Battletoads / Double Dragon

From thecrankyhermit

Battletoads / Double Dragon
Companies Rare, Tradewest
First release date June 1993
Original platform(s) NES

Beat'em up, Platformer

Battletoads / Double Dragon
If you had fun with the first few levels of Battletoads but could never beat Turbo Tunnels, or if you wish it didn't have quite so much gameplay variety, this sequel's for you. Other than a midgame throwback to Solar Jetman, the emphasis is on brawling throughout, with deeper and more challenging fights. The many platforming and vehicle set pieces are downright merciful compared to Battletoads', such as a bike chase throwback to Turbo Tunnels but at about half the speed. Do not expect an easy time; despite being a notch below Battletoads, this is very much a classic Nintendo Hard game, arguably the last that the venerable system would see. Pseudo-3D effects impress, fight animations are varied and funny (and sometimes cruel), attitude is in spades, and two player mode is actually worthwhile this time.

Frustratingly, there's no optimal version of the game. The NES original plays the best but has mediocre music. The SNES port has far better music, but gameplay is slower, buggier, and the presentation misses a lot of the flair, attitude, and visual variety of the original. It plays well but feels unfinished, knowing what was cut. The later Genesis version is more faithful to the original, includes most of the details missing from the SNES, and salvages the NES soundtrack but can't touch the SNES'. The ideal version depends on how much you value the soundtrack.

Key people David Wise