TL;DR
Double Dragon Revive injects new life into the classic beat 'em up with a modernized story, making Marian a playable character and introducing a new ninja. While it keeps the core gameplay satisfying and engaging for short bursts, the graphics are a bit of a letdown, feeling more like an enhanced port than a native Switch 2 title. Despite this, it delivers a smooth 60 FPS experience on the Switch 2. Ready to see if this revival lives up to the original's legacy? Dive into the full review!
The classic beat ’em up game Double Dragon receives a contemporary update with the new Double Dragon Revive. The narrative, as is typical for the genre, is minimalist; we follow Billy and Jimmy in their ongoing battle against the formidable criminal organization Shadow Warriors. This installment introduces support from Marian and a mysterious ninja.
My First Review Experiences
The original Double Dragon debuted in 1987 as an arcade title, with a subsequent release to the home market the following year. In 1988, at the age of eleven, I received the game for review. This marked my inaugural published review. Though the publication venue from 37 years ago eludes my memory, I can confirm that both the original computer and game remain in my possession and are fully functional to this day.
Modernized Plot and New Characters
Double Dragon Revive not only features graphical enhancements (detailed further below) but also a modernized narrative. Marian, for instance, transcends her previous role as a mere kidnapping victim, now integral to the plot alongside the other protagonists. She is also a playable character, endowed with distinct abilities and powers. Additionally, a new character with an enigmatic past and personal agenda is introduced, offering another playable option.
Gameplay Mechanics and Feel
The gameplay mechanics are relatively straightforward, and the title successfully retains the classic Double Dragon essence, albeit with some fresh additions. The combat sequences are sufficiently dynamic to prevent monotony, mitigating the common fatigue associated with prolonged beat ’em up sessions. This makes it an ideal title for brief, engaging play sessions—a perfect diversion.
Performance on Nintendo Switch 2
Our testing of Double Dragon Revive on the Nintendo Switch 2 reveals a highly commendable experience. In docked mode, the resolution is 1440p (with upscaling to 4K), delivering a consistent 60 FPS frame rate and HDR support. The title maintains smooth performance even during action-intensive sequences with numerous on-screen characters. Notably, it sustains a stable 60 FPS in portable mode as well, rendering at 1080p—a resolution well-suited to the device’s display. This culminates in exceptional fluidity and an extended, enjoyable gaming experience.
Graphical Limitations
While the game performs admirably on the Nintendo Switch 2, it’s evident that it hasn’t been specifically optimized for the console, appearing more as an update from the original Switch version. Consequently, the graphical presentation can at times appear somewhat plasticky and lack vibrant detail. A version developed natively for the Switch 2, fully leveraging the console’s capabilities, would have been a compelling proposition.Conclusion
In conclusion, Double Dragon Revive comes recommended for both long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike. For this reviewer, experiencing the updated version and observing its evolution over nearly four decades was particularly significant, despite some areas where the game’s performance doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential.
ARC System Works sent a review code for this test. The sender of material has no editorial influence on our tests.
