Summary
Arc System Works is developing a newDouble Dragongame, and it will be in 3D. BeforeArc System Worksowned the franchise, the originalDouble Dragonarcade game helped popularize the side-scrolling beat-up-em genre in 1987, putting players in the roles of twin siblings Billy and Jimmy Lee as they brawled with criminals to rescue Billy’s girlfriend Marion from the evil Black Warriors gang. In addition to the numerous imitators to come inDouble Dragon’s wake, the series would spawn several sequels and spin-offs, including a crossover with the similarBattletoadsseries.
Guilty GearandDragon Ball FighterZdeveloper Arc System Works acquired theDouble Dragonlicense back in 2015, leading tothe release ofDouble Dragon 4a couple of years later. Reception to this latest entry was mixed, with some reviewers enjoying its retro charm while others decried its aged and repetitive formula. Last year saw the release of a spin-off from Secret Base and Modus Games titledDouble Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons, which served as a prequel to the original arcade game. The reviews were more positive here, though there were complaints about its uneven difficulty and lack of online co-op at launch.
There have been rumors of Arc System Worksdeveloping a newDouble Dragonentrywith the supposed title of “Double Dragon Revive,” and now this has been confirmed. According to the latest issue of Famitsu (viaRyokutya2089), this latestDouble Dragongame will faithfully recreate the bare-knuckle action of the classic games, albeit with the character models rendered in 3D using Arc System Works’ experience in the fighting genre. An exact release date for this newDouble Dragonentry is still unclear, but Famitsu reports that it will launch sometime in 2025 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC.
New Double Dragon Will Have 3D Graphics
Famitsu also included screenshots and character artwork ofDouble Dragon Revive, showing off the new, anime-style designs for the Lee twins along withclassicDouble Dragonenemieslike Abobo. It looks likeDouble Dragon Revivewill remain a side-scroller with plenty of visual flair in attacks from the playable heroes and opposing minions alike. At first glance, the game’s art style looks similar to last year’sStreet Fighter 6.
As noted before, there isn’t any official release date forDouble Dragon Reviveaside from a vague 2025 launch window, so there will undoubtedly be more information released during the wait for this next entry inthe storied beat-em-up franchise. It will be interesting to see what this new visual direction will bring to the nextDouble Dragongame, and if it will be enough to recapture the magic of past games.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons
WHERE TO PLAY
Prepare to throw down the Double Dragon way in this fresh addition to the iconic beat ‘em up franchise. It’s the year 199X, and nuclear war has devastated New York City leaving its citizens to fight for survival as riots and crime engulf the streets. The city has been overtaken by criminal gangs who terrorize its ruins as they fight for total dominance. Unwilling to endure these conditions any longer, young Billy and Jimmy Lee take it upon themselves to drive the gangs out of their city.Explore the early beginnings of the young Double Dragon brothers as they take on both new and familiar enemies in this alternate story. In this fresh roguelite take, every playthrough is a brand new chance at new action. Featuring a unique and dynamic level structure, the difficulty of the missions you take on will change depending on the order you have selected them.Tag in and out as the classic duo Billy and Jimmy, switch it up with Marian and Uncle Matin, or experiment with 12 additional unlockable characters, each with their own special moves and unique playstyles. With 2-player online and local co-op, the action quadruples as you and a friend clean up the mean streets.TAG TEAM ACTION – Choose two fighters and seamlessly switch between them, giving you a multitude of strategies for devastating combos, defensive and offensive moves.BEAT ‘EM UP WITH ROGUELITE ELEMENTS– Experience endless playthrough possibilities with a dynamic mission select function; the order in which you choose your mission will affect mission length, number of enemies, and overall difficulty. Choose where you improve with randomized purchasable upgrades for your characters at the end of each mission, or save your cash to revive your players in-mission.16 UNIQUE PLAYABLE CHARACTERS – Start the fight with Billy, Jimmy, Marian, and Uncle Matin. Earn tokens along the way to unlock a diverse roster of 12 more characters, each with their own playstyle and strengths. Strategically choose your fighting duo by taking into account each characters’ strengths and weaknesses.ONLINE & LOCAL CO-OP – Grab a friend and clean up the city streets together with online and local co-op that supports up to two players.SHAPE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND REWARDS – Adjust game difficulty to affect the amount of tokens earned per session and use those tokens to unlock content from the Token Shop including characters, tips, and more. Modifier can be used to enter permadeath or even infinite mode.SURVIVAL MODE – Test your might against a barrage of enemies in this wave mode that increases in difficulty the further you progress. Use tokens to unlock this mode, as well as special backgrounds during runs.VERSUS MODE – Select two characters and upgrades to battle against your friends to prove who is the ultimate Dragon Warrior. This mode and special backgrounds are unlocked via the token shop.
