YUKE’S · Arc System Works
The Double Dragon series has defined the belt-scroll action genre ever since it hit the arcades in 1987. Hit the streets and enjoy beat 'em up action in this bundle for two Double Dragon titles! View game page
The Double Dragon series has defined the belt-scroll action genre ever since it hit the arcades in 1987.
Hit the streets and enjoy beat 'em up action in this bundle for two Double Dragon titles!
View game page
Double Dragon Revive is now on sale! Get 43% off both the Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition. With the Ver.1.5.0 update making the gameplay smoother and more enjoyable than ever, dive in and experience the action today! View game page Tips & Tricks Article Now Available We h
Double Dragon Revive is now on sale!
Get 43% off both the Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition.
With the Ver.1.5.0 update making the gameplay smoother and more enjoyable than ever, dive in and experience the action today!
We have released a Tips & Tricks article to help you master the deep combat tactics of the game.
If you're planning to pick up the game during this sale, be sure to check it out!
Tips & Tricks Article
https://steamcommunity.com/games/3012220/partnerevents/preview/558016578542635506
Official Website
A Ver.1.5.0 update patch has been issued for Double Dragon Revive This update aims to improve the game on the basis of player feedback we have received since launch. Details are as follows: ●Additional functions: ・New player action: "Guard Counter" Enables a counter-attack move u
A Ver.1.5.0 update patch has been issued for Double Dragon Revive
This update aims to improve the game on the basis of player feedback we have received since launch.
Details are as follows:
・New player action: "Guard Counter"
Enables a counter-attack move upon successfully guarding an enemy attack.
・Added a Tutorial mode with its dedicated stage.
・Widened the area Hyper Blows can be triggered from
・Widened guard range, making blocking attacks from front diagonal and sides possible
・Added invulnerability frames to some player damage animations
[Brad]
Changed so that player combos are not interrupted when hit by his hand push.
[Kenneth]
Adjusted his grenade throwing rate and added an AOE effect to show point of impact.
Reduced his backstepping frequency.
[Brunov]
Reduced the homing ability of his double chop lunge attack.
[Al]
Reduced the amount of armor he has when charging his shoulder tackle dash attack.
[Assassin]
Adjusted to make it less likely to result in a mutual hit when intercepting his drop attack.
[Masato]
Reduced the time his pre-quickdraw round area of damage has and made it so it cannot only hit player multiple times in a row.
[Ralph (Motorcycle)]
Made it easier to hit him by widening his hitbox.
[Nick (Dragon Vein Contamined version)]
Added delay to some of his attack animations and reduced hitboxes range for some of his attacks.
[Ralph (Dragon Vein Contamined version)]
Reduced the homing capabilities of some attacks and/or their attack hitbox range."
[Roper]
Added delay to the build up for his full-swing bat attack.
Reduced frequency of his unblockable attacks.
Reduced his armor durability on armored sweeping attacks.
[Abobo]
Added length to his build-up motion when throwing blue drums.
Timing when his grab attack hits the player has been delayed.
[Joji]
Activation timing of the armor on his drop kick move has been delayed.
[Williams]
Added a visual guide to the trajectory of his zigzag dash attack.
[Marcus]
Reduced the armor durability and homing capabilities of some of his attacks.
Increased the time to launch his big shockwave attack.
His airborne time before his shockwave slam attack has been increased.
[Abobo (Four Guardians Battle)]
Made visual markers for when he throws characters to show sooner.
[Four Guardians Battle]
Their overall attack frequency and enemy behavior patterns have been adjusted to reduce difficulty.
[Overall]
Reduced frequency with which enemies attempt unblockable attacks when the player is guarding.
[Molotov Cocktail]
Damage hitbox has been reduced, and the flame effect range has been adjusted.
Added a visual guide that displays the fire hitbox.
Other improvements include minor bug fixes, enemy behavior adjustments, and stage mechanics fine-tuning.
Development for updates from Ver.1.5.0 onwards have been transferred to Unite Plus Co., Ltd.
For inquiries, please contact us via the support form below.
Double Dragon Revive's first sale is running until February 17, 2026! Both the Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition are currently available at 30% off. View game page Tips & Tricks Article Now Available We have released a Tips & Tricks article to help you master the deep c
Double Dragon Revive's first sale is running until February 17, 2026! Both the Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition are currently available at 30% off.
We have released a Tips & Tricks article to help you master the deep combat tactics of the game. If you're planning to pick up the game during this sale, be sure to check it out!
Tips & Tricks Article
https://steamcommunity.com/games/3012220/partnerevents/preview/558016578542635506
Official Website
Hello everyone! This is the Double Dragon Revive Development Team. Today, we’d like to introduce the creative process behind the designs of Billy and Jimmy, the core figures of the series. We’ll show you how their designs came to be, including initial rough sketches and scrapped
Hello everyone! This is the Double Dragon Revive Development Team.
Today, we’d like to introduce the creative process behind the designs of Billy and Jimmy, the core figures of the series. We’ll show you how their designs came to be, including initial rough sketches and scrapped ideas.
Design is one of the areas in game development where we keep deliberating from the very beginning until the end.
Especially with the Lee Brothers, who are symbols of the series, we were constantly faced with two major challenges:
“How not to destroy the original impression”
and
“How to make them work in a modern action game”.
Here, we’d like to give you a raw, honest look at the trials and errors we faced.
When finalizing the Lee Brothers’ designs, the first thing we clarified was the “Essential features from the original works”.
Color (Billy = Blue, Jimmy = Red)
This is the most significant symbol, continuing since the 1987 arcade version. Changing the color is tantamount to changing the character’s personality.
An Open Chest Silhouette
This symbolizes their “roughness” as street fighters, and we aimed to preserve that impression.
Consistency as Twins
Since the “twin” setting was clarified this time, our policy was to minimize differences in facial structure and express their individuality through clothing, hairstyle, and posture.
These three points formed the “foundation,” upon which we added a modern look.
The accompanying images shows early Billy designs.
