It isn’t exactly like Double Dragon needed a revival as of late. A few years ago, WayForward gave us the highly entertaining Double Dragon Neon. And just recently, we got a taste of the old school with Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons. But Aksys, content on giving us more beat ‘em up fun, gave us that boost anyway with Double Dragon Revive. And while it isn’t without its questionable quirks, it’s good to see Billy and Jimmy Lee back at it again.
You know the deal. Evil’s out there, and the bros need to team up to pound it into the ground. But Revive does things differently with more of a 2.5-D setting, so you can move around and mix up your combat. The end result is mostly good, with a little bit of questionability with collision at times. Still, if it’s a flurry of punches and kicks you want, you came to the right place.
The game has an aesthetic similar to older PS2/PS3 fare, right down to the splendid (yet slightly unpolished) visuals and the rockin’ soundtrack. Not to mention it’s great teaming up with a friend, even with a little friendly fire. Plus, hey, the bonus characters are a nice touch, even if they aren’t as plentiful as, say, Gaiden.
Though the combat takes a little getting used to (again, 3D-ish) and there are some slightly nagging issues, Revive isn’t bad in the least. It definitely delivers on its hits, and there’s a lot of content to enjoy here if you don’t mind a slight bit repetition. It provides the Lees their proper due, even with its shortcomings. And, hey, Abobo actually looks threatening.
Double Dragon Revive Delivers the Brutality
The Shadow Warriors are back! Gasp! Following a devastation across the land, they’ve decided they want to push people around and rule. But Billy and Jimmy simply aren’t having it, and, alongside their friends, look to liberate what’s left of the streets.
Okay, so story isn’t Double Dragon Revive’s strong point. But the combat certainly is. The game features plenty of punch and kick combos to indulge in, along with some sweet looking super techniques. They come in handy, especially when it comes to the variety of bosses that are here. Yes, that includes Abobo, who actually looks bad-ass compared to his film counterpart.
One thing you’ll have to get used to is with combat. Like, erm, Turtles In Time Re-Shelled before it, it’s done in 3D. That means being able to turn and face enemies in a real environment. That sounds like a recipe for disaster, but…it’s not bad? That’s not to say it doesn’t have problems, as sometimes you miss foes. But for the most part, you can connect with some sweet-looking moves, as well as throws and special techniques. Plus being able to pick up weapons is a nice touch, even if they’re somewhat easy to lose.
It does get repetitive, but it is true to the nature of Double Dragon, so that isn’t entirely a fault. On top of that, you can have a friend join the fray, either locally or online. And even with the friendly fire, it can be a lot of fun.
Just a side note. There is…platforming. And it can be awkward and even a little frustrating. But I got through all the segments the first time, and, likely, you will too. Just be prepared.
The game features some cool stuff, including unlockable characters and even a few Easter eggs. But, again, that’s if you can contend with the new stuff implemented into the combat. If you prefer the classic 2D style of play, Neon and Gaidenare your best bets. However, if you don’t mind trying something new, Revive certainly doesn’t hurt.
How Does Double Dragon Revive’s Presentation Hit?
Next, let’s talk about the graphics and sound.
First up, the visuals look…okay? They resemble a classic PS3/PS2 style experience, complete with great looking backdrops and solid animation. That said, they certainly aren’t up to modern-day quality. That gives it kind of a throwback charm, which I didn’t mind. But if you’re expecting a Double Dragon game polished on the level of, say, Ninja Gaiden 4, you might want to accept the fact this ain’t it. It looks good, not great, but that’s not too shabby for the considered audience.
I love the animated cutscenes as well. They really make me want a solid Double Dragon anime. (With Abobo given justice, obviously.)
As for the music, it’s excellent. That’s not to say it’s all homespun like, say, Double Dragon Neon’s 80s style soundtrack. But there are some remixed Double Dragon themes here that hit the spot, along with some new tunes. And the voice effects are corny enough to work here, along with the hard-hitting FX.
In essence, it feels like the right kind of Double Dragon revival. Not too far over the top, but right at home with the themes involved. That’s more than suitable.
Double Dragon Revive Pummels With Goodness
Though there are some things I’d improve upon (like adding more characters and touching up the gameplay), Double Dragon Revive isn’t nearly as bad as some say. It works in a cheesy, nostalgic sort of way, with its entertaining combat and artful presentation. And it’s always good to rope in a friend for some two-player action, even if that means hitting them a few times along the way.
That said, this should easily fill the Double Dragon quota for now. How about giving something else a revisit? After all, it’s been ages since we’ve seen Battletoads/Double Dragon: The Ultimate Team make the rounds.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Arc System Works for providing a review code! Double Dragon Revive is available now for Nintendo Switch,Xbox, PlayStation and PC/Steam!
Want more beat-em-up goodness? Check out our review of Fallen City Brawl!
