Double Dragon Revive Reviews
Ultimately I don't think Double Dragon Revive is going to bring the revival to the franchise the title claims. There's something here and I reckon another year of development, polish and tweaking could honestly result in a legitimately great scrolling beat 'em up. But as it is right now - especially at an asking price of around $50AU, it's difficult to justify for anyone outside hardcore Double Dragon fans or scrolling beat 'em up fans that just want something to play before something better comes along.
Double Dragon Revive is no revival of its franchise. If anything, it feels like mindless filler. The graphics are nice (though it seems that’s a rare opinion), the combat is solid, if incredibly simple, and the levels don’t do enough to really excite or tear away from what quickly becomes a repetitive tedium. The game feels terrified to try anything new and therefore settles for mediocrity, providing just enough to briefly entertain a player before failing to offer anything more.
Double Dragon Revive will not be the return to form that it should have been for some. Others may look beyond the iffy art direction and new-yet-dated graphics and find a very competent and, dare I say, fun brawler with a healthy dose of combat. You’ll find me in the camp of the latter. It’s always welcome to see the Lee Brothers, and while it’s not quite as addictive or fun as Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons, it offers plenty for fans of the genre and the franchise. It’s one I’ll return to time and time again, and I would love to see a sequel to see how the developers would tackle a remake of Double Dragon II in this style.
If you're looking for detailed graphics, well-modeled characters, and impeccable textures, Double Dragon Revive might not be the right game for you. But if visuals aren't a problem and what you're looking for is arcade fun, solid gameplay, and that nostalgic arcade feel, then the journey will certainly be worth it!
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Despite coming from a long line of games, Double Dragon Revive failed to reach the level of quality worthy of its golden age. It manages to be entertaining with its dynamic combat and good variety of scenarios, which offer interesting interactions. The problem is that, while the game is not exactly ugly, its style leaves something to be desired, as do some of its challenges. It is recommended for fans of the beat 'em up genre or anyone who wants to relive (even partially) the glories of the past.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Double Dragon Revive isn't the triumphant return many were hoping for, but it doesn't completely disappoint either. It maintains the classic spirit of the series and offers moments of cooperative fun, although its technical execution and design could have been more polished. It's a game recommended for nostalgic fans and those who enjoy simple beat 'em ups with a modern twist. With a little more time and creative risk, it could have been the true rebirth its title promised. Even so, it manages to convey a minimum of fun, nostalgia, and respect for the franchise, placing it in that middle ground where it doesn't shine, but it doesn't disappoint either.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Without reinventing the wheel, Double Dragon Revive is yet another attempt to revive classic beat 'em ups, and even though it's relatively simpler than some competitors in the genre, the game has its fair share of fun.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Maybe with a bit of post-launch updating some of this stuff could be worked on and enhanced, but as the game is now, Double Dragon Revive is only recommended if you have a Double Dragon shaped hole in your life that needs to be filled immediately. Otherwise, wait on it a bit. It’s not an outright pass, but Double Dragon Revive is a game you’re going to need to be in a very patient mood to play.
Double Dragon Revive tries to recapture the arcade glory days but stumbles with thin presentation, repetitive gameplay, and half-baked features—yet if you once blew your allowance on beat-’em-ups, there’s still a few hours of fun to be had, though you’re better off spending your cash on more polished throwbacks like Streets of Rage 4 or TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Double Dragon Revive was a real surprise: it's the kind of game we weren't expecting much from, only to discover we'd unfairly underestimated it. Yuke's work is a smart evolution not only of the series itself, but also of the entire beat-em-up genre.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Double Dragon Revive fails to deliver a much-needed shot of adrenaline for the Double Dragon series, falling flat in almost every regard. Only the most hardcore of genre fans will find anything to praise here, and all others should stay far away.
Double Dragon Revive is a good beat 'em up that lets you try new things and brings back memories. There are some problems with the revival, but fans of the type should still go. It fits well with newer games like Absolum and Marvel Cosmic Invasion, offering an old-school yet updated take on a famous series.
“Double Dragon: Revive” is a title that prioritizes the core experience and satisfying combat of arcade action. Strategic combat, stage interactions, and cooperative play are all seamlessly integrated, delivering enjoyment within the genre’s framework while making thoughtful, measured changes to preserve the identity of the Double Dragon IP. While certain aspects may still require further refinement to fully safeguard the IP’s value, the game succeeds in evoking the nostalgia of the arcade’s golden era. It remains faithful to the essence of the genre, offering not just a recreation of the past but a modern reinterpretation that feels engaging and compelling.
Review in Korean | Read full review