Initially, we leaned toward a “light and fresh” direction. However, we ran into an issue where, when animated, the character’s presence on screen became too faint.
● Points of Trial and Error:
Leaning toward sleeveless → Integration with the current world setting and other characters was weak.
Less blue area → Weakened the “Billy feel”.
Too open at the chest → Prone to graphical glitches in 3D.
From there, we settled on the current form, which is “Emphasizing the blue color with a long-sleeved jacket”. The point that took the most time was making him “instantly recognizable as the protagonist on the game screen”.
● Hurdles in the Initial Design:
Making him too much like an older brother → He looked like a completely different person from Billy.
Making his physique too large → They didn’t look like twins.
Making him too aggressive → He looked like a villain.
In the process of finding this balance, Jimmy was re-aligned in the direction of “Older brother = composure × strength.”
Ultimately, we aimed for a modern coolness that combines composure and strength, while maintaining the sense of presence from the original, through the “Heavy feel of the red rider jacket and a sharp silhouette.”
We created many different Lee Brothers designs in terms of clothing variation.
●The Reason is Simple
Since they are twins, we couldn’t differentiate them by face or physique.
Therefore, it was necessary to express their personalities through fine differences such as:
The gradation of blue and red
The presence or absence of an inner shirt
The degree of openness
The length of the hem
The “shape of the shadow” when standing
As a result, the contrast that remained as the most legible form was:
Billy → The blue jacket that evokes “Seriousness and the air of an classic protagonist”.
Jimmy → The red rider jacket that suggests “A quiet, burning passion within composure”.
We aimed for clothing designs where the difference in character could be felt even by the degree of the jacket’s opening, ensuring that their individualities were conveyed the moment they stood side-by-side, despite being twins.
Willy is one of the characters with a strong memory from the old series. It’s clear that the design was swayed in many directions initially.
●Directions We Tested:
Military-leaning
Gang-leaning
While all of them had charm, focusing on “Preserving the symbols of Willy”, we ultimately settled on a modern structure that is “Military-style” leveraging the ruggedness of the original.
The result is a Willy that retains the image of the time while offering something new.
Raymond is not a character who first appeared in Revive…
His roots lie in the “Mysterious Warrior” in “Double Dragon Ⅱ”. And as is familiar to fans, he was formally reconstructed as “Raymond” in “Double Dragon Advance”.
Thus, this time, the series-specific theme started with “How do we establish the ‘mysterious man’ who appeared fragmentarily in past works as a ‘single modern character’?”.
In the early stages of production, while considering the atmosphere of the old works, we widely explored “Expressions of strength” that adhered to the traditional image, such as “The ruggedness of a karate master”, “The suppleness of a kung fu practitioner”, and “The ferocity of an underground fighter”.
However, as we proceeded with the examination, we reached the conclusion that the core of Raymond was not an external style, but rather “The pride of a warrior” and “The stillness of a master”.
Therefore, the final character image was re-aligned into the following three points:
Rational strength that prioritizes power but disdains waste.
The aura of a mature warrior who is powerful yet self-disciplined.
An elusive presence that wields mystical martial arts.
Instead of rough violence, Raymond became a “Martial artist whose mere presence overawes the surroundings”. We believed that this stillness would naturally connect with the ominousness that permeated the old works.
The final direction was to retain the “Mysterious oppressiveness” that the old work possessed while giving him the presence of a “Mastermind” that would stand out even in a modern action game.
The design aims for a middle ground where old fans recognize “That’s him!” and new players perceive him as a “Formidable foe whose identity is unknown”.
The Story Mode for Revive was designed with the pacing of an action game as the highest priority.
Short scene transitions and minimal necessary presentation
Compact dialogues
Worldview depicted through background variations
We built the game to achieve visual presentation that does not stop the player’s action.
Because Billy and Jimmy are symbols of the series, they were characters for whom we constantly considered “What can be changed” and “What must be preserved at all costs”.
Ultimately, we believe we found the “Just-right landing spot” that satisfies all of the following:
Symbols of the original work
Individuality as twins
Visibility as a modern action game
A structure that doesn’t break down as a 3D model
The “Buddy feel” when they stand together
We hope that the rough sketches and scrapped ideas introduced here convey a bit of our trial-and-error process.
The Deluxe Edition offers over 80 pages of digital artwork. Please check it out if you are interested!
A huge thank you to everyone playing Double Dragon Revive ! To help you dominate the streets, this article dives into the combat mechanics and advanced techniques that go beyond the in-game tutorial. Aim for the "Critical Assault"! What is a Critical Assault? Watch for powerful e
A huge thank you to everyone playing Double Dragon Revive! To help you dominate the streets, this article dives into the combat mechanics and advanced techniques that go beyond the in-game tutorial.
Watch for powerful enemies glowing with a blue aura, this signals an incoming devastating Special Move. Though dangerous, these attacks also create an opening to land a Critical Assault, a powerful counterattack.
Landing a Critical Assault offers major benefits:
Deals massive damage to the enemy.
Significantly fills your Dragon Orb Gauge.
Stuns the enemy, leaving them defenseless.
To seize this opportunity, mastering Matchups and knowing how to counter specific moves is essential.
Understanding matchups and situational moves are key to dictating the flow of battle. The golden rules are:
Aerial attacks: Intercept with an anti-air attack.
High-hitting attacks: Evade and punish with a low attack.
Here are some specific examples:
Masato’s Iai Slash (Quick Draw)
Masato’s signature move is a lightning-fast slash triggered when you enter his range. However, the hitbox is high so you can take advantage of this by usingse a low attack to duck under the blade and strike while he is wide open.
Ran’s Sweep
Ran’s kick targets your legs (a Low Attack) so standing attacks will miss her completely. Instead, counter with a jump attack to hop over the sweep, or match her with a low attack of your own.
Ahn & Minh’s Jump Kick
When enemies attack from above, don’t hesitate to use an anti-air attack. Pro Tip: The Double Sticks found during this battle are excellent for anti-air maneuvers. Using them makes dealing with aerial assaults much easier.
