Double Strike

Double Strike is an arcade-style shooting game for the NES, released in 1990 by Sachen and Joy Van and published by AVE. Built around fast action and straightforward controls, it places the emphasis on clearing the screen, avoiding incoming threats, and staying alive through repeated waves of enemies. Its two-player support is the defining feature: instead of taking turns, two players can share the action and work through the game together.

The presentation is rooted in the familiar shoot-’em-up tradition, with the player controlling a combat craft and firing continuously while navigating enemy attacks. Movement, timing, and positioning matter more than complicated rules. Enemies arrive in patterns, and the screen can quickly become busy, making it important to keep moving without losing track of the action. The game’s compact NES design keeps the objective clear, which makes it easy to pick up even if you have never played it before.

Double Strike has the direct, no-frills feel associated with many early independent NES releases. It is not built around a lengthy story or elaborate character development; the appeal comes from learning the rhythm of each section, reacting to hazards, and trying to make a better run the next time. Playing with a second person adds a welcome cooperative element, especially for friends looking for a simple challenge rather than a large adventure.

Today, Double Strike is an interesting example of the lesser-known NES library and the work of Sachen/Joy Van during the system’s later years. Its modest presentation is part of its charm, while the two-player format gives the action extra energy. RetroCloud makes it convenient to play online on your browser and revisit this obscure 1990 shooter without needing the original hardware.