Double Dragon is being revived in 3D by the studio behind Dragon Ball FighterZ

The classic side-scrolling beat-em-up Double Dragon is being reimagined in 3D by Arc System Works, the fighter-focused studio behind games like Dragon Ball FighterZ and Guilty Gear.

Double Dragon (for those who want a history lesson) first hit the arcades in 1987, and has seen numerous sequels, spin-offs, and crossover releases for both arcade and home systems in the years since. Arc acquired the rights to the series in 2015, and released Double Dragon 4 in 2017, though it received a pretty lukewarm reception.

While Double Dragon 4 and last year’s Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons developed by Secret Base Both featured a heavy reliance on the series’ retro lineage, featuring a 2D pixel art aesthetic, Arc System Works has now announced a modern reimagining that will move the series into 3D.

As reported in the latest issue of Japanese gaming magazine Weekly Famitsu Reported by ryokutya2089.com (Thank you VGC), Arc’s new series installment – appropriately titled Double Dragon Revive – is set to launch next year on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.

Details are limited, but it features modern controls and difficulty options, as well as classic series characters – including the Lee brothers, Roper and Abobo – all re-imagined in 3D. You can get a glimpse of its visual overhaul in the screens below.

Eurogamer contributor Simon Parkin was not entirely convinced by Double Dragon 4’s nostalgic vibe when he reviewed the game review of Arc System Works’ first original Double Dragon attempt came out back in 2017, so perhaps a more modern refresh is exactly what the series needs. Expect to hear more ahead of the Double Dragon revival’s PlayStation, Xbox, and PC release next year.