Once you master these counters, you can play like a pro and bait enemy Special Moves to trigger devastating Critical Assaults. Give it a try!
Button-mashing in a crowd is a recipe for disaster. You will likely get interrupted by attacks from the side or behind. In group battles, always try to maneuver into a 1-on-1 situation.
Use heavy attacks or grab & throw moves to send enemies flying. Knocking an enemy into other foes is highly effective. By colliding the enemies with each other and knocking them down, you create space to focus on a single target.
Environmental awareness is key in Double Dragon Revive. Wall attacks deal devastating damage. Actively look for these opportunities to use them:
Wall Strike
Occurs when you land a combo on an enemy near a wall.
Wall Crash
A powerful slam available when grabbing an enemy near a wall.
Enhanced Aerial Hyper Blows
Aerial Hyper Blows from Wall Jump are more powerful than standard versions.
The step dodge action isn't just for movement; it grants invincibility frames. By step-dodging at the perfect moment, you can slip through unblockable attacks. Performing a perfect dodge also fills your Dragon Orb Gauge and allows for action canceling. Use it aggressively!
If you step immediately before an attack hits, you get a bonus boost to your Dragon Orb Gauge. Once you learn enemy patterns, try to actively aim for these dodges.
You can use a step dodge to cancel your current animation.
Extending Combos
Step immediately after a low attack to cancel its recovery frames. This lets you instantly connect into a normal attack to keep the combo going.
Canceling Stagger
If you take a hit on the ground, perform a step dodge immediately to cancel your character's reeling or knockback animation. This allows you to regain control instantly and prevent further damage.
The key to victory is efficiently building your Dragon Orb Gauge to unleash powerful Finishing Blows.
The main actions that fill the gauge are:
Critical Assaults
Perfect Dodge
Weapon attacks
Using stage gimmicks
Combo bonuses
The combo bonus works a bit differently here. The combo counter doesn't reset based on time, but it will reset if:
You take damage.
You hit with the same move multiple times in a row.
Be careful with point #2! If you spam the same attack button, the combo breaks, and you lose the gauge bonus. To build your gauge efficiently, focus on weaving different moves together to not repeat the same moves.
Double Dragon Revive is out now on Steam!
Steam Store:
Official Website:
https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/ddrev/
Official X (Twitter):
▼ Patch Notes Improved Controls Adjusted inputs for attacking downed enemies. Previously, attempting a follow-up attack on a downed enemy often resulted in a grab. We have adjusted the sensitivity to ensure attacks on downed enemies are easier to execute. Hint Message Updates Upd
Adjusted inputs for attacking downed enemies. Previously, attempting a follow-up attack on a downed enemy often resulted in a grab. We have adjusted the sensitivity to ensure attacks on downed enemies are easier to execute.
Updated the hint messages displayed when defeated in a boss battle.
Addressed several other minor bugs.
【Notice】 We are currently experiencing an issue with the store display. You can still purchase titles that are marked as (Preorder). We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. (Updated 10/23) We would like to inform you that the issue affecting the stor
【Notice】
We are currently experiencing an issue with the store display.
You can still purchase titles that are marked as (Preorder).
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
(Updated 10/23)
We would like to inform you that the issue affecting the store page has now been resolved.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Thank you for your continued support of Double Dragon Revive.
Hello, Double Dragon fans! Just a friendly reminder about the special bonus you can get by pre-purchasing Double Dragon Revive . Pre-purchase the game before its release on October 23, 2025 , and you'll receive the exclusive game, Double Dragon Dodgeball , as a free bonus! A Drea
Hello, Double Dragon fans!
Just a friendly reminder about the special bonus you can get by pre-purchasing Double Dragon Revive.
Pre-purchase the game before its release on October 23, 2025, and you'll receive the exclusive game, Double Dragon Dodgeball, as a free bonus!
The legendary beat 'em up series, "Double Dragon," and the classic sports game, "Super Dodge Ball" (Nekketsu High School Dodgeball Club), have teamed up for a dream collaboration! Characters from all over the Double Dragon series will now battle it out in a massive dodgeball brawl.
Unleash Special Moves!: Engage in classic-style dodgeball battles where technique is key!
A Roster of Fan-Favorites: A total of 60 characters from the worlds of "Double Dragon" and beyond are joining the fray!*
Up to 4-Player PvP: Supports offline PvP. Enjoy exciting battles with your friends!
Various Modes: Play through Story, Duel, and Survival modes!
Hidden Characters: Meet certain in-game conditions to unlock the "Nekketsu High School Dodgeball Club" team, led by Kunio-kun!
Don't miss out on this bonus. Pre-purchase today!
*Includes 60 characters in total: 54 playable characters + enemy-exclusive hidden characters.
Double Dragon Revive is scheduled for release on October 23, 2025. As of the publication of this article, it is available for pre-order.
If you pre-purchase the game, you will also be able to play Double Dragon Dodgeball.
https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/ddrev/
Hello everyone. We are the Double Dragon series development team at Arc System Works. In this sixth installment of our Developer's Diary Revive, our project for sharing information about the series, we will take a deep dive into co-op, an indispensable element of the beat 'em up
Hello everyone. We are the Double Dragon series development team at Arc System Works. In this sixth installment of our Developer's Diary Revive, our project for sharing information about the series, we will take a deep dive into co-op, an indispensable element of the beat 'em up genre.
Double Dragon Revive supports both local / online co-op.
Guillaume Cailteux (Creative Director) and Hiroshi Nagaki (Executive Director) from the game's development team will introduce the mechanics of co-op play and the Extra Mode, which offers a different way to play from the Story Mode.
Guillaume Cailteux: When you think of beat 'em up games, I believe the image of co-op is very strong. From the late 80s to the 90s, games in this genre were mostly played shoulder-to-shoulder with friends on arcade cabinets or home consoles. Since the 2000s, online modes have become widespread, allowing people to play together with friends who are far away. Though the form has changed with the times, I think many people have fond memories of heated co-op battles.
We on the development team also grew up with those kinds of fun memories. That's why we hope that Double Dragon Revive will be an opportunity for you to create new memories.
