Double Dragon Gaiden: Honoring Kunio Kun Origins

Double Dragon Gaiden: Honoring Kunio Kun Origins

Double Dragon Gaiden: A Blast From the Past

Get ready to unleash your fists of fury as the iconic beat ’em up franchise Double Dragon makes its triumphant return with Double Dragon Gaiden. But did you know that Double Dragon has a hidden connection to another beloved series? It turns out, both franchises share their origins in the legendary Kunio-kun games, which have been entertaining gamers for decades.

The Kunio-kun series, developed by Technos, has a rich history that dates back to the NES classic Renegade. And now, with Double Dragon Gaiden, the legacy of the Kunio-kun games is being honored by none other than Arc System Works, the publishing masterminds behind the River City Girls series.

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When GameTopic spoke with Raymond Teo, founder of Secret Base and part of the development team for Double Dragon Gaiden, he revealed that the game draws inspiration from both classic and modern beat ’em ups, including the Kunio-kun series.

“When I first came up with the idea, I dove deep into the world of ’80s and ’90s beat ’em ups. I wanted to capture the true essence of the genre and create an immersive experience for players.”

Teo also highlighted the similarities between Double Dragon Gaiden and the mechanics of the Kunio-kun games. Just like in River City, players earn cash by defeating enemies, allowing them to purchase essential items and revive when in a pinch. This nod to the Kunio-kun games brings a familiar sense of progression and rewards to Double Dragon Gaiden.

But that’s not all! Double Dragon Gaiden also pays homage to the non-linear progression and alternate routes found in the Kunio-kun games. Players will have the chance to replay the game and uncover hidden secrets, change characters, and explore different paths with every playthrough.

“I wanted to give players the freedom to forge their own path in the game. Each time you play, you’ll discover new surprises and experience the game in a fresh way.”

With its roots deeply intertwined with the Kunio-kun legacy, Double Dragon Gaiden promises to deliver an exciting and nostalgic beat ’em up experience. Get ready to unleash your inner dragon when Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons releases on July 27 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.

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