Search for games

Type three or more characters to start searching

Links

Twitch

MONSTER

Double Dragon Revive

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Double Dragon Revive
Item: Double Dragon Revive
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAction, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Fighting, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 23, 2025

PlatformXbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperYuke's

Overview

Double Dragon Revive faithfully reproduces the thrill of old school side-scrolling action games, with updated controls and difficulty settings for the modern era, and utilizing Arc System Works’ fighting game development experience. Jimmy Lee, Billy Lee, Roper, Abobo, and more will appear in stylish 3D.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Double Dragon Revive offers nostalgic visuals and engaging cutscenes, but critics overwhelmingly slam its lackluster story. Many describe the narrative as bland and simplistic, serving only as a backdrop for gameplay, with a failure to engage or provide memorable moments. Overall, while some appreciate its artistic flair, the consensus is disappointment in its shallow and conventional storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of Double Dragon Revive reflects a blend of nostalgia and artistic presentation, with some critics highlighting its engaging elements. For instance, Noisy Pixel appreciates the vibrant artwork and fully voiced cutscenes that enhance the narrative experience, while Nintendo Life finds the story surprisingly engaging for a beat 'em up, noting its post-apocalyptic setting and the depth added by partially animated cutscenes. Critics like Omelete and ElDesmarque also commend the homage to the original game, emphasizing the artistic presentation through illustrated sequences that contribute positively to the overall experience. However, the majority of critics express significant dissatisfaction with the story's execution. Many reviews, including those from GameGrin and IGN, describe the narrative as bland, lacking energy, and serving merely as a backdrop for gameplay. Critics like GamingBolt and Final Weapon criticize the absurdity and weakness of the plot, pointing out that it fails to engage players meaningfully. The consensus is that the story is overly simplistic, predictable, and lacking in depth, with several critics, such as Combo Infinito and COGconnected, noting that it merely connects levels without providing a compelling narrative. In summary, while Double Dragon Revive features artistic elements and a nostalgic premise that some critics appreciate, the overall consensus leans towards disappointment in its storytelling. Critics agree that the narrative is shallow and conventional, often failing to engage players or provide memorable moments. The game seems to prioritize gameplay over narrative depth, resulting in a story that many reviewers, including GameBlast and GamersRD, deem unremarkable and lacking originality.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Double Dragon Revive impresses with its enjoyable combat mechanics and varied character moves, but suffers from execution flaws, repetitive gameplay, and clunky controls. Critics praise its nostalgic appeal and fast-paced action while noting significant issues like poor hit detection and poorly integrated platforming, resulting in a mixed reception that highlights its potential but falls short in depth and design.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Double Dragon Revive has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for its combat mechanics. Many reviewers, such as Combo Infinito and GamersRD, highlighted the enjoyable combat system, noting the variety of characters and their unique movesets. Critics like Malditos Nerds and Omelete appreciated the fast-paced action typical of the beat 'em up genre, with the latter mentioning the incorporation of modern 3D elements and interactive tools that enhance player engagement. Additionally, some reviews, including that from Gamekult, pointed out the depth in combat mechanics, allowing for movement and attacks in multiple directions, which adds a layer of strategy to encounters. However, the gameplay has also faced significant criticism, particularly regarding its execution and design flaws. Many critics, including IGN and The Jimquisition, pointed out that the gameplay lacks depth and can feel repetitive, relying heavily on basic combo loops and button-mashing. Issues with hit detection and clunky movement were commonly mentioned, with GamingBolt and Vandal noting frustrations with boss fights and tedious encounters. Furthermore, several reviewers, such as GameGrin and ElDesmarque, criticized the platforming sections, describing them as forced and poorly integrated, which detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Double Dragon Revive has a solid foundation with enjoyable combat mechanics and a nostalgic appeal, it struggles with execution and depth. Critics like XboxEra and COGconnected acknowledged the potential of the combat system but highlighted issues with controls and balance that hinder the gameplay experience. The blend of classic beat 'em up elements with modern features has not been flawlessly executed, leading to a mixed reception where the game's strengths are often overshadowed by its shortcomings.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Double Dragon Revive's graphics spark mixed reactions: some praise the bright colors and modern 3D reimaginings, while many critics slam the visuals as dull, lifeless, and reminiscent of outdated PS2 aesthetics. Despite fleeting moments of appeal, the overwhelming consensus is disappointment, with reviewers like IGN and The Jimquisition calling it subpar and lacking personality. Overall, the visuals fail to meet contemporary standards, leaving the game struggling to impress in today's market.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