Hiroshi Nagaki: We have paid the utmost attention to adjusting the game balance to ensure that it is sufficiently rewarding not only in single-player but also in co-op.
Fundamentally, we have designed it so that playing cooperatively feels more advantageous. For example, when one player performs an action that fills the Dragon Orb Gauge needed for Super Special Moves, the other player also gains a certain amount of the gauge. This allows players to acquire more resources than in single-player, making it easier to use the special moves and enabling a more stress-free progression.
Also, as is customary in co-op play, there's a classic fun to be had in coordinating attacks, like ganging up on a single enemy or splitting up to defeat enemies flanking you from the left and right. Please look forward to the Extra Mode, which we'll introduce later, as it includes missions that are difficult to clear without good cooperation.
Hiroshi Nagaki: In Double Dragon Revive, we've also included an Extra Mode that offers a different kind of challenge compared to the main Story Mode. This is a game mode where you challenge missions with special clear conditions.
They are broadly categorized into Subjugation Missions, Defense Missions, Combo Missions and Destruction Missions, each requiring you to clear different objectives. The later missions are so difficult that even the development team can fail if they're not careful, so we definitely want you to give them a try.
Guillaume Cailteux:: We've put a lot of thought into the Extra Mode to allow players to better enjoy the diverse actions and game systems. We'd like you to first get to know the world in Story Mode and, once you're used to the gameplay, take this on as the next step.
Furthermore, as a reward for clearing missions, you can also learn the backstories of each character. You'll also discover the backstories of side characters and enemies—details that aren't covered in the Story Mode. Please get the game to enjoy this content!
Hiroshi Nagaki: We want this game to be played by a wide range of people, from those who are new to the beat 'em up genre to veterans. Also, Double Dragon Revive has pre-order bonuses. If you pre-order the game, in addition to bonuses like alternate character costumes, you will receive a completely new pixel art game called Double Dragon Dodgeball as a separate title.
This has turned out to be a fun game that supports local versus play, so please play it alongside Double Dragon Revive!
Double Dragon Revive is scheduled for release on October 23, 2025. As of the publication of this article, it is available for pre-order.
If you pre-purchase the game, you will also be able to play Double Dragon Dodgeball.
View game page The showcase trailer for Double Dragon Revive has been released today! This trailer features narrated highlights of the game's systems and in-game appeal. Be sure to check it out!
The showcase trailer for Double Dragon Revive has been released today!
This trailer features narrated highlights of the game's systems and in-game appeal.
Be sure to check it out!
Hi everyone! This is the Double Dragon series development team at Arc System Works. In this fifth volume of Developer’s Diary Revive, we continue to offer the latest info on the Double Dragon series with more details on the enemy characters. We’ll take a closer look at three char
Hi everyone!
This is the Double Dragon series development team at Arc System Works.
In this fifth volume of Developer’s Diary Revive, we continue to offer the latest info on the Double Dragon series with more details on the enemy characters.
We’ll take a closer look at three characters you’ve seen in the April trailer, from both a story and gameplay perspective.
If you’re curious about the Shadow Warriors organization they’re a part of, be sure to check out the fourth volume too.
Cailteux:
Williams has appeared as a standard enemy in prior games, but his cartwheeling entrance made him stand out among the crowd.
In this title, he faces off against Billy and crew as one of the core members of the Shadow Warriors.
As for how he rose to the rank of core member within the organization, you can see for yourself in the story.
To give a sneak peek: Williams worked with Willy during wartimes before the Shadow Warriors organization was formed. The story goes that a certain incident led to them creating the organization together.
Nagaki:
In the game, Williams has been ordered to defend a crucial enemy base from the impending attack by Billy and his allies.
His familiar cartwheel from the earlier games makes a return with other agile movements as he utilizes acrobatic feats to toy around with our protagonists.
His boss stage features a moving floor and fire spouts for additional stage gimmicks, making for a memorable battle where the player must deal with both Williams’ fast attacks and the exciting arena.
Cailteux:
Linda is a woman wielding a whip who has appeared throughout the series.
She was one of the first characters we selected to include during the early planning of this project.
Unlike in previous appearances, in this game she works in the background, opting to utilize her subordinates instead.
Recruited as one of the core members of the Shadow Warriors for her exceptional skills, Linda manages the casino that serves as a source of income for the organization, profiting off of the people of the colony.
Of course, there’s more to it than a simple casino… See for yourself in the story.
Nagaki:
While Linda specializes in fighting from long range with her whip, she generally avoids direct combat with tricky tactics.
She prefers to flee, sending out her subordinates while defending herself with her whip… Tasking the player with finding a way to chase her down.
Cailteux:
Willy is the leader of the Shadow Warriors, and a familiar face as a final boss from earlier games.
In the original Double Dragon, he made waves with his shocking battle style, shooting the players down from a distance with his machine gun (and for serious damage, too!).
Previous titles have featured Willy kidnapping Marian and the Lee brothers stepping up to save her, but this game offers a different take.
In the colony where our story takes place, Willy has been abducting people for his own purpose. The Lee brothers stand against the Shadow Warriors again to prevent his schemes.
Nagaki:
Throughout the series, Willy has appeared as a foe to the Lee brothers, attacking with his machine gun from a distance.
As you face him later into the story, his battle proves quite challenging, with waves of back-up enemies and complex stage gimmicks limiting your movement to deal with while dodging his gunfire.
The decision of when to unleash your Finishing Blow will prove crucial.
I’m sure some of you must be thinking: Wait, weren’t there more characters than this?
Truth be told, there are some bosses in the game who are not part of the Shadow Warriors.
In the next volume, we’ll introduce the non-Shadow Warriors bosses and their backgrounds!
Keep an eye out.
Thank you for reading through to the end.
