Original Double Dragon Developers Voice Concerns Over Upcoming Game

Some of the creators behind the iconic Double Dragon series are expressing their reservations about the upcoming revival, sharing their critiques on social media. First launched in 1987 by Technos Japan, the original Double Dragon game played a pivotal role in kickstarting the golden age of beat-em-up games that dominated the early to mid-90s. In 2015, Arc System Works, known for developing Dragon Ball FighterZ, acquired the Double Dragon license, leading to the release of Double Dragon 4 in 2017. The latest installment prior to the revival was Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons, a spin-off released by Secret Base and Modus Games in 2023.

Earlier this year, Arc System Works officially announced a new mainline title titled Double Dragon Revive, set to debut in 2025. This upcoming game aims to preserve the classic bare-knuckle beat-em-up action that fans love, while introducing character models rendered in 3D. Released screenshots and character artwork indicate that Double Dragon Revive will feature an anime-inspired art style reminiscent of 2023’s Street Fighter 6.

As anticipation builds for more details about Double Dragon Revive, several original developers from Technos have taken to social media to share their thoughts on this latest entry, as reported by Automaton. Unfortunately, their feedback has not been positive. Koji Ogata, an original animator for Double Dragon, stated that “not a single person in the Technos group” recognizes Revive as a true Double Dragon title. He went on to characterize the new game as a “cheap, modern creation that shows no respect for the Double Dragon legacy.”

Koji Ogata Voices Discontent Over the New Direction

Ogata further shared snippets of a private conversation with Muneki Ebinuma, a designer at Technos Japan who contributed to several Double Dragon games, including Super Double Dragon (1992) and Double Dragon Advance (2003). Ebinuma echoed Ogata’s concerns about Double Dragon Revive, remarking that the visuals appeared “too dark” and criticizing the characters and combat techniques showcased in the game’s recent trailer. He lamented that the new installment lacks the “strong punch and unique, distinctive feel” of the classic Double Dragon titles.

Ebinuma concluded his thoughts by wishing that Arc System Works had chosen a different name for their project rather than Double Dragon. In a light-hearted response to a Twitter comment, Koji Ogata joked about throwing a controller at the screen if he gets a chance to play Double Dragon Revive at this year’s Tokyo Game Show. While Arc System Works and Yuke’s, the developers behind AEW Fight Forever, appear to be experimenting with fresh ideas for the Double Dragon franchise, they seem to be doing so without the endorsement of some of the original development team.