# Double Dragon V: The Shadow Falls
*Double Dragon V: The Shadow Falls*, released in August 1994 for SNES and Sega Genesis by Leland Interactive Media and published by Tradewest, is a fighting game spin-off from the *Double Dragon* series, with a 1995 Atari Jaguar port by Telegames. Unlike the series’ traditional side-scrolling beat 'em ups, it adopts a head-to-head fighting format inspired by *Street Fighter II*, based on the *Double Dragon* animated series (1993-1994). Technōs Japan, the original series creator, had minimal involvement, licensing the IP to Tradewest. Players control Billy or Jimmy Lee, or one of eight Shadow Warriors, to stop the Shadow Master’s plan to unleash a deadly Shadow Plague. Featuring a 6-button layout (weak/medium/strong punches and kicks), 12 characters (10 playable, plus bosses Shadow Master and Dominique via codes on SNES/Genesis), and “Overkill” finishing moves, it received mixed reviews (*Nintendo Power*: 12.4/20, *EGM*: 21/40) for its sluggish gameplay and choppy animations but was noted for its vibrant backgrounds and customization.
## Why Play Double Dragon V: The Shadow Falls?
*Double Dragon V* shifts the Lee brothers into a *Street Fighter II*-style arena with special moves (4-6 per fighter) and customizable attributes in Quest Mode. Its 12-character roster, including animated series characters (e.g., Jawbreaker, Sekka) and originals like Dominique, offers variety. Four modes—Tournament, Vs. Battle, Quest, and Watch—cater to solo and competitive play, with Dossiers for character bios. Gameplay lasts 1-2 hours (3-5 for Quest Mode completion), but its slow controls, awkward move execution, and deviation from beat 'em up roots disappointed fans (*Sega Pro*: 63%, *Next Generation*: 2/5 for Jaguar). Its colorful 16-bit visuals and fierce soundtrack make it a curious retro ROM for fighting game enthusiasts, though it lacks the polish of *Super Double Dragon*.
## Game Features
- Play as Billy/Jimmy Lee or 8 Shadow Warriors (12 total, with Dominique/Shadow Master via codes on SNES/Genesis; Dominique default on Jaguar)
- Use 6-button layout (weak/medium/strong punches and kicks); Genesis supports 3-button toggle
- Special moves and “Overkill” finishers with unique death animations
- Four modes: Tournament (arcade-style), Vs. Battle (two-player), Quest (story with customizable attributes), Watch (AI vs. AI)
- Customize controls, difficulty (Easy, Normal, Hard, Pro), and round timers (30, 60, 90, or no limit)
- Experience authentic SNES/Genesis gameplay on our retro ROM platform or modern ports (PS4, Xbox, Switch via *Double Dragon Trilogy*)
## Play Double Dragon V: The Shadow Falls Online
Battle today! Our website, Classic Joy Games, lets you play *Double Dragon V: The Shadow Falls* instantly with no downloads, optimized for modern browsers using SNES or Genesis emulators. Alternatively, enjoy it on PS4, Xbox, or Switch via *Double Dragon Trilogy* (2015), or sites like RetroGames.cz or Arcade Spot. Physical copies are available on eBay/Amazon ($20-$50 for SNES/Genesis, $30-$100 for Jaguar). Ideal for retro ROM and fighting game fans curious about a *Double Dragon* oddity! Note: For emulation, use BSNES or Snes9x (SNES), RetroArch (Genesis), or BigPEmu (Jaguar) for optimal performance; expect slowdown and input lag in busy fights.
Join players worldwide and enjoy *Double Dragon V: The Shadow Falls* on Classic Joy Games. Start your fight now and stop the Shadow Master to explore a unique chapter in the *Double Dragon* legacy!