That cabinet in the corner of the arcade, those days when we were absorbed in watching the screen where countless fists and kicks flew. Double Dragon, which was deeply etched into those memories, has returned across time. As the name “Revive” suggests, this work is not just a mere remake; it has evolved to suit modern sensibilities, giving those who know the golden age of arcades a sense of nostalgia, and providing players newly encountering it with a striking surprise. It is neither a trip down memory lane nor a mere rehash; this is the embodiment of a “new retro.”

What first catches the eye is the stylishly redesigned character design. While retaining the rugged coolness that the former pixel art possessed, an added layer of realism has been achieved through 3D graphics. Not only the protagonists, the Lee brothers, but also the formidable enemies who made memorable appearances in past works have been vividly revived with modern technology. Nothing has been lost through the change in design; rather, one feels as though new blood has been pumped into old memories. The action they unfold conveys a clear premonition that this will not end as a mere reboot.

While many may grasp the concept of ”belt-scrolling action,” it might appear fresh to people accustomed to current games. The simple format of advancing by defeating enemies one after another on a horizontally scrolling screen is intuitive and requires no explanation. Yet, the true essence of this work lies in its depth, where individuality emerges in terms of rhythm and positioning. Being supervised by the Arc System Works fighting game team, the controls are light and the movements are stress-free, with mechanisms placed throughout that allow not only old fans but also first-time players to quickly become engrossed.

Don't underestimate it as ”just punching your way through.” The battles in Double Dragon Revive involve proper reading of the opponent and strategic maneuvering. Observing enemy actions and discerning the right moment to exploit an opening in their attack—it's just like a real-life brawl. Another appeal is the ability to deploy your own unique tactics by utilizing weapons dropped in each stage and trap-like gimmicks. The exhilaration of landing a combo is exceptional, reminding us what the pleasure of an action game truly is.