In the late 1980s, my fascination with arcades began, and one of the games that left a lasting impression on me was the iconic 1987 beat-em-up Double Dragon. Despite not being the most child-friendly choice for a seven-year-old, I found myself eagerly feeding quarters into the machine, later transitioning to the NES version for extended gaming sessions. Following its peak popularity in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the Double Dragon franchise underwent several unconventional transformations and reboots. Now, a new installment inspired by the original game is scheduled for release in 2025.
Titled Double Dragon Revive, this game is developed by the renowned Japanese developer and publisher, Arc System Works, who acquired the rights to Double Dragon in 2015 following the closure of the original developer, Technōs. Diverging from the distinctively cartoonish style of its predecessor, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons, released in 2023, Revive opts for a more modern and realistic approach, reminiscent of recent Street Fighter titles. The character designs suggest a more extensive array of combat moves to navigate through hordes of adversaries.
While specific details about the game are currently limited, Arc System Works has indicated that Revive will not solely rely on button-mashing, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strategic gameplay. Apart from its visual aesthetic, Revive sets itself apart from Rise of the Dragons by eschewing roguelike elements, offering a presumably more traditional Double Dragon experience. With 2025 on the horizon, the reception of this return to roots approach remains uncertain, yet there is undoubtedly a demographic of nostalgic ’80s kids eager to rekindle their gaming memories.
Scheduled for release on the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam platforms, Double Dragon Revive is poised to attract both seasoned fans of the franchise and newcomers seeking a classic beat-em-up experience with a contemporary twist.