Controversy Erupts Over Double Dragon Revive: Creators Reject Arc System Works' Attempt to Revive the Classic Franchise

The upcoming beat 'em up game, Double Dragon Revive, has sparked a heated debate within the gaming community. Developed by Yuke's and published by Arc System Works, the game aims to breathe new life into the classic Technos beat 'em up series. However, the project has faced criticism from one of the original artists who worked on the 1987 arcade version of Double Dragon.

Veteran Developers Refuse to Acknowledge Double Dragon Revive as Part of the Series

Technos Team Rejects the Game as a True Double Dragon Title

Koji Ogata, an animator who worked on the original 1987 arcade version of Double Dragon and went on to contribute to most other games in the series, has publicly expressed his disapproval of the upcoming revival. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Ogata stated that not a single member of the original Technos development team recognizes Double Dragon Revive as a legitimate entry in the franchise."I'll be honest with you," Ogata wrote. "The fact is that not a single person in the Technos team recognises this as a Double Dragon game." This statement suggests a deep divide between the original creators and the team behind the new project, casting doubt on the authenticity and respect for the franchise's legacy.

Criticism from the Original Double Dragon Designer

Ogata's criticism was further bolstered by the comments of Muneki Ebinuma, the designer of Super Double Dragon. According to Ogata, Ebinuma agrees with his assessment, stating that the new game was developed by a "current generation of game designers who have never played or thoroughly played the arcade version of Double Dragon."Ebinuma's critique of the game goes even deeper, as he shared his thoughts in a private conversation with Ogata. In these screenshots, Ebinuma expresses his dissatisfaction with the game's visuals, stating that the screen is "too dark" and that the "characters and techniques don't look good." He goes on to describe the game as "like a test game for vocational school students," further emphasizing his belief that it lacks the "strong punch and a unique, distinctive feel" that defined the original Double Dragon.

Developers' Desire to Throw the Controller at the Game

Ogata's criticism of Double Dragon Revive extends beyond just his own opinion. In response to a follower on X, he jokingly expressed a desire to "throw the controller at it" if he had the chance to try the game at the Tokyo Game Show. This sentiment further underscores the level of disdain and rejection the original development team has towards the upcoming revival.

Doubts About the Game's Authenticity and Respect for the Franchise

The comments from Ogata and Ebinuma paint a picture of a game that fails to capture the essence of the original Double Dragon series. Their criticisms suggest that the new developers behind Double Dragon Revive have not fully grasped the core elements that made the franchise so beloved, resulting in a "cheap, modern game that shows no respect for Double Dragon."This clash between the original creators and the new development team highlights the challenges of reviving a classic franchise. The expectations of long-time fans and the original developers' vision for the series appear to be at odds with the direction taken by Arc System Works and Yuke's. As the gaming community eagerly awaits the release of Double Dragon Revive, the controversy surrounding the project has raised concerns about its ability to truly capture the spirit of the beloved beat 'em up series.