Best games by Arc System Works

Double Dragon IV (2017)

Double Dragon IV (2017) reignites the classic side-scrolling beat 'em up experience, bringing the legendary martial arts action of Billy and Jimmy Lee back to the forefront. Picking up the narrative threads directly after the events of Double Dragon II, this installment plunges players back into the gritty streets to rescue Marian from a new, insidious threat. Expect the signature hard-hitting combat of Sou-Setsu-Ken, updated with entirely new enemy types such as agile ninjas, formidable karate masters, and imposing sumo wrestlers, offering fresh challenges for seasoned fans. Beyond the thrilling story mode, Double Dragon IV boasts a robust collection of extra features, including playable enemy characters, a competitive VS Mode, and an arduous Tower Mode, all designed to provide extensive replayability and fulfill long-awaited desires of the dedicated Double Dragon fanbase. While not developed by Arc System Works directly, Double Dragon IV's inclusion on a list of their "Best Games" is justifiable through the lens of shared genre expertise and the evolution of the beat 'em up. Arc System Works is renowned for their mastery of fighting games, characterized by deep mechanics, fluid animation, and impactful presentation – qualities that are undeniably present and celebrated in Double Dragon IV's return. The patch V1.1, specifically, highlights a significant push towards modernizing the experience with online multiplayer, allowing for co-op in Story and Tower Modes, and competitive Versus matches. This focus on robust online functionality and engaging multiplayer modes aligns with Arc System Works' commitment to delivering polished and replayable experiences, making Double Dragon IV, in its expanded and updated form, a worthy consideration for fans who appreciate the evolution of arcade-style combat.