46%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Double Dragon Revive present a mixed bag of sentiments, with some critics acknowledging certain positive aspects. For instance, GameGrin notes that the visuals are an improvement from the 32-bit era, highlighting nice character designs and the effective use of bright colors during combat. Similarly, Omelete appreciates the modern 3D graphics that reimagine the original stages, while Gaming Age praises the stunning visuals, detailed backgrounds, and character models that capture the essence of the original games. Additionally, Multiplayer.it finds the graphics surprisingly good compared to initial expectations, noting solid character models and special effects. Conversely, a significant number of critics express disappointment with the overall visual quality of the game. GamingBolt describes the visual style as ugly and dull, while IGN and Nintendo Life criticize the character models and environments for being bland and lifeless. The sentiment is echoed by C0Gconnected, who states that the visuals lack personality and feel dated, reminiscent of PS2-era brawlers. Furthermore, The Jimquisition harshly likens the graphics to a low-quality Xbox Live Arcade release, emphasizing the grimy aesthetic and jaggy models that detract from the experience. This pattern of criticism suggests a consensus that the graphics do not meet modern standards. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a general dissatisfaction with the graphics and visual design of Double Dragon Revive. While some reviewers like GameGrin and Gaming Age find redeeming qualities, the majority, including IGN, The Jimquisition, and C0Gconnected, highlight the dated and generic nature of the visuals. Critics point out that the game struggles to stand out in a contemporary gaming landscape, with many suggesting that it fails to capture the charm and creativity expected from the genre. The mixed reviews reflect a game that, while having moments of visual appeal, ultimately falls short of delivering a cohesive and engaging visual experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Double Dragon Revive's sound design and music are polarizing. Critics praise its nostalgic soundtrack and energetic rock rhythms that enhance gameplay, but many find it forgettable and underwhelming, with clunky voice-overs detracting from the experience. While some moments stand out, the overall consensus leans towards mediocrity, indicating a struggle to leave a lasting auditory impression.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Double Dragon Revive have garnered a mix of opinions from critics, with several praising the nostalgic elements present in the soundtrack. Critics like GameGrin and Gamesurf highlight how the music captures the essence of older titles, enhancing the nostalgic feel that many players cherish. Omelete also commends the new interpretations of original music, which enrich the experience for long-time fans of the franchise. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Hobby Consolas and Nintendo Life, appreciate the energetic nature of the soundtrack, with its rock rhythms and genre diversity contributing positively to the gameplay. The sound effects, particularly the impactful hit sounds noted by IGN and XboxEra, also enhance the combat experience, making it feel satisfying and engaging. However, not all feedback is positive, as several critics express disappointment regarding the overall quality of the music. Combo Infinito describes the soundtrack as competent yet forgettable, while IGN echoes this sentiment, stating that despite some decent riffs, the soundtrack remains largely unmemorable. ElDesmarque and Gamekult share similar views, with the latter describing the music as underwhelming and lacking significant impact. Critics like COGconnected and Gaming Age further emphasize the uninspired nature of the music, suggesting that it fails to leave a lasting impression on players. Gameliner's mention of clunky voice-overs also detracts from the overall sound experience, indicating that there are notable shortcomings in the game's audio presentation. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a divide in the reception of Double Dragon Revive's sound design and music. While some reviewers celebrate the nostalgic appeal and energetic tracks, others criticize the soundtrack for being forgettable or lacking depth. The positive remarks from critics like Final Weapon and XboxEra highlight that there are standout moments, particularly in specific levels or themes, but the overarching sentiment leans towards a recognition of mediocrity in the music's impact. This mixed reception indicates that while the game successfully taps into nostalgia, it may not fully deliver a memorable auditory experience for all players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The voice acting in Double Dragon Revive is a mixed bag. Critics praise the Japanese dub for its natural delivery and strong cast, enhancing the game's storytelling. However, the English dub faces criticism for clunky performances and a weak script, leading to a disconnect between talent and material. While some aspects shine, significant flaws diminish the overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Double Dragon Revive has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for the Japanese dub, which is highlighted by Combo Infinito as being more natural and engaging. Critics like Omelete and Gamekult also emphasize the quality of the Japanese voice cast, noting the inclusion of notable actors that enhance the overall performance. Noisy Pixel points out that the English dub is well-directed and adds to the entertainment value of the story, suggesting that it contributes positively to the game’s overall presentation. Additionally, Hobby Consolas and Nintendo Life acknowledge the presence of voice acting during cutscenes, which helps engage players with the narrative. Conversely, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting that cannot be overlooked. Gameliner describes the voice acting as "ultra houterig," or clunky, which detracts from the game's presentation. This sentiment is echoed by GamersRD, who mentions that while the voice acting is decent, the cutscenes are short, limiting the impact of the performances. PlayStation Universe adds another layer of criticism by pointing out that, despite the cast's effort, the poor quality of the script undermines their delivery. This suggests a disconnect between the talent of the voice actors and the material they are working with. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a divide between the appreciation for the Japanese voice acting and the more lukewarm reception of the English dub. While some critics, like Noisy Pixel and Gamekult, recognize the positive contributions of the voice acting to the game’s storytelling, others like Gameliner and PlayStation Universe highlight significant flaws that affect the overall experience. This disparity indicates that while the voice acting has its strengths, particularly in the Japanese version, there are considerable shortcomings in execution that some players may find detracting from their enjoyment of Double Dragon Revive.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

