Welcome back to OH!CAST! 🎙️
This episode is a true Double Dragon tribute to the enduring impact of one of the most influential arcade games of all time — Double Dragon (1987).
Following the recent passing of legendary creator Yoshihisa Kishimoto, we celebrate the legacy of the man who helped define the side-scrolling beat ’em up genre and shaped arcade gaming history.
🐲 Why Double Dragon Still Matters
Double Dragon wasn’t just another beat ’em up — it helped create the blueprint for the genre. From its unforgettable characters to its revolutionary mechanics, this Double Dragon tribute explores why the game remains a classic decades later.
👊 In This Episode, We Explore:
🥋 The origins of beat ’em ups — from Kung Fu Master to Renegade
🐲 How Double Dragon revolutionised arcade gameplay
⚔️ Weapon pickups (bats, knives, whips) and why they mattered
👊 The birth of 2-player co-op brawlers
🔥 Iconic characters like Abobo and Willy
🎵 The unforgettable arcade soundtrack
🕹️ The slowdown, difficulty spikes, and the legendary “back elbow” strategy
🕹️ The Games Double Dragon Inspired
We also discuss how Double Dragon paved the way for genre-defining classics like:
- Final Fight
- Golden Axe
- Streets of Rage
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Arcade)
- Turtles in Time
- The Simpsons Arcade Game
- X-Men Arcade
Plus — we break down how the rise of Street Fighter II and competitive fighting games shifted arcade culture away from cooperative belt-scrolling brawlers.
💾 Platform Nostalgia
If you grew up playing Double Dragon on the NES, Sega Mega Drive / Genesis, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX Spectrum, or in the arcades, this episode is packed with pure nostalgia.
This is more than a discussion — it’s a celebration of arcade history and a heartfelt Double Dragon tribute to the game that helped define a generation.
🎧 Join the Conversation
If you love retro gaming, arcade machines, classic beat ’em ups, 80s and 90s gaming culture, make sure to like, subscribe, and drop a comment: And listen to our epiusode wtih Elite creator Ian Bell
👉 What’s your favourite beat ’em up of all time?