The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is a legendary console that has been around for decades, and its impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. One of the most iconic games to come out of this era is Double Dragon II: The Revenge, but not in Europe, however some other great NES titles such as Contra III: The Alien Wars, Mega Man X, and Super Mario World were popular in European territories. However, another 8-bit classic has recently been re-released on the Nintendo Switch Online service and it is none other than Double Dragon V - The Shadow Falls.
Double Dragon V - The Shadow Falls is a side-scrolling beat-em-up that was originally released for the NES in Japan in 1992. Developed by Taito, this game follows the story of two brothers who are on a mission to rescue their kidnapped sister from the evil forces of the Shadow Clan. With its colorful graphics and catchy soundtrack, Double Dragon V - The Shadow Falls is a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of gaming.
In Europe, Double Dragon V - The Shadow Falls has been re-released as part of the Nintendo Switch Online service's SNES library, which offers a vast collection of classic NES games. This is great news for fans of retro gaming who want to relive the nostalgia of playing these iconic titles on their original consoles or experience them for the first time.
As with any game from this era, Double Dragon V - The Shadow Falls has its share of quirks and flaws that are sure to test your patience. The gameplay is reminiscent of the classic beat-em-ups of the 80s and 90s, with fast-paced action, simple controls, and a limited number of moves for each character. However, this also means that the game can be frustrating at times, particularly when facing off against tougher opponents.
The graphics in Double Dragon V - The Shadow Falls are also worth noting. While they may not hold up as well to modern standards, there is still something charming about the colorful characters and environments. The soundtrack is catchy and memorable, with a pulsing beat that gets stuck in your head long after you've finished playing.
One of the most interesting aspects of Double Dragon V - The Shadow Falls is its connection to the larger Double Dragon series. Developed by Taito, this game was designed to fit into the existing franchise, which has since spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs. Fans of the series will appreciate the nods to earlier titles in the game, as well as the new characters and storylines introduced in The Shadow Falls.
However, it's worth noting that Double Dragon V - The Shadow Falls is not without its controversy. In Japan, the game was released under a different title, "Double Dragon 2: Ryuu no Ken" and it was heavily edited to remove scenes of violence against women. When re-released on the Nintendo Switch Online service, Taito made efforts to restore some of these removed content.
In terms of age rating, Double Dragon V - The Shadow Falls has been rated by various organizations as follows:
- ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board): E for Everyone
- PEGI (Pan European Game Information): 7+ years old
- USK (Union of German Cartoonists and Illustrators): 16 years old