(WEBSITE)
https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/ddrev/
(Official X)
https://x.com/DD1987_PR
Arc System Works is announced the release of the Enemy Character Trailer for the upcoming title Double Dragon Revive
Arc System Works is announced the release of the Enemy Character Trailer for the upcoming title Double Dragon Revive
Hi everyone! This is the Double Dragon series development team at Arc System Works. In this fourth volume of Developer’s Diary Revive, we offer the latest info on the Double Dragon series with an introduction of the Shadow Warriors organization that stands in opposition to our he
Hi everyone!
This is the Double Dragon series development team at Arc System Works.
In this fourth volume of Developer’s Diary Revive, we offer the latest info on the Double Dragon series with an introduction of the Shadow Warriors organization that stands in opposition to our heroes.
Now, before we dive into the characters for today, let’s hear from Cailteux and Nagaki about the Shadow Warriors organization.
Cailteux:
To put it simply, the Shadow Warriors are an evil gang in the Double Dragon world.
This game takes place in a post-nuclear war world where countries no longer exist.
People have formed colonies throughout the world to live in groups as best they can.
Naturally, it’s an unsafe world where might makes right. The Shadow Warriors are a group of people who wield such power.
The organization formed at the end of the war and expanded while moving from colony to colony. They now have enough influence to control an entire colony themselves.
Although they were thought to wander between places, the Shadow Warriors have set up a base in the colony where our story takes place and seem to have something unsavory in the works… which will be key to the story underway.
Nagaki:
As they’ve moved throughout many locations, the members of the Shadow Warriors come from various backgrounds.
They cover a wide spread, from ruffians to professionals such as mercenaries and agents to ninja and samurai. Beloved boss characters from the series such as Burnov also belong to the organization, fulfilling their own roles.
There are four core members known as the Four Kings:
・Commander in charge: Roper
・Runaway train: Abobo
・Tactician: Linda
・Willy’s right hand: Williams
These four are familiar faces from earlier games in the series, who now appear as boss characters.
The Shadow Warriors members in this title include some characters fans are sure to recognize right away, but showing a new side of them.
Let’s introduce these nostalgic favorites!
Cailteux:
He’s appeared throughout the series as an enemy, both as a boss and as a standard enemy during the stages.
Burnov really stands out for his visuals. The mask covering half of his face and his leather equipment fit right in with the end-times setting.
And one other thing you can’t forget: his animation when he’s defeated.
He opens his limbs wide and disappears, leaving only his mask and some of his clothing behind (although he revives after this). We’ve paid particular attention to recreating it in this game.
Cailteux:
Always down for a fight, he’s a core member of the Shadow Warriors who claims the warehouse area the Lee brothers live in as his own territory.
Roper has appeared in prior games as well as a low-level enemy, but he’s stepped up to become a boss for this title.
He’s the commander in charge of his gang: usually he puts on airs, but when it comes to a fight he’s the first one to rush in.
Nagaki:
In battle, he specializes in fighting with a bat.
Unlike standard enemies, he can perform long-range attacks that require the player to utilize key mechanics such as guarding and dodging to handle effectively.
As an aside, each boss in this game has a particular mission as part of their design. Our intent is that even if the player has a hard time with the boss at first, once they realize what the “mission” is, they have a relatively simple path to victory.
Cailteux:
At long last, Abobo takes the stage (laugh).
He’s one of the more well-known enemy characters in the Double Dragon series, famed for his impressive stature and powerful look. He’s got those huge muscles and that bald head!
In this game, he stands against the heroes as one of the core members of the Shadow Warriors. Naturally, he fights using the overwhelming force of his brute strength.
Each time he makes an appearance, the encounter provides a different battle experience for the player to look forward to.
Nagaki:
As an example, he appears for the first time by suddenly barging in on Stage 1. This is something of a debut battle for him, so he just goes all-out, says his piece, and makes his exit.
In future appearances, however, there are various different stages where the player can utilize gimmicks to attack him or where he is invincible, forcing the player to escape.
In this volume of Developer’s Diary Revive, we introduced the Shadow Warriors gang our heroes will face off against, as well as some of the members.
Next time, we’ll cover even more of the colorful cast of Shadow Warriors members.
Keep an eye out!
Be sure to follow the Community Hub and official X account so you don’t miss the next volume.
Thank you for reading through to the end.
Hi everyone! This is the Double Dragon series development team at Arc System Works. In this third volume of Developer’s Diary Revive, a project to share information on the Double Dragon series, we will introduce the two playable characters announced in Fall 2024, Marian and Yagyu
Hi everyone!
This is the Double Dragon series development team at Arc System Works.
In this third volume of Developer’s Diary Revive, a project to share information on the Double Dragon series, we will introduce the two playable characters announced in Fall 2024, Marian and Yagyu Ranzo.
In order to offer a deeper understanding of these characters, first we have two of our developers joining to explain key words from the game: Sosetsuken and Dragon Vein.
Cailteux:
Sosetsuken is the ultimate martial art, a culmination of all techniques known. This title also includes the idea of fortifying yourself by holding supernatural power from the Dragon Vein within the body.
This technique has been passed down through generations since ancient times. In the past, there were hundreds of martial artists studying it, but past wars and the control of the Shadow Warriors over the city caused the Sosetsuken dojo to close its doors. In the modern era, only three people inherit the Sosetsuken: Billy, Jimmy, and Marian.
Marian’s father, the prior heir, has gone missing, and currently the group run a bar next door to the closed dojo while patrolling the city.
To step outside of the story for a moment, the idea behind Sosetsuken from the original Double Dragon series was heavily influenced by pop culture such as hit movies at the time, and is even said to be inspired by Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do.
Nagaki:
The phrase Dragon Vein originates from the term in Feng Shui, and in the game as well it refers to a form of energy found in nature.
This power has a flow to it, and at certain crossroads the flow reaches greater concentrations. The colony appearing in the game is one such place, a fact known only by the select few people who know of the Dragon Vein’s existence. It is no coincidence that the Sosetsuken dojo can be found there, as the valuable land was chosen as its home base.
The Dragon Vein plays a very important role in the story this time.
With these two key words in mind, let’s introduce our characters.
Marian is a familiar face, as the heroine of the series.
