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Fans of the legendary beat ‘em up series, rejoice! Arc System Works, the esteemed developer behind Dragon Ball FighterZ and Guilty Gear Strive, has announced the revival of the Double Dragon franchise with a new 3D game titled Double Dragon Revive. Developed in collaboration with Yuke’s, the creators of AEW Fight Forever, this latest installment promises to bring a fresh yet nostalgic experience to the iconic series.
Returning Characters and Gameplay
Double Dragon Revive will feature beloved characters from the series and retain the classic gameplay elements fans adore. Players can expect to pick up weapons scattered throughout the stages and utilize area gimmicks to defeat enemies. Here’s the official blurb from Arc System Works:
“The Double Dragon series has defined the belt-scroll action genre ever since it hit the arcades in 1987. Now it returns as Double Dragon Revive, thanks to the passionate support of retro game fans over the years! The game provides a modern belt-scroll action experience with exhilarating gameplay making full use of Arc System Works’ experience with fighting game development.”
Release Details
Double Dragon Revive is set for release on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and Steam in 2025. A physical edition will be available for PS4 and PS5, while digital versions will be released for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X and S, and Steam. Notably, there will be no versions for Xbox One or Nintendo Switch.
A Legacy of Influence
Double Dragon was a mainstay in arcades and on consoles through the late ’80s and early ’90s, appearing on numerous platforms and even teaming up with the Battletoads at one point. Revered as one of the most influential beat ‘em ups of all time, it paved the way for classics like Final Fight and Streets of Rage.
Arc System Works’ Commitment
Arc System Works acquired the rights to Double Dragon and the Kunio-Kun (River City) series from Technos Japan Corp in 2015. Since then, they have released several titles in these series, including Double Dragon 4 and the critically acclaimed River City Girls. Double Dragon 4, developed in collaboration with the series’ original director Yoshihisa Kishimoto, received mixed reviews, while River City Girls and its sequel River City Girls 2, featuring Double Dragon leads Billy and Jimmy Lee as playable DLC characters, garnered widespread acclaim.
Future Prospects
With the upcoming release of Double Dragon Revive, Arc System Works and Yuke’s aim to honor the series’ rich legacy while delivering a modern, exhilarating gaming experience. Fans can look forward to a game that blends the nostalgic charm of Double Dragon with the cutting-edge developments of contemporary gaming.
