Arc System Works, the studio behind several acclaimed fighting games like the Guilty Gear series and Dragon Ball FighterZ, is working on a new 3D Double Dragon game. The revival of the classic arcade beat-em-up will bring Arc System Works’ expertise in fighting games to the table for combat but it will remain faithful to the signature side-scrolling style of the original games.
As reported in the latest issue of the Japanese magazine Famitsu, Arc System Works has confirmed that it’s currently working on a revival of the Double Dragon series. This isn’t the studio’s first rodeo with the Double Dragon license, though. Back in 2015, Arc System Works acquired the IP and later developed Double Dragon 4 with the input of the original developers, including director Kishimoto Yoshihisa. Unfortunately it received mixed to poor reviews at launch.
The new Double Dragon game sounds like Arc System Works wants to honour the original arcade classics and return to its roots while putting more effort and thought into the combat – something that the developer has a lot of expert knowledge in, judging by its history of fighting games. According to Famitsu, the new Double Dragon will be released sometime in 2025 for PS4, PS5, Xbox and PC.
Double Dragon exploded into popularity in arcades during the 1980s, helping to bring the blooming beat-em-up genre to mainstream audiences at the time. The franchise has since dwindled in popularity over the decades but it holds a special place in the hearts of many nostalgic gamers who have fond memories of playing the games with friends.
Arc System Works’ most recent game, Another Code: Recollection, launched earlier this year to positive reviews. The reimagined bundle of classic DS and Wii games were a notable break from the developer’s usual offering of fighting games. Before that, the studio also worked on DNF Duel and the award-winning Guilty Gear Strive.
Source: Famitsu (via Ryokutya2089)
