Double Edged

Double Edged is an adventure-multiplayer game released on June 22, 2009 on Nitrome.com. Both players are Spartan soldiers who are invading enemy territory. The game was the first revealed game that was to be available for the Nitrome Touchy, revealed the week prior in a mysterious video. The Nitrome Touchy version is assumed to be exactly the same as the flash version, only with the Nitrome Touchy version supporting 4 players able to simultaneously play the game, no keyboard necessary, as the controller is an iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch.

Flash
Player 1

up down right left Arrow keys - Move

< (comma key) - Attack

> (period key) - Jump

Player 2

A W S D - Move

G - Attack

H - Jump

Nitrome Touchy
The player's iPhone serves as the controller for the Nitrome Touchy version of Double Edged, buttons having to be pressed in order to control the character on the screen. The layout of the control's of the Nitrome Touchy is reminiscent to the layout of a Super Nintendo Entertainment System/Nintendo Entertainment System controller: a d-pad (a plus sign shaped pad) on the left side of the iPhone, and two buttons on the right side.

The d-pad will be used to move the Spartan, while one of the two buttons will cause the player to attack , and the other to jump. Presumably, both buttons pressed (attack button and jump button) will cause the player to perform a melee attack. Behind each controller

Levels
The levels in Double Edged are set in a certain pattern. The pattern goes by a normal level, followed by a half boss level, followed by another normal level, followed by a hard boss level. The pattern continually repeats throughout the game.

Stage 1-1
In the first level the first enemies will be the soldiers of the enemy army. Hitting them with a sword, or one sword combo, will eventually defeat an enemy soldier. After a while, the player will find the first Treasure Chest containing enemy spoils. To pick it up, the player must use the attack key and throw it to collect the spoils hidden inside. The player must then continue onward toward a group of enemy soldiers, including an commander. The enemy commander is stronger than the usual soliders, and will become unconcious after being attacked, instead of dying. Next, the player will eventually come across some boars. Hitting one with a sword will stun them, allowing the player to pick one up and throw it. Soon, enemies will come at the player from both sides. More boars will be encountered as well as a chicken, which can be weilded as a weapon. Soon a enemy commander along with a gladiator. Gladiators have more stamina than soldiers and are best dealt with using these two methods: The first is to jump and hit them while in midair. The second is to hit them from behind. Continuing on, the player will soon come to three saytrs at the end of the level. Hitting them will give the player coins or (if at low health) a turkey or drumstick.

Stage 1-2
In this level, the player must go forward and a soldier with axe will appear. The player must jump and hit him. It is suggested to take his axe for it is a powerful weapon. The player must then continue onward and four soldiers will appear. The player must defeat them and keep going. Next are two enemy commanders and one is holding a axe. If the player goes forward, four soldiers and a treasure chest will be encountered. Once the soldiers are defeated, the player must pick up the chest and throw it forward (the reason for this is because if the player throws it behind, some coins will go into the other stage and the player will not be able to collect them). Up ahead are two enemy commanders and one gladiator. Next are some soldiers that come out from both ends of the screen. Up ahead more soldiers attack in the same way. The player must keep going and some soldiers, a chest, and a golden statue resembling a soldier appear. The player must pick up the golden soldier and continue onward. More golden statues will appear. Some soldiers will attack. The player must throw the statue at one of them. Once they are defeated, the player must pick up another statue of a chicken or soldier. Up ahead are soldiers and many statues of chickens, boars, soldiers, and satyrs. The player must pick one up and get ready to throw it. The boss of this stage is Midas. A section below will explain how to defeat the boss of this level. This link will also explain the boss and how to defeat him.

Stage 1-3
In this level the player will first find a few stones. The player must pick one up and move forward. Soon a enemy commander and two soldiers will appear. The player must throw the rock at either enemy and defeat them. The player must then pick up the axe of a fallen enemy and move forward. Up ahead are three enemy soldiers and a spiked pit. Next are two pits and three soldiers as well as a chest. If the player continues further, five pits will be encountered. The player must move around them. Next, there are three soldiers, a gladiator, and another gladiator with a helmet. The player must continue on ahead and meet up with many pits, soldiers, tigers (which are very powerful when jumped on and rode over enemies), stones, enemy commanders, and a few gladiators. At the end of the level are three saytrs.

