon. In retrospect, this was probably a mistake, as DD had a far more serious look to it, unlike the comical Battletoads. As far as your options go, you can be either of the three Battletoads or one of the Dragon twins. Many reviewers firmly believe that the toads have superior abilities to the Dragons, but I find this unfounded. In terms of speed and power there exists no differences between the two groups. I choose to play as the Dragons because they have better techniques. Both twins can jump-kick opponents for a quick knock-down without positioning them in a situation where they could be counterattacked. Also, the Dragons can knock enemies off the enemy battleship, a skill the toads sorely lack. Due to the Battletoads influence of the game, it's necessary to knock out as many enemies as possible in the fastest time. Players who attack with fists will quickly find themselves being double and triple teamed. Thus, the Dragons, in my opinion, are the clear preference. astheltically speaking, other than some graphics tweaking, BB&DD essentially plays the same as BT, with one very important exception: this sequel requires far less skills for sub-games than the original (Praise Jesus!!!) However, level four breaks this rule. In a blantant rip-off of Solar Jetman, whatever character the player uses must pilot a tiny space pod to do battle against the gigantic enemy battleship. The player must avoid being killed instantly by bullets that are twice as large as the pod and simultaneously take out around ten critical points on the enemy ship- this stage is nearly friggin' impossible!!! If you mange to survive that, the rest of the game is relatively easy.  

Graphics C+

Sound/Music C+

Challenge A-

Play Control B

Fun Factor C

Replay Value A+

Overall B 1/2 links