If one player is defeated in battle, the other player has a limited time to revive them before a life is deducted (unless both players are defeated together). In a two-player game, both Billy and Jimmy can utilize a special 'high-five' technique to split and share their life meters to an equal amount, 'psych' the other one out to harm them or make them fall over, or to instantly trigger a Gleam effect. Each tape's maximum capacity can be increased further by visiting a Tapesmith and paying him Mythril, which is obtained from defeated bosses. By collecting multiple copies of a tape, its effect gradually increases until it reaches a maximum capacity.

Two different tapes can be equipped at once: one to grant the brothers a powerful attack that consumes a separate energy meter, and one to alter their statistics and grant special effects (such as making it easier to stun enemies or healing HP with every connecting blow). The player can collect life-replenishing sodas, money to buy items from shops, and special mix tapes that can be equipped from a pause menu. If the player times their evasion right so as to perfectly dodge an enemy attack, they will ' Gleam' by briefly glowing red, during which time their attacks will be more powerful. In addition to the standard punch, kick and jump buttons, and a designated run button, the player now has an evade button for dodging attacks. The journey starts on the city streets and progresses through an outer-space dojo, Asian countryside, a genetics lab, and a graveyard before concluding at Skullmageddon's palace.

As with previous installments of the series, the player takes control of martial artists Billy Lee (Player 1) and Jimmy Lee (Player 2) in their fight to rescue Marian from the Shadow Warriors gang, this time led by the super-lich Skullmageddon.

Double dragon neon shadow bro