Stage 1-4
The player must go forward and there will be a enemy commander, soldiers and stones. The player must then proceed onward and there will be four enemy commanders at once. The player must then continue and there will be a gladiator and many chickens. To defeat them easily, the player must jump and attack in midair. When the gladiator gets stunned, the player must keep jumping until he comes to and then hit him. The playe must then continue onward. Next are some boars and chickens as well as three gladiators. Once again, the player must jump and hit them or hit them from behind. The player must then continue onward and will soon encounter enemy soldiers and two chests. Next are more soldiers and an enemy commander telling the player about the boss Talos. To learn how to defeat the boss Talos, look below in the bosses section of this article. This link will also explain the boss and how to defeat him.

Stage 2-1
In this level the player must move forward. Up ahead, there will be two tigers. The player must take one and soon enemy soldiers will appear. The player must go through this level on the tiger defeating any enemies, making sure to take their weapons. Soon the player will find the lizard men and some more soldiers. The player must defeat them with an axe, for it is the best weapon of choice. The player must then continue onward and will soon encounter a red lizard man. The player must then continue and will soon encounter more enemies, chests, and four saytrs at the end of the level.

Stage 2-2
The player's main enemies in this level will now be lizardmen, both red and green, and a small number of soldiers. Soon the player will encounter soldiers with the new powerful weapon, the hammer. The player must pick it up and defeat the incoming enemies with it. The boss of this level is The Minotaur. Look below in the boss section for how to defeat him. This link will also explain the boss and how to defeat him.

Stage 2-3
In this level both lizardmen and soldiers are the player's main enemies. The player must go forward and there will be soldiers and some lizardmen. A new weapon is the bow. Even if the player jumps, the bow's arrow will still hit the player and cause damage. One soldier holds a hammer. The player must choose either to take the bow and arrow or the hammer and proceed forward. Soon a chest will be found. The player must continue onward but be careful, for there are soldiers with hammers that come out from front and back of the arena. Another chest can be found after they are defeated. Farther ahead the player will encounter a soldier. After him, two soldiers will come out with bows and arrows from behind. If the player continues, then up ahead lizardmen will attack. If the player goes farther there is a pile of rocks. The player must pick one up and get ready to throw it, for many red lizardmen appear. After that, there will be seven saytrs, which the player can hit for coins.

Stage 2-4
In this level, the player must go forward and meet up with a multitude of chickens. Along with the chickens, a greater enemy will appear- the Priest of Hecate. He can turn the player into a chicken for a short amount of time as well as warp around the arena. The player must jump and hit him in order to avoid being tturned into a chicken. Also, a enemy commander is with him. The player must then go forward. Up ahead are some soldiers, one lizard man, and plenty of chickens. If the player goes farther, there will be a chest. Right after the chest are two Priests of Hecate. If the player has picked up a hammer from one of the soldiers, he/she must keep in mind that it is not a good weapon for fighting the priests. This is because the hammer only works at close range, and it is best to stay as far away from the priest and his magic as possible. The player must then go forward. Again, more soldiers will appear. One will be holding a bow. The player must take the bow, for it is a very good weapon for defeating the priest (as it operates from far away) and soon one will be encountered. After that, more soldiers and another priest will appear. Then more soldiers, chickens, and three gladiators will appear, which can be knocked out by the bow. The player must then continue onward. More soldiers and a multitude of gladiators will attack the player. The boss of this stage is Hercules. Look below for how to defeat him. This link will also explain the boss and how to defeat him.

Stage 3-1
In this level, the player must go forward. First, an enemy commander will be encountered. He is holding the lion hammer, the most powerful hammer encountered, but only in this level. A soldier will say that the hammer is cursed and will awake the dead. As he said, the dead will soon awaken- they are in the form of skeletons. Skeletons are the player's main enemy in this level. The player must go through the level, encountering skeletons, and defeating them. At the end of the are four saytrs, which can be hit for coins.

Stage 3-2
In this level, skeletons are the player's main enemy. The player must defeat the skeletons. After that, a priest will be encountered. After the arena of the priest, there are some stones. The player must pick one up and go forward. After destroying many skeletons, spike pits will be encountered. A spike will come out of one pit. Then, after a few seconds, it will retract and another will come out. Many of these spike traps are ahead. The player must watch their pattern, then walk over them. The player will then be attacked by skeletons when the spikes are still around. Soon, a stone statue will appear. The player must either pick the statue up or a rock and go forward. When the player is near the end of the level, then a skeleton will announce the name of the boss of this level. Also, the main character in Twin Shot 1 & 2 will appear as a stone statue. The player may choose to pick this statue up and use it as a weapon. The boss of this level is Medusa. Look below for how to defeat this boss. This link will also explain the boss and how to defeat her.

