Set in a post-apocalyptic New York, Double Dragon is the story of Billy and Jimmy Lee, twin brothers trained in the fighting style of Sou-Setsu-Ken. Together, they manage a small martial arts training school, teaching their students in self-defense. One day, Billy's girlfriend, Marian, is kidnapped off the street by the "Black Warriors", a savage street gang led by a man named Willy. The Black Warriors demand the Lee brothers disclose their martial arts secrets in exchange for Marian's freedom. The Lee brothers set out on a rescue mission to crush the Black Warriors and save Marian.
The gameplay of Double Dragon features various techniques, including punches, kicks, and elbow strikes, as well as any weapon that comes into the players' hands. Players control Billy or Jimmy Lee through the city, industrial area, and forest, fighting their way to the Black Warriors' hideout to confront Willy.
The NES version of this game also has a VS. mode for one or two players. In this mode, players choose from six characters - Billy and five enemy characters - and engage in a one-on-one fighting match. The goal is to punch, kick, jumpkick, and use weapons against the opponent until their health bar is depleted.