Free characters join Double Dragon Gaiden Rise of the Dragons update

Two new characters join the roster as part of a free DLC update

Double Dragon Gaiden Expands Roster with Free Evil Marian and Super Anubis

Double Dragon Gaiden Rise of the Dragons launched in 2023 and has kept players engaged with regular free character updates. The latest patch adds Evil Marian and Super Anubis to the roster. Evil Marian uses psychic blasts and telekinetic moves while hovering above the arena, while Super Anubis leverages dark powers to disrupt enemies and also floats above the fight.

The update is free and part of the game’s ongoing post-launch support. A 65 percent discount remains available on Steam and Nintendo Switch, making it easier for new players to jump in. The free-content approach has helped the game stay relevant for returning players and streamers alike.

The ongoing free character drops illustrate a trend in retro-inspired titles to keep communities engaged without charging for every new addition. This approach rewards loyal players and lowers the barrier for newcomers to join the beat em up action.

Yet the model also raises questions about long term monetization. If most new content is free, developers will need to rely on other revenue streams or deeper, paid features to sustain ongoing development. The key test will be whether these updates maintain balance and challenge without diluting the game’s original rhythm.

Highlights

The beat em up scene remains alive thanks to ongoing, accessible updates