Although she gets kidnapped at the beginning of the game, she can wield the Sosetsuken just like the Lee brothers.
Cailteux:
She’s appeared throughout the Double Dragon series in various forms, whether in need of rescue or serving as a police officer.
In this game, Marian is the daughter of the previous generation’s Sosetsuken heir, as well as childhood friend to Billy and Jimmy.
Highly intelligent, she has the strength to stand up against opposition despite her calm nature, making her a reliable presence in the lives of the people around them.
She works as a bar owner, providing a place where the citizens can enjoy a small comfort even in the harsh world after the nuclear war.
From a design perspective, she sports quite athletic attire to ensure a comfortable range of movement so she can be ready to defend the customers at her bar or those close to her at any moment.
She wears a t-shirt in her favorite color, red, with few accessories so she can be battle-ready at quick notice. She chooses mostly black clothing to avoid her clothes looking dirty.
Nagaki:
Allow me to explain Marian’s role from the gameplay perspective.
If we think of Billy as a standard character and Jimmy as a power type, Marian would be a speedy character.
Although she deals slightly less damage, her incredible mobility allows her to traverse the stage and take down enemies in style.
Some stages in the game require you to make your way past obstacles rather than simply defeating enemies. Marian will prove invaluable on these stages.
Yagyu Ranzo is another playable character in Double Dragon Revive.
He comes from a lineage dedicated to protecting the Dragon Vein.
Cailteux:
Ranzo is yet another familiar character from the series.
He made his first appearance as a playable character in Double Dragon 3, and has shown up as a boss character as well.
As in his prior appearances, he works as part of a highly secret organization.
In this game, he comes from a lineage dedicated to keeping locations of the Dragon Vein secret and preventing them from being used for evil. He is an elite ninja of the highest rank within the organization, respected by his allies.
He enters the story and encounters the heroes after learning about the misuse of the Dragon Vein in the colony where our tale takes place.
For his visual design, we’ve kept the white and light grey color scheme from his earlier designs, with the concept of “what would a modern ninja wear?”
This concept combines the garbs traditionally associated with ninja with modern streetwear and sportswear.
Nagaki:
Ranzo is a character who can fight at far range.
All of the other playable characters fight using hand-to-hand combat. However, Ranzo can attack by throwing shuriken and kunai, as well as other long-range attacks, even capable of setting enemies aflame with his fire technique.
He also has good mobility options, with quick movement speed and high jumps, meaning he can easily take a hit-and-away approach.
I’d recommend anyone who doesn’t want to get in too close to the enemies to give him a try.
In this issue of Developer’s Diary Revive, we introduced Marian and Ranzo now that you’re familiar with the main Lee brothers.
Next time, we’d like to touch on the Shadow Warriors gang that stands in opposition to our protagonists.
Keep an eye out!
Be sure to follow the Community Hub and official X account so you don’t miss the next volume.
Thank you for reading through to the end.
Official Webpage
https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/ddrev/en/
Official X Account
https://x.com/DD1987_PR
We have released a showcase video for Double Dragon Dodgeball, an exclusive bonus game available to those who pre-order Double Dragon Revive. In this title, classic dodgeball gameplay meets the world of Double Dragon, featuring iconic characters from the series. Experience intens
We have released a showcase video for Double Dragon Dodgeball, an exclusive bonus game available to those who pre-order Double Dragon Revive.
In this title, classic dodgeball gameplay meets the world of Double Dragon, featuring iconic characters from the series. Experience intense, action-packed battles using dodgeball as your weapon!
The game offers a variety of modes, including a single-player Story Mode, where players can enjoy the familiar Double Dragon rescue mission for Marian, as well as a Survival Mode that supports up to four players, from head-to-head matches to all-out brawls.
All who pre-order Double Dragon Revive can enjoy Double Dragon Dodgeball for free!
Check out the newly released showcase video to get an early look at the game's exciting features. Don't miss it!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3012220/_/
Hi everyone! This is the Double Dragon series development team at Arc System Works. In this second volume of Developer’s Diary Revive, we offer the latest info on the Double Dragon series–touching on the world of Double Dragon Revive and introducing the series protagonists and in
Hi everyone!
This is the Double Dragon series development team at Arc System Works.
In this second volume of Developer’s Diary Revive, we offer the latest info on the Double Dragon series–touching on the world of Double Dragon Revive and introducing the series protagonists and inheritors of the Sosetsuken, the Lee brothers.
Double Dragon Revive takes place in a world 15 years after a devastating nuclear war, where the concept of nations no longer exists. For more details, check out the Story section of the official web site.
The colony is a society formed by those who gathered in this wasteland of a world.
It is here where the protagonists of Double Dragon Revive, the Lee brothers, wield their multifaceted martial arts technique the Sosetsuken to stand against a conspiracy.
Despite their similarities, the twins Billy and Jimmy have different personalities.
△ This moment after returning from patrolling the city shows the difference between the brothers.
The two of them live with their childhood friend Marian in a city within the colony until they learn that she’s been kidnapped and set off to rescue her.
△ Despite their differences, they both value justice.
The story has been crafted with loving attention, with the characters thought out down to the last detail.
The creative director in charge of the story setting, Cailteux, and the executive director, Nagaki, join us to explain the characters.
Cailteux:
In this game, the Lee brothers are far from simple palette swaps of each other. From their actions in the story to their outfits, we’ve ensured their personalities come out even in the finest details.
Nagaki:
We’ve also designed them to feel different in battle, with Billy being a straightforward standard type of character, while Jimmy uses heavier attacks with higher damage.
△ When Marian worries for them, Jimmy makes light of it to ease her concerns, while Billy expresses discontent at being treated like a child.
Character Profile ① Billy Lee
Cailteux:
The younger brother, Billy, is very sincere and has a strong sense of justice. He devotes himself entirely to his training as a successor to the Sosetsuken.
Although gentle at heart and unable to turn away anyone in need of help, his passion can give him tunnel vision and prevent him from properly discerning the current situation. His brother Jimmy often comments on his overly serious nature.