TL;DR: Double Dragon Revive struggles with significant technical issues across all platforms. While PC shows some stable performance, input lag and control issues persist. The PS5 runs smoothly at 60fps, but mixed reviews hint at bugs. The Nintendo Switch suffers from lag and imprecise controls, while the Xbox Series X is heavily criticized for poor performance and frustrating gameplay. Overall, expect a bumpy ride with many frustrating technical shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

60%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Double Dragon Revive varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with some positive remarks noted by critics. On PC, Multiplayer.it highlighted a lack of technical problems, suggesting a stable gaming experience, while Omelete acknowledged that the technical issues present, particularly with platforming mechanics and character movement, were not pervasive enough to ruin the overall experience. On the PS5, GamersRD noted that the game runs smoothly at 60fps without significant slowdowns, even during intense action sequences. This indicates that the PS5 version may provide a more stable experience compared to other platforms. However, the negatives are more pronounced across all platforms. On PC, critics like Combo Infinito and IGN pointed out issues such as occasional input lag and unresponsive controls, which hinder gameplay. Noisy Pixel echoed these sentiments by mentioning inconsistent performance and erratic framerates. For the Nintendo Switch, both ElDesmarque and The Jimquisition criticized the game for laggy gameplay and imprecise controls, which significantly detracted from the enjoyment. The Xbox Series X version received harsh criticism from Vandal, who described the technical performance as very poor, particularly noting issues with camera control and collision detection. ZTGD further emphasized the lag and desync issues in online co-op, which compounded the frustrations for players. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Double Dragon Revive suffers from significant technical issues across all platforms, though the severity varies. While the PC version has some stable reports, the presence of input lag and control responsiveness issues is a common theme. The Nintendo Switch version is marked by frustrating gameplay due to lag and imprecise mechanics, while the Xbox Series X version is criticized for its very poor technical performance. On the PS5, opinions are mixed, with GamersRD providing a more favorable outlook compared to others like Gamekult, who noted bugs and lag in online play. This disparity in opinions indicates that while some players may find enjoyment in the game, many others are likely to encounter frustrating technical shortcomings that could impact their overall experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Double Dragon Revive has some redeeming qualities, like extra missions and character-specific episodes that could enhance replay value. However, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly negative, citing a short campaign (3-4 hours), lack of engaging content, and minimal replay incentives. While a few aspects offer potential, most reviewers agree the game feels bland and forgettable, leaving players with little reason to return.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

