A revival that pulls its punches
Double Dragon was one of the first games that made me feel like a badass with two buttons and a joystick. Back in the day, the Lee brothers weren’t just characters; they were legends. So, when Double Dragon Revive was announced, I was genuinely excited. A modern take from Yuke’s (of WWE fame) under Arc System Works’ watch? That sounded like a match made in side-scrolling heaven to me. Unfortunately, while Revive has heart, it’s also proof that nostalgia only carries you so far when the gameplay doesn’t evolve enough to match the times.
MSRP: $34.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $14.99
Billy and Jimmy Lee are back doing what they do best: punching, kicking, and spin-kicking every thug, biker, and ninja dumb enough to stand in their way. The story is a retelling of sorts, pulling familiar threads from the original Double Dragon timeline while giving it a flashier anime-inspired coat of paint. Marion’s in danger (again), and the streets are once more filled with gangs and the police are nowhere to be seen, thankfully so is Koga Shuko. (Real DD fans will get that) It’s classic Double Dragon energy; no pretense, no melodrama, just fists, fury, and a lot of neon lighting.
Yuke’s deserves credit for keeping the spirit intact. The brawling still feels chunky and deliberate; there’s weight to every punch. The hits connect with that satisfying “thud” that makes you nod your head just a little every time it lands. The new dodge and parry systems add a modern layer that rewards timing, giving old-school fans something fresh to master. That being said though the combat feels like Double Dragon, but it doesn’t flow like it should. There’s a stiffness that creeps in when the action gets crowded; hit detection feels inconsistent, some enemies take awkwardly long to react, and the combo windows can be finicky. It’s frustrating, because the foundation feels solid it just never reaches the smooth, stylish heights of something like Streets of Rage 4 or TMNT Shredders Revenge.
Let’s be real: Double Dragon without co-op is just half the experience. Thankfully, Revive remembers that. Couch co-op still shines, and the chaos of juggling enemies with a friend is pure old-school joy. When both players are dialed in combo-ing enemies, swapping weapons mid-fight; it feels like the 90’s all over again, only smoother and louder. Online co-op? Not so much. Lag and desync issues pop up more often than they should, I have yet to play online for more than a few minutes on Xbox.
Double Dragon Revive is a love letter to the franchise, but one that occasionally forgets to stamp it properly. It’s not bad game per say, there are flashes of brilliance where it all comes together, and for those moments, it feels like the return I hoped for. But just as often, it reminds you that sometimes, bringing back the past isn’t enough. If you grew up with the Lee brothers and just want to relive the glory days with a friend, you’ll probably have fun as long as they can come over your house. If you’re new to the series, though, this isn’t going to make you a believer.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
