Double Dragon Revive: A disastrous attempt to “revive” a legend

The legendary beat-’em-up franchise Double Dragon has returned with a new title, Double Dragon Revive. Unfortunately, this “revival” has turned out to be a major disappointment for both longtime fans and critics.

Disastrous score: only 33% on OpenCritic

Developed by Yuke's, the game received a shockingly low 33% rating on OpenCritic—a number that reflects the widespread consensus on its poor quality. Many reviewers called it one of the least impressive reboots in the beat-’em-up genre.

This so-called “revival” fails on almost every level, dragging the Double Dragon name back into infamy.

Bland and uninspired 3D visuals

The most glaring weakness of Double Dragon Revive lies in its visuals. Instead of evoking nostalgia or presenting a bold artistic style, the game’s 3D graphics have been criticized as bland, lacking detail, and outdated compared to modern standards.

• Uninspired 3D graphics: Characters and environments feel flat, and the weak combat effects strip away the energy that once defined classic beat-’em-ups.
• Repetitive level design: Stages are described as monotonous and uncreative, failing to provide a sense of progression or excitement.

Gameplay lacking the beat-’em-up spirit

Beyond its visuals, Revive also struggles with gameplay. While it retains the signature side-scrolling action, it lacks the pace, balanced difficulty, and satisfying impact that made the originals great.

The combination of dull visuals and uninspired combat makes Double Dragon Revive a textbook example of how not to revive a classic franchise without understanding what made it special.

A tough lesson for developers

The failure of Double Dragon Revive serves as a wake-up call for game developers: a legendary name alone can’t save a weak product. To succeed, a reboot needs solid technical quality, striking visuals, and most importantly, gameplay that honors the legacy it carries.

Instead of truly being a “Revive,” this title might just mark another moment when Double Dragon fades into disappointment once again.