Stage 3-3
The first enemies that are found in this level are two priests and several skeletons. The player must aim for the priest, for they can bring the skeletons back to life. Once all of the skeletons and the priest are defeated, the player must move forward with caution, for this is the second to last level, and also one of the hardest. Next is one priest and many skeletons. After that is four enemy commanders armed with a bow and arrow, a hammer, an axe, and a sword. After that are many skeletons, soldiers, and gladiators. Soon tigers will be encountered. The player must take one of them. If a tiger is obtained, then the player's task will become much easier. The player must then proceed forward. At the end of the level are four saytrs, which can be hit for points.



Stage 3-4
This is the last level. The first enemies in this level are a large number of skeletons. After defeating the skeletons, the player must then proceed forward. More skeletons will then come out to attack the player. Going farther, the player will soon encounter boulders that are being thrown across the arena. The player must move to one side and wait for the boulders to stop. More skeletons will then come to attack the player. After that, the giant boulders come back but this time skeletons are around. The player must avoid the boulders and destroy the skeletons. Soon, a group of skeletons and a priest will appear, telling the player of the boss. The boss is The Behemoth, the last boss of the game. The player must defeat him to complete the game and unlock the ending screen. (Note: If playing in two player mode, once the boos is defeated, one player must kill the other in order to rescue the princess and unlock the ending.) Look below for a description of the boss. This link will also explain the boss and how to defeat him.

Enemies
The player will have to fight many different types of enemies to progress through this game. Below they are listed.


 * Enemy Soldier - These soldiers come in large numbers (sometimes). The player must hit them two times with a sword to destroy them. They will jump on tigers and pick up a sword if they lost one. They also wear green armor.
 * Enemy Commander - There is usually only one in an arena but the largest number they come in is four. They are stronger than the enemy soldier and take three hits to destroy. They have complex helmets, thick red tassels and will pick up hammers and swords.
 * Gladiator - Gladiators are very large in size, are very muscular, and they have the ability to pick up the player and toss them to the ground they take multiple strikes to destroy and pick up no weapons.
 * Lizards - These guys are green and have two attacks.Attacking with their trident or attacking with their tongues. If they lose their trident they will not pick up there trident but not another weapon.
 * Red Lizard Man - These Lizard men are faster then other Lizard. They have the same attacks as the Lizards.
 * Earl of Hecate - Their only weapon is to turn your soldier into a chicken or rise the skeletons that you just defeated.They take three or five hits to destroy and when you hit them they will disappear and reappear somewhere else on the screen the bow is good for hitting them.
 * Skeletons - Skeletons are enemies you fight from level 3-1 to 3-4. They may come with a helmet,or a sword but if they have no weapon they will fight with there fist's or pick up other weapons. They take many hits of the sword to destroy.

Bosses
A boss fight comes every other level,they are marked as a skull or a tiny thin circle around a level circle on the map.


 * Midas: - He is the first boss. When he is getting close gold statues can be found. When he is fought the player shouldn't get too close or he will turn them into gold. If they are turned to gold, the player's health will slowly begin to go down, and they will have to rapidly press the left and right buttons to become normal again. The only way to harm Midas is to throw the golden statues at him, because any physical attacks will result in the player being turned to gold.


 * Talos: - It is so tall that the player can only see its feet. To defeat it run and hit the back of its heel until a piece of metal is destroyed. When it's heel is hit, the Colossus's health will go down. Once the piece of metal is destroyed, Enemy Soldiers will come out. Once both heels are defeated, and Talos's health is all the way gone, he will fall over.


 * Minotaur:- If you are very fast, there is a trick. If you go as fast as you can straight towards the boss, and you hit with a hammer him before he starts to talk, he will faint. When he stands up, hit him again. Repeat until he dies. If you dont hit him in time, this will not work and you have to follow the instructions below. It is possible to hit the Minotaur after it stops talking, but when it charges get out of it's way and avoid getting hit. When it's horns get stuck in the wall hit it with your sword, the hammer is a good weapon to fight the Minotaur with.


 * Hercules: - He may look small but he is powerful, able to able to throw your soldier,able to pick your soldier up by the legs jump up in the air and slam him on the ground. The hammer again is good for fighting him. After your soldier hits him a few times some Gladiators will come to fight your soldier.


 * Medusa: - You know when your soldier is getting close to her because of the statues. She attacks in three ways: shooting arrows at you with her bow, hitting you with her tail, and turning your soldier to stone with her eye sight. Remember, look the other way one her hair lifts up.


