Double Dragon 3 - The Sacred Stones

Double Dragon 3 - The Sacred Stones (released in Japan as Double Dragon III: The Rosetta Stone) is a notable entry in the side-scrolling beat-'em-up genre, released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991. Developed by Technos Japan Corp. and published in North America and Europe by Acclaim Entertainment, this game stands out as the third NES installment of the popular Double Dragon series.

Storyline and Setting In this chapter of the Double Dragon saga, the plot revolves around a new crisis facing the protagonists, Billy and Jimmy Lee. The story unfolds with Marion, a recurring character in the series, being kidnapped by a mysterious organization. The Lee brothers embark on a global quest to collect the three Sacred Stones of Power scattered around the world, following the lead of a fortune teller named Hiruko. Their adventurous journey takes them through diverse locations including the United States, China, Japan, and Italy, culminating in a dramatic finale set in Egypt.

Gameplay Mechanics Double Dragon 3 retains the essence of its predecessors while introducing novel gameplay elements:

• Control Scheme: The game returns to the punch and kick buttons as standard controls, adding the ability to dash by quickly pressing the directional pad left or right twice.
• New Moves: This version includes new moves like a running jump kick and a midair somersault allowing players to jump on and throw enemies. In 2-player mode, both Lee brothers can perform special cooperative moves.
• Character Selection: As the game progresses, players can recruit two new fighters – Chin Seimei and Yagyu Ranzou – each with unique fighting styles, health points, and speed. Players can switch between characters at any point during the game.
• Weaponry: Each character has a special backup weapon for limited use, adding strategic depth to combat. The Lee brothers have nunchakus, Chin wields an iron claw, and Ranzou uses shurikens. Players can also pick up enemy weapons, offering additional combat options.

Continuity and Progression The game departs from the traditional lives system of earlier NES titles and the item shops from the arcade version. Instead, it employs a character-based survival system where the game continues as long as at least one member of the player's party is still standing. The opportunity for a continue is given once during the final two stages.

Overall Experience Double Dragon III: The Sacred Stones for NES is renowned for its engaging storyline, diverse settings, and innovative gameplay mechanics. It successfully builds upon the established foundation of the Double Dragon series while offering a fresh and challenging experience to both new players and seasoned fans of the franchise.