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Double Dragon III: The Sacred Stones, released in Japan as Double Dragon III: The Rosetta Stone in February 1991 for the NES by Technōs Japan and published in North America and Europe by Acclaim Entertainment, is the third Double Dragon game for the NES. A parallel project to the arcade’s Double Dragon 3: The Rosetta Stone (1990), it’s not a direct port but a unique adaptation. Set a year after Double Dragon II, Billy and Jimmy Lee learn from fortune teller Hiruko that Marian (spelled Marion in the English version) has been kidnapped by a mysterious group seeking three Sacred Stones of Power scattered across the globe. The brothers travel through five missions (USA, China, Japan, Italy, Egypt) to retrieve the stones and uncover the truth behind Marian’s disappearance. With upgraded 8-bit visuals and a soundtrack by Michiya Hirasawa and others, it sold well (seventh best-selling US console game in February 1991) but faced criticism for its high difficulty and clunky controls (Electronic Gaming Monthly: 32/40).
Double Dragon III expands the series with a global adventure, letting players control Billy and Jimmy Lee, plus unlockable characters Chin Seimei (after Mission 2) and Yagyu Ranzou (after Mission 3), each with unique moves (e.g., Chin’s double jump kick, Ranzou’s katana). The game features a punch/kick control scheme, a dash move, and a hair grab, with new team-up attacks in co-op. Two modes exist: Mode A (no friendly fire) and Mode B (friendly fire enabled). Its five missions offer diverse locales and tough bosses like a resurrected Cleopatra (Japanese version) or Princess Noiram (English version, Marian possessed). Gameplay lasts 2-4 hours (5-8 for completion), but its brutal difficulty, single-life start (additional lives earned later), and inconsistent move execution frustrate some. Despite flaws, its ambitious scope and new characters make it a must-play for retro ROM and beat 'em up fans, though less polished than Double Dragon II.
Punch your way through today! Our website, Classic Joy Games, lets you play Double Dragon III: The Sacred Stones instantly with no downloads, optimized for modern browsers using NES emulators. Alternatively, enjoy it on Nintendo Switch, PS4, or Xbox (ACA NEOGEO), or sites like RetroGames.cc or EmulatorGames.net. Physical copies are available on eBay/Amazon ($20-$50). Ideal for fans of retro ROMs and beat 'em ups! Note: For emulation, use Nestopia or Mesen for optimal performance; modern ports reduce lag/flickering.
Join players worldwide and enjoy Double Dragon III: The Sacred Stones on Classic Joy Games. Start your global quest now and save Marian to complete the Lee brothers’ NES trilogy!
Double Dragon III: The Sacred Stones, released in Japan as Double Dragon III: The Rosetta Stone in February 1991 for the NES by Technōs Japan and published in North America and Europe by Acclaim Entertainment, is the third Double Dragon game for the NES.
