Double Dragon vs Double Dragon Advance
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Double Dragon is a 1987 beat 'em up arcade game where players control brothers Billy or Jimmy Lee as they battle the Black Warriors gang to rescue Marian. The game features four distinct stages, a variety of enemies, and weapon pickups that add strategic depth. Players can team up in co‑op mode, using combined attacks and partner assists, while a life gauge and time limit add tension. The final showdown pits two victorious players against each other for Marian's affection, delivering a memorable multiplayer twist.
Double Dragon Advance brings the iconic side‑scrolling brawler to modern platforms, expanding the original arcade experience with fresh levels, enemies, and combat mechanics. Play solo or team up with a friend to punch, kick, and grapple through city streets, Chinatown, caverns, and an enemy fortress to rescue Marian. Developed by Million and published by Atlus, this 2003 remake features enhanced graphics, a deeper move set, and the full spirit of the Double Dragon series, now available on PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
- Iconic retro beat‑em‑up gameplay
- Engaging two‑player co‑op mode
- Variety of weapons to use
- Memorable stage design
- Faithful remake with new content
- Co‑op gameplay works on all platforms
- Improved graphics and sound
- Deepened combat mechanics
- Limited enemy AI
- Simple graphics by modern standards
- Short overall playtime
- Limited online matchmaking options
- Short overall campaign length
- Controls can feel clunky on some consoles
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Alternatives to Double Dragon
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Alternatives to Double Dragon Advance
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Avenging brothers battle through four brutal missions in classic arcade style
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataDouble Dragon Advance offers a modern, polished remake with extra moves, graphics and co‑op, but costs less and is shorter; the original Double Dragon is pricier, older graphics, but is the classic arcade experience.
Key differences
- •Advance adds new stages, grapples, throws and combo attacks; the original has only the four classic stages.
- •Advance features enhanced 8‑bit‑style graphics and remastered soundtrack; original uses simple retro graphics.
- •Advance’s price is $9.99 versus $19.99 for the original.
- •Advance includes online co‑op (though limited); original only local co‑op.
- •Advance’s campaign is shorter, while the original’s length is similarly short but offers a final PvP duel.
Gameplay & fun factor
Advance adds grapples, throws, combo attacks and new stages, deepening combat beyond the original’s basic moves.
Platform availability
Both list single‑player and co‑op multiplayer; no platform specifics given, so they are equal.
Price & value
Advance costs $9.99, half the $19.99 price of the original, offering more features for less money.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Advance supports local and limited online co‑op; original only mentions co‑op with no online option.
Content & replayability
Advance includes brand‑new stages, hidden unlockable mode, extra characters; original has only four stages and a final PvP duel.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both are rated PEGI 12; no specific difficulty data, so they are comparable.
Graphics & performance
Advance boasts enhanced 8‑bit inspired graphics and remastered soundtrack, whereas original has simple retro graphics.
Choose Double Dragon if…
Buyers seeking the authentic 1987 arcade experience and are willing to pay more for nostalgia.
Choose Double Dragon Advance if…
Buyers who want a polished, feature‑rich beat‑em‑up at a lower price, with online co‑op.
Common questions
Is there online co‑op in either game?
Advance offers limited online co‑op; the original only supports local co‑op.
Which game is cheaper?
Double Dragon Advance costs $9.99, while Double Dragon costs $19.99.
Do either games have extra content beyond the main campaign?
Advance includes new stages, hidden unlockable mode, extra characters; the original adds a final PvP duel only.