We’re currently going through a beat-em-up renaissance, and Double Dragon Revive is proof of that. Rather than opting for the clean 2D pixel look used in games like Marvel Cosmic Invasion, this game uses 3D visuals, which is appreciated. It makes this brawler feel like something from the Xbox Live Arcade days, which is a compliment.
Downloadable games from the 7th generation of consoles were interesting, as they sought to strike a balance between retro and modern gaming. That compromise often involved giving a 2D game 3D graphics, which led to many 2.5D games. Games like Bionic Commando ReArmed, Shadow Complex, and Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and 2 are just a few of the titles that utilize this visual style well.
There’s something about the gameplay of Double Dragon Revive that brings this feeling of 2.5D downloadable games back. Maybe it’s because Double Dragon Neon was one of the prominent games of that era, but this does bring us back to that timeline. Unfortunately, we don’t think Revive will be priced like those games, but we’ll see how its final release turns out.
It’s not like Revive is the first game to bring this art style back, as Sonic Superstars and Mega Man 11 also used them in this generation. But with modern beat-em-ups going for the pixel aesthetic these days, there’s something about seeing one in 2.5D that feels unique. Having a familiar franchise use this style also helps, as the XBLA days were filled with retro comeback games.
Just to be clear, we aren’t ripping on those pixel beat-em-ups, because those games are gorgeous. There isn’t enough praise in the world to describe how good Marvel Cosmic Invasion looks. We also have similar praise for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge.
Seeing Double Dragon Revive like this does show that the series is in a much better place now. The series has seen several new games and re-releases in recent years. Double Dragon Gaiden was an interesting take on a roguelite beat-em-up, while re-releases of Super Double Dragon and Double Dragon Advance were very much appreciated.
click to enlargeNeedless to say, the adventures of Billy and Jimmy won’t be stopping anytime soon. They've survived some pretty bad games, so this is a step up, if anything else.
Double Dragon Revive might not bring the series mainstream, but it does look like a solid beat-em-up that anyone can pick up. Only time will tell if this game gives Shredder’s Revenge or Streets of Rage 4 a run for their money, but we won’t mind. The more beat-em-ups, the better.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Features and Action and Adventure Games page.