 * Behemoth: - He is the last boss in the game. When your soldier find's him he is trying to reach for the princess, defeat him by hitting his neck and when his head comes down jump and hit his eye, repeat this till his health is gone, and defend yourself from the skeletons that come to attack.

Pickups

 * Coins - An easy way to earn points is to pick up coins. They can be obtained by defeating enemies, picking up and throwing chests, and when hitting a Saytar.
 * Chest - When thrown, coins and sometimes drumsticks or turkey may appear. They can also be thrown at enemies.
 * Mutton - Drumsticks are rarely found but when picked up all health will be replenished.
 * Turkey - This item is easier to find then the drumstick but it will replenish half of your health.

Interactive Objects

 * Satyrs - The spartan cannot kill saytrs. They run around the screen quickly, and will drop coins or food when hit. Eventually they will run away off the screen.

Animals

 * Tiger - Tiger can be used like a vehicle. To mount one tap the jump button when near on to jump on it. When you come to some enemy press the attack button to when close to them to jump over and destroy them. Tigers can not be killed and enemy can jump on them and attack your soldier.
 * Chicken - Your soldier can be turned in to a chicken when you face the Earl of Hecate and also you can also use them as a weapon. Press < when you come up close to them to use them . Chickens also can not be killed.
 * Wild Boar - These animals cannot be killed, but can be picked up and thrown when stunned.

Weapons

 * Dagger - This is your primary weapon it can not be dropped. If you lose your previous weapon this will always be in your hand. Every enemy you face will have this as their primary weapon, except for skeletons.
 * Sword - You start off with this weapon at the start of every level. Some enemies will have this too.
 * Axe - This is a little stronger then the sword, and when you attack someone with it your soldier will stun them.
 * Hammer - This is very powerful. When you attack someone with it, the enemy will be stunned and knocked back towards the edge of the screen. It is good for fighting groups of enemies and bosses.
 * Trident - These are weapons that the Lizard Men attack with.
 * Bow'n'Arrow- This is a powerful long range weapon that is able to shoot arrows across the screen and it dishes out large amounts of damage.
 * Lion Hammer - Similar to the Hammer but stronger, the Lion Hammer only appears on level 3-1 but is strong against the skeletons you face.

Hazards

 * Spike pits - These are really small pits with spikes in them. You get stunned if you fall into one.
 * Moving spikes - These spikes come up in two groups. The first group of spikes come up out of half of the holes, then when they retract, group two's spikes come out from the remaining holes. After group two retracts, the process repeats.

Pre-release
Double Edged is the only known Nitrome game to be released as a playable Beta version. During the second week Cosmic Cannon was released, some who played it at a certain time instead played Double Edged. As mentioned above, this game was still being worked on, progress only up to Hercules done.

The game looked pretty much how it did in its fully released version. The only noticeable difference was the battle with Hercules was incredibly toned down for the full release. Hercules, for the beta pre-release, inflicted much more damage than he did in the full version. This beta was quickly taken down, the reason behind this risky move being to allow Candystand (sponsors of the game) to test it out.

September 18th 2012
Nitrome posted a six letter blog post that linked to the trailer of Double Edged????. The blog post, Nitrome, nor trailer revealed anything about the game, other than it will include four Spartans instead of two, all four possibly able to be controlled on the same computer. The trailer ends with four question marks, each a colour that corresponds to a colour of the crest of the four Spartans shown in the trailer. NqmI9xC5FDE

September 25th 2012
Nitrome acknowledged that this game would be available for Nitrome Touchy.

October 2nd 2012
Nitrome released a diagram of the controller used for the game.

Trivia

 * In Level 3-2 there is a stone statue of one of the Angels from Twin Shot.Twin shot stone.jpg
 * The Hammer is the same hammer used in Ice Breaker: The Red Clan
 * In Level 2-2 an enemy commander says "Stop...Hammer time!" and says "Can't Touch This..." when he dies, a reference to the song Can't Touch This by M.C. Hammer. This same quote was used by the Hammerhead Sharks in Mutiny when the player is defeated.
 * There is a glitch at the end of the levels. That is, if the player has a weapon and near to him is another one, the spartan can grab the sword and the the CLEAR screen will be showed and the old weapon remains rolling in midair.
 * This is one of few games, like Nitrome Must Die, that has many weapons to choose from.
 * Nitrome has been constantly linking back the Youtube video of the Nitrome Touchy version of Double Edged, using it as an example of the multiplayer capabilities of the Nitrome Touchy.