Double Dragon 3: The Rosetta Stone (1990)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Double Dragon 3: The Rosetta Stone – A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane

Double Dragon 3: The Rosetta Stone is the final installment in the original Double Dragon trilogy, released in 1990 for the NES. It’s a side-scrolling beat ’em up game that follows the Lee brothers, Billy and Jimmy, on a quest to find the three Rosetta Stones and defeat the evil sorcerer Shadow Boss.

The game introduces several new features to the Double Dragon series, including weapon shops where the player can purchase power-ups and extra lives, and the ability to pick up and throw objects at enemies. The character graphics have also been changed, moving away from the cartoonish style of the previous games to more realistic-looking characters.

Story

The game begins with Billy and Jimmy Lee returning from martial arts training when they cross paths with a fortune teller. She tells them of a great evil in Egypt, their strongest adversary yet, and how the Rosetta Stones can aid them. Billy and Jimmy determine to find these artifacts and stop them from falling into the wrong hands.

Gameplay

Double Dragon 3 retains the basic gameplay of its predecessors. The player controls one of the Lee brothers and must fight their way through hordes of enemies using punches, kicks, and special moves. New to this installment are weapon shops where the player can purchase power-ups, tricks, energy, and extra lives.

One of the most significant changes in Double Dragon 3 is the ability to pick up and throw objects at enemies. This adds a new layer of strategy to the game, as the player must now be aware of their surroundings and use objects to their advantage.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Double Dragon 3 have been significantly improved over the previous games in the series. The character sprites are larger and more detailed, and the backgrounds are more varied and colorful. The game also features a number of cutscenes that help to advance the story.

The sound in Double Dragon 3 is also top-notch. The music is catchy and upbeat, and the sound effects are realistic and impactful.

Difficulty

Double Dragon 3 is a challenging game, even for experienced players. The enemies are relentless, and the bosses are tough. However, the game is also fair, and the player is given plenty of opportunities to power up and learn the enemy’s attack patterns.

Legacy

Double Dragon 3 was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its graphics, sound, and gameplay. The game has since been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Sega Genesis, and the PlayStation 2.

Double Dragon 3 is considered one of the best beat ’em up games ever made. It’s a challenging and rewarding game that will appeal to fans of the genre.

Tips for Playing Double Dragon 3

  • Learn the enemy attack patterns. Each enemy has a unique set of attacks, and it’s important to learn how to avoid them.
  • Use your surroundings to your advantage. There are a number of objects in the game that can be picked up and thrown at enemies. Use these objects to your advantage to stun enemies or knock them down.
  • Power up your characters. There are a number of power-ups in the game that can make your characters stronger and more powerful. Be sure to purchase these power-ups whenever you can.
  • Don’t be afraid to use special moves. Special moves are powerful attacks that can help you to defeat enemies quickly. However, special moves use up energy, so be sure to use them wisely.
  • Practice, practice, practice. The best way to get good at Double Dragon 3 is to practice. The more you play, the better you will become at recognizing enemy attack patterns and using your surroundings to your advantage.

Conclusion

Double Dragon 3: The Rosetta Stone is a classic beat ’em up game that still holds up today. It’s a challenging and rewarding game that will appeal to fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a great beat ’em up game to play, Double Dragon 3 is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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