Normally, when a classic game gets the nod to be remade, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. There is a chance we, the fans, get to play a beloved classic on current-gen console tech.
So hearing Double Dragon was getting remade, I was pumped. The sheer amount of hours I had spent on the arcade machine and on the console, I knew that some NPC bad guys were heading for a bare-knuckle beatdown that would leave a mark.
Double Dragon was a classic side-scroller beat ’em up with your buddy that had an aura about it. The chemistry of the dragons and the story, the fighting it all made sense.
I had the chance to play Double Dragon Revive, and I need to vomit immediately. What has happened to a beloved co-op buddy beat em up that millions around the world played? I couldn’t believe it was fumbled this badly.
Who signed off on this game being developed?
Answer: someone who played an entirely different source material game.
Why would the developers take a classic game and make it so anime?
Answer: They were probably following the directive of some suit that thought this would smash records and ignite a new fanbase.
I have so many questions, no answers and feel like I just wasted my time.
Sorry, folks, I have nothing good to say about Double Dragon Revive.
Let’s frame this. Look at the original artwork for Double Dragon II, it oozes ’90s action aura.
Awesome to see, even better to play. Battling with your buddy in Co-Op is one best things about gaming.
Now, let’s look at the 2025 remake that “revives” the Double Dragon franchise. The artwork has our heroes looking very metrosexual Ken doll vibes.
Not my first choice of cover artwork, but that’s what was picked.
Gameplay, there is new elemental powers, new move sets and because the controller back on the original did not have as many buttons, there are a lot of new moves. The fighting is standard; nothing stands out to me.
There is a tiny connective tissue from the old game to the new game; it’s so small you have to really notice it to pick it up. That said, I didn’t enjoy this game enough to finish it. I was so over it at a quarter of the way in I bailed, and I usually try and finish a game to review it properly, but I couldn’t. This game sucks.
I don’t want to come off like a hater, but I hate this version of the game. I won’t say do not buy this game, you can make your own mind up. I just did not find anything connected to Double Dragon 1 + 2 that made me enjoy this game.
A message to the next developers of this game, for a sequel or a revival of the revival edition, PLEASE stick to the roots of the game and listen to the fanbase. Incorporate the core elements of the original games that made people fall in love with this franchise.
Actually sit down with the old Super Nintendo and carve out a weekend with a buddy and go through the game. That’s all you need to do to make something great. Take the core mechanics, graphics and make something just a bit better.
For your reference, here is the old Super Nintendo game cartridge.
Gameplay was pretty simple: you move forward and bop the bad guys, who progressively get harder and harder. You have boss battles and some cool moves, the pick up weapon and booster items are a nice touch the game.
The new game is similar-ish; you work towards beating all the bad guys to progress to harder and harder levels.
That’s a wrap.
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