He holds himself to high ideals as a martial artist, living a rather stoic life with a minimalistic approach to his belongings. For this reason, he prioritizes practicality with his clothes, making for a rather simple outfit that allows for a full range of movement.
His only fashion statement is his matching belt with Jimmy, a present from Marian. Although it doesn’t exactly suit his preferences, he still treasures it.
You can see how his personality comes out in his outfit design.
Character Profile ② Jimmy Lee
Cailteux:
The older brother Jimmy values his freedom, living at his own pace. He’s closely involved in the colony community. Although he doesn’t dedicate as much time to his training as Billy does, Jimmy can stand toe-to-toe with him thanks to his natural talent.
This frustrates Billy, who laments the greater heights he could achieve as a martial artist with full use of those talents.
Despite his usual nonchalant attitude, however, Jimmy has a broad perspective and capacity for thought, allowing him to keep Billy in check when his passions rush him ahead, or to come up with precise solutions using information gained from his expansive network.
In contrast to his serious but inflexible brother, Jimmy is shrewd and makes the most of things as a dependable older brother.
Unlike Billy, he likes fashionable clothes, and wears a leather jacket inspired by his interest in motorcycles along with a pair of slacks with the addition of a necklace and chains, fashionable accessories Billy would shy away from.
In contrast to the calm blue Billy wears, Jimmy’s vibrant red catches the eye.
This is yet another way their characters shine through in their clothing designs.
Nagaki:
Although they may fall on different sides of the coin, the two of them are close and share a kindness and dedication to protecting the comrades around them, often patrolling the city together.
Cailteux:
Exactly. One other sign of their close relationship is that they choose clothes from the same brand. If you look closely, their clothes both have brand logos and the name of a (fictional) clothing brand on them.
Although these profiles only include their character portraits, you can get a closer look at the details in-game.
In this issue of Developer’s Diary Revive, we introduced the traditional protagonists of the series, the Lee brothers.
Next issue, we’ll cover the two playable characters announced last year.
Keep an eye out!
Be sure to follow the Community Hub and official X account so you don’t miss the next volume.
Thank you for reading through to the end.
Official Webpage
https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/ddrev/en/
Official X Account
https://x.com/DD1987_PR
Our serial Developers’ Diary Revive is now ongoing. You can find it every month on the Community Hub page on Steam. Come and check it out to learn about the challenges and the enthusiasm of the dev team. ◆Episode 1: The Beginnings of Double Dragon Revive ◆Episode 2: Lee Brothers,
Our serial Developers’ Diary Revive is now ongoing.
You can find it every month on the Community Hub page on Steam. Come and check it out to learn about the challenges and the enthusiasm of the dev team.
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/3012220/view/500563872868991092
https://steamcommunity.com/games/3012220/announcements/detail/530965707756667030
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/3012220/view/530967787132158187
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/3012220/view/530970797929398274
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/3012220/view/530973313390870557
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https://store.steampowered.com/app/3012220/_/
Hello everyone! We’re the development team of the Double Dragon series at Arc System Works. We are very happy to initiate a series-first regular column project called “Developer’s Diary Revive,” starting from today. We would like to share a glimpse of what we are doing to develop
Hello everyone!
We’re the development team of the Double Dragon series at Arc System Works.
We are very happy to initiate a series-first regular column project called “Developer’s Diary Revive,” starting from today.
We would like to share a glimpse of what we are doing to develop and promote the game.
Please have a look!
The Double Dragon series has a long history, but the promotional video released on December 13, 2024 may have been a good reason for many people to want to have a go at the series for the very first time.
To help these new players understand the appeal of the series, we asked Tatsunori Ishikawa, producer of Double Dragon Revive (hereinafter referred to as DDRev), to talk about the history of the Double Dragon series and the appealing points of this new title.
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Ishikawa：
“Double Dragon is a title that began operating in arcades in 1987, and it has a history of over 30 years. It was created by Technōs Japan Corp., the same company that produced the River City series (also known as Kunio-kun series in Japan), and it can be considered the origin of belt-scrolling action games.
Many people might be familiar with the River City series, and one fun fact is that the characters Ryuichi and Ryuji from that series are created based on Billy and Jimmy, the protagonists of Double Dragon.
Since then, the series has been ported to various platforms, including NES and Game Boy Advance, and currently, Arc System Works holds the rights of this IP, releasing "Double Dragon 4" in 2017. The game has a large global fanbase and remains popular; we receive offers about creating new titles using the Double Dragon brand regularly to this day.”
△Screenshot of Double Dragon*
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Indeed, Double Dragon is a series with a longer history than Arc System Works.
Initially launched in 1987, Double Dragon series has been adapted into a TV animation and movie in The United States, making it a globally popular series. Double Dragon Revive, which will be released on October 23, 2025, is the series' latest entry.
Double Dragon Revive, as the name suggests, is a long-awaited new title that represents the culmination of our development team's years of preparation and dedication to revive the masterpiece that is the 'Double Dragon' series for modern times. It embodies our team's passion and commitment to evolve the series to suit the new era, while preserving the tradition and spirit of the previous titles.
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Ishikawa：
We released Double Dragon 4 in 2017 and received a wide range of feedback.
Although Double Dragon 4 evokes a sense of nostalgia, we placed excessive emphasis on recreating the original atmosphere. As a result, I believe it ultimately became a title that lacked the fresh experiences and enjoyment typically associated with a new game. When we began developing the latest installment of Double Dragon, we kept in mind that even fans of the original series desire a novel experience.
What to keep? What should be created anew?
We considered, for example, enhancing character progression through level-ups and equipments, as well as incorporating popular roguelike elements. However, we felt that these additions would deviate from the way Double Dragon is enjoyed, so we decided to first reboot the game as a pure brawler experience.
On top of that, we believe we can offer a fresh experience by enhancing the fun in completing stages and the overall feel of the action itself.
△Screenshot of Double Dragon 4*
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We also spoke with the game's development director, Hiroshi Nagaki, about its appeal.
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Nagaki：
First of all, I'm relieved that we were able to unveil it safely.