30%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Double Dragon Revive, there are some positive aspects highlighted by a few reviewers. Critics like Noisy Pixel and Nintendo Life note that the game offers additional missions and character-specific episodes, which can enhance replayability for players who enjoy the core gameplay. Additionally, Hobby Consolas mentions that revisiting levels and tackling extra challenges can provide value, particularly for experienced players. Multiplayer.it also points out that the game is replayable due to different characters and difficulty levels, suggesting that there is some merit in the game’s design for those seeking varied gameplay experiences. However, the overall sentiment among critics leans heavily towards the negatives when it comes to replay value. Many reviewers, including GameGrin, GamingBolt, and The Jimquisition, express disappointment with the game's lack of substantial content and depth. Critics such as Try Hard Guides and GameSpew emphasize that the short campaign—around three to four hours—coupled with minimal incentives to replay, makes the game feel lacking in content. Furthermore, some reviewers like Combo Infinito and Final Weapon argue that while there are modes and unlockables, they do not significantly enhance the experience, leading to a sense of frustration rather than enjoyment. The overall consensus among critics is that Double Dragon Revive suffers from low replay value due to its short campaign, lack of engaging content, and minimal incentives for returning after the initial playthrough. While some critics acknowledge the potential for replayability through various characters and modes, the prevailing opinion is that these elements do not sufficiently compensate for the game's shortcomings. As noted by IGN and PlayStation Universe, many players may find themselves losing interest before fully exploring the game, ultimately deeming it bland and forgettable. This suggests that while there are some redeeming qualities, the game fails to deliver a compelling reason for players to return.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

83%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the overall sentiment regarding Double Dragon Revive, it is evident that several critics found redeeming qualities in the game, particularly for those with a nostalgic connection to the franchise. Critics like Omelete and GamersRD highlighted that the game successfully captures the essence of the original while modernizing certain aspects, making it a satisfying experience for fans. GameGrin also noted that it serves as an enjoyable revival, especially for casual play with friends. Additionally, Multiplayer.it praised it as a pleasant surprise and an intelligent evolution of the series, despite some limitations. These positive remarks suggest that the game has moments of fun and nostalgia that resonate with long-time fans of the series. However, the criticisms of Double Dragon Revive are substantial and widespread. Many reviewers pointed out significant flaws that hinder the overall experience. For instance, GamingBolt and IGN described the game as a disappointing tribute that lacks engaging content and depth, failing to capture the essence of the series. Critics like The Jimquisition and Vandal emphasized the clunky gameplay and technical issues, labeling the game as a missed opportunity. Additionally, several reviews mentioned execution flaws, uninspired visuals, and repetitive gameplay, with Try Hard Guides and Nintendo Life noting that the game struggles to find its identity and falls short compared to modern titles. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward disappointment, with many feeling that Double Dragon Revive does not live up to the legacy of its predecessors. While there are moments of enjoyment and nostalgia, the game is often criticized for its lack of polish and innovation. Critics like Combo Infinito and ElDesmarque echoed this sentiment, suggesting that while the game has interesting ideas, it ultimately fails to deliver a polished experience. The mixed responses indicate that while some fans may find value in the nostalgic elements, many agree that Double Dragon Revive does not offer enough to satisfy either new players or those seeking a refined continuation of the beloved franchise.

TL;DR

Double Dragon Revive elicits mixed reviews, praised for nostalgic vibes but heavily criticized for clunky gameplay, lack of depth, and technical issues. While some fans enjoy its retro charm, many feel it fails to live up to the franchise's legacy, falling short in polish and innovation. Overall, a disappointing revival that struggles to engage both new players and longtime fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

40 reviews found

Multiplayer.it

Oct 13, 2025