Broke Studio is best known for manufacturing homebrew games for retro consoles, but they’ve also created original titles. Twin Dragons is their debut project, and it’s a fun, beautiful, and occasionally frustrating gem! It’s easily one of the best homebrew platformers out there.
The story is simple: an evil wizard steals an egg to become more powerful, and the dragon twins must team up to retrieve it. Despite featuring two dragons, this is a single-player game. You start with the green dragon, switch to the pink dragon a few levels later, and eventually control both, swapping between them with the Select button. It’s a clever mechanic, though a two-player co-op mode would’ve been a great addition. Each dragon has unique abilities: the green dragon shoots fire and can swim underwater, while the pink dragon shoots ice and can fly. The level design smartly incorporates both skill sets.
The gameplay mechanics and level designs are varied and engaging. Each area has a distinct look and feel, with stunning pixel art that brings the world to life. Swaying grass and flickering torches animate the environments, boosting the game’s retro charm.
I completed the game on Normal mode, which was challenging enough. I can only imagine how tough Hard mode must be! The difficulty ramps up progressively, with each area featuring three levels and a boss. New enemies and trickier level designs are introduced gradually. I enjoy a good challenge, but I dislike when games feel unfairly punishing—like enemies placed in unavoidable spots, enemy projectiles passing through walls while yours don’t, or dying because your flying dragon touches the bottom of the screen. At times, I got frustrated, but the game’s quality kept me hooked, and it feels rewarding when you finally succeed.
The bosses are diverse in design and attack patterns, each offering a fun and unique challenge. They’re manageable once you learn their patterns, though some take time to master. Unlocking Boss Rush mode after beating the game is a nice touch.
The music is phenomenal, among the best in homebrew games, setting the perfect mood for most levels. That said, a couple of tracks felt oddly suited to a sci-fi shoot-’em-up, as if my dragons wandered into the wrong genre! It’s a minor quibble in an otherwise stellar soundtrack.
Conclusion
Twin Dragons is a shining example of an NES homebrew game done right. Despite some frustrating moments, it’s fun, challenging, and thoughtfully designed. Grab the physical copy if you can—it’s a must-have for retro gaming fans!
My score: 9 red peppers out of 10
Where to buy: https://www.homebrew-factory.com/nes/25-twin-dragons-nes.html