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Poor old Marion, she doesn't seem to have much luck at all. Captured twice and killed once so far... is going out with Billy Lee really worth all this hassle? Six years ago the brilliant "Double Dragon" team, Billy and Jimmy Lee, rescued beautiful Marion from the evil clutches of the dastardly Shadow Boss. The C64 conversion was a disaster, earning a mere 15%. In last year's cleverly named sequel, Double Dragon II (72%, Issue 57) the dynamic dragons wreaked terrible revenge on the Shadow Boss for Marion's murder.

Uncannily, Marion has been resurreccted but then has the misfortune to be recaptured and held for ransom. I think, if I were her, I'd seriously think about giving Billy the push, it would make her life a lot easier but then again what would they use for a plot in Double Dragon IV?

As before the aim in Double Dragon III is to survive the relentless onslaught of local thuggery, rescue Marion (again!), retain your honour and uncover the truth behind the Rosetta Stone. And you might even rid the world of its strongest enemy, the Shadow Boss.

The Brothers Lee follow a friend called Hiruko who promises to lead them to the Rosetta Stone. This chap obviously has an acute problem with his sense of direction, as they drop in on the United States, China, Japan, Italy and eventually Egypt! It sounds like a package holiday, but unfortunately for Bill and Jim there's no cheap vino by the pool. In each country they meet the locals, who are complete thugs relentless in their brutality, responding only to repeated beatings and kickings.

For such a truly daunting task the heroes have the opportunity to kit themselves out in the Weapons Shop. At this friendly little store you can choose from nunchukas, grenades, missiles, knuckledusters, swords, pick up extra lives and boost your energy if you can afford it. Another option is to invest in some rather nifty extra tricks: a Locking Head Squeeze manoeuvre, a Handstand Ankleflip or the One-Armed Headbutt!

Alternatively, if Billy and Jimmy defeat certain enemies they have the option of acquiring the skills of the conquered foe who then joins them as a sign of respect for their superior mastery of the fighting art. This comes in very handy as the skill won't cost you any money, but is paid for in strain and sweat!

If you're a big Double Dragon fan, you won't be disappointed with the latest episode. It's a standard beat-'em-up very much like its two predecessors. However, attempts have been made at enlivening the gameplay, and the choice of additional powers and weapons helps considerably. Visits to the weapon shop also provide a welcome break to the constant onslaught of machete-wielding baddies.

Graphics are good and clearly reproduced with particular attention taken over the native enemies, e.g. American football players in the US. The sound FX aren't particularly inspiring, just the odd thwack now and then.

I'm afraid Double Dragon III didn't impress me a great deal. Agreed, it's a good ole street fighting game, especially in the fun two-player mode, but I can't help thinking we've seen it all before.

Being yet another scrolling kung-fu beat-'em-up game, Double Dragon III has a lot of competition on the C64. And it has to be something really special to stand out from the bunch these days.

This one doesn't quite have the required edge, although it pips many others of its kind. Thankfully this isn't a game which you can crack the technique of within ten minutes - unlike some we could mention!

The brothers' enemies are fast, numerous and deadly, making the gameplay fairly addictive. The choice of weapons and skills also adds some originality.

The sprites are surprisingly good-looking, considering there are no overlays, and there's always plenty of them on-screen, giving a real arcade feel. Although Double Dragon III isn't that original or innovative, it is very competent and shows the C64 can handle fast action, two-player beat-'em-ups in style. Well worth a look.

Presentation 67%
Separate multi-load of levels acceptable on disk version. Simultaneous two-player mode.

Graphics 71%
Adequate sprites and backdrops. Nifty animation.

Sound 65%
Sparse FX and good title tune.

Hookability 76%
Playable from the start, especially with two players.

Lastability 72%
Varied and smart enemies provide a tough challenge.

Overall 73%
A fast and challenging beat-'em-up.