Double Dragon Revive is a game that challenged us to merge the strengths of traditional brawlers with new action elements, and I hope everyone will have the opportunity to experience the result.
The appeal of brawler games lies in the casual experience of character action to the fullest within a straightforward game cycle of defeating enemies in a defined order." However, due to this simplicity, it can also lead to boredom quite easily.
This game addresses the inherent weaknesses of brawler games and features a system that rewards players for making appropriate decisions based on the situation.
Originally, the Double Dragon series consisted of side-scrolling games that required players to adapt to various situations by utilizing the terrain and weapons. I think Double Dragon Revive is becoming a game that has expanded that potential and has evolved to have that modern play feel.
By playing the game repeatedly, you will uncover strategies that will enable you to easily defeat enemies you previously had a hard time with. I think it's a challenging game that can be enjoyed in a classic manner, and I encourage everyone to give it a try.
△A series-classic weapon attacks are still around!
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Please look forward to the challenging gameplay loop developed by Arc System Works, leveraging our expertise and experience.
We are also aware that that many players who have played previous games in the series have shown interest towards the graphics of the game.
While honoring the legacy of the series, Double Dragon Revive has advanced beyond the retro-style 2D graphics of its predecessors, evolving into 3D graphics that enable players to experience new levels of action.
Why did you decide to take that direction?
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Ishikawa：
When we aimed to incorporate elements such as stage gimmicks to create a new action experience, as well as identifying enemy techniques and executing counterattacks, we encountered limitations in what could be achieved in a 2D format.
Let’s say you decide to implement the action of "throwing enemies in the trash can;" this would require significant effort to implement that special hit motion across all 2D materials for every character. If you later come up with a new idea, you might find yourself saying, "There's no hit motion for that one either! and ultimately have to abandon the entire mechanic.
With 3D, specific defeat animations can be reused across multiple characters, so we thought it would be beneficial to design the game in this manner.
Nagaki：
That's right. We didn't initially opt to create it in 3D from the get go; rather, we carefully considered how to implement a variety of actions and ultimately concluded that 3D was the best approach.
By adopting a 3D format, we can more effectively convey various elements such as "height" and "depth" that are associated with the stage structure, and we believe this enhancement enables us to offer a gameplay experience with greater depth.
△Utilize certain gimmicks on stage, and knock out the enemy with a single strike!
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The changes in graphics have also contributed to a greater depth in gameplay.
Are there any other aspects of the action that you insisted on including?
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Ishikawa：
We are a development company that has continuously developed fighting games, and much of that expertise has been integrated into the game.
Even for a single attack motion, we know from our experience to determine factors such as the number of optimal frames for the satisfying attack to hit, and the appropriate amount of hit stop to implement. So I believe the controls we have developed for this game give a very comfortable play feel.
Nagaki：
Speaking of 'fighting game mechanics,' There are actions optimized for use in certain, specific situations in game.
For example, if you intercept an enemy's 'aerial assault' with an 'anti-air attack,' you can gain a decisive advantage. You can evade high-swinging enemy attacks by taking action that puts you in a lower position. Additionally, you can counter a powerful charge attack with an armored attack. To name but a few.
In this title, we've incorporated these elements into a system called "critical assault", where if you attack an enemy's special move at a specific time, a "critical assault" will occur, and you can gain various advantages from doing so.
△The enemy is about to launch a powerful charge attack, but...
△Intercepting with Storm Kick, which has an armor effect, will cause a critical assault!
△It deals a lot of damage and also stuns the enemy, giving you a chance to follow up!
You can also use the "Dragon Orb gauge" to unleash a powerful "Finishing Blow". With a successful critical assault, player gains a bonus that will fill up the Dragon Orb gauge. Building up the Dragon Orb gauge with a critical assault, and mowing down enemies utilizing the netted Dragon Orb gauge, is one of the vital aspect of the gameplay. The conditions for triggering a critical assault differ depending on the type of enemy. So, how well can you use it? When would be the best time to use the Dragon Orbs you have accumulated?
Having to think about such elements is one of the fun factors.
△Deliver a finishing blow using the accumulated Dragon Orb gauge, and gain the decisive advantage!
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The game wasn't made from the start with the intention of making a 3D game, but rather, it was decided to make it in 3D to add more fun to it.
In this issue of Developer's Diary Revive, we introduced the Double Dragon series and talked about the making of Double Dragon Revive.
Going forward, we plan to regularly publish new information about Double Dragon Revive, as well as development episodes and behind-the-scenes stories that you can't see anywhere else.
From secret development documents to the development staff's stories that you can't see in media interviews, and more! We'll try to share as much as we can with you!
Please follow the Community Hub/Official X and wait for the next update.
Thank you for reading.
Official Webpage
https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/ddrev/en/
Official X Account
https://x.com/DD1987_PR
※1：Screenshots are from separate product "Double Dragon Collection" (2024).
Arc System Works Co., Ltd. is excited to announce that digital pre-orders for Double Dragon Revive, coming in 2025 are open today. Experience a modern belt-scroll action masterpiece from Arc System Works! Double Dragon Revive Official Site ■Digital Pre-orders for Double Dragon Re
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3012220/_/
Arc System Works Co., Ltd. is excited to announce that digital pre-orders for Double Dragon Revive, coming in 2025 are open today.
Experience a modern belt-scroll action masterpiece from Arc System Works!
Double Dragon Revive Official Site
Digital pre-orders are now open on the stores.
In addition to securing the Standard or Deluxe edition of the game, players who pre-order receive the exclusive bonus game Double Dragon Dodge Ball.
Pre-order now from the store for the platform of your choice, listed on the official site!
The pre-order trailer debuted during The Game Awards 2024 is now available on YouTube.
Check out the engaging cinematic footage, with new CG made just for this trailer.
By following the official Double Dragon X account, you can stay updated on the latest news about the Double Dragon series, including Double Dragon Revive.
We share a variety of content for fans of the series, such as developer’s comments and introductions to past titles.
Be sure to give us a follow!