The Double Dragon series returns yet again with an ultra-modern tribute to the original game

I first began hitting arcades within the late ’80s, and one of many first video games I bear in mind enjoying was the seminal 1987 beat-em-up Double Dragon. In all probability not essentially the most acceptable factor for a seven-year-old, however I pumped loads of quarters into it and subsequently spent tons of time enjoying the NES port. After its late ’80s / early ’90s heyday, although, the Double Dragon collection has gone by means of a variety of bizarre iterations and revamps, and a brand new one primarily based on the unique recreation is ready to reach in 2025.

Double Dragon Revive is produced by Japanese developer / writer Arc System Works, who acquired the rights to Double Dragon again in 2015 after the unique developer Technōs went out of enterprise. In contrast to Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons, which was released in 2023 and featured a really distinctive cartoonish type, Revive is leaning into an ultra-modern and extra real looking vibe, comparatively talking.

It jogs my memory a little bit of latest Avenue Fighter video games; equally, the characters appear like they’ve a significantly expanded set of strikes to bash by means of the waves of dangerous guys. There is not a lot element on the sport on the market but, although Arc System Works does notice that this recreation is not a pure button-masher, saying that it “requires adaptation and selection.”

Visible type is not the one factor differentiating Revive from Rise of the Dragons. The 2023 recreation had ropuelike components, 13 playable characters and a tag-team skill to allow you to swap between these characters. Revive, because the identify suggests, will probably stick extra to the tried-and-true Double Dragon method. How a lot that’ll resonate with gamers in 2025 stays to be seen, however there are absolutely sufficient nostalgic youngsters from the ’80s on the market who will give this one a shot. It’s going to be accessible for the PS4 and PS5, Xbox One and Collection X/S and on Steam.