The revival of the Double Dragon series with the game Double Dragon Revive has been met with criticism from some of the original series’ artists and developers. Notably, former developer Ebinuma has expressed dissatisfaction with the new installment, describing it as “cheap” and lacking respect for the original series. Ebinuma’s criticisms include technical issues such as overly dark screens, ineffective character showcases, and combat that feels lackluster. He also noted that the game lacks the intense violence and martial arts flair that were hallmarks of the original Double Dragon games.
正直に言います！
— 緒方(Kon)＠絶賛お仕事募集中です！！直筆相談はDMへ御連絡下さい！ (@food2han) September 19, 2024
テクノス勢は誰一人としてダブルドラゴンと認めてないという事実を???? https://t.co/lRS0Qs159R
These comments highlight a broader concern about maintaining the integrity and spirit of classic games when they are revived or remade. Despite these critiques, the game has been released and is available to players, though it seems to have sparked a debate about how well it honors its legacy.
こちらがエビヌマ氏によるダブドラReviveに対する正直な感想です！！
— 緒方(Kon)＠絶賛お仕事募集中です！！直筆相談はDMへ御連絡下さい！ (@food2han) September 20, 2024
彼ほど原案者以上にダブドラを愛してやまないスタッフはいません☺️☺️☺️
大変誇りに思います?? pic.twitter.com/2o1GpUGgEy
The designer Koji Ogata ( Super Double Dragon designer ) shared screenshots of a private conversation captioned, “These are Mr. Ebinuma’s honest impressions of Double Dragon Revive.” Mr. Ebinuma refers to Muneki Ebinuma, the Technos Japan game designer known for directing several entries in the Double Dragon series. According to the screenshots posted by Ogata, Ebinuma has critical views on Double Dragon Revive.
He mentions issues like the screen being excessively dark, characters and abilities not showcased attractively, effects being overly distracting, and hits feeling “lukewarm” and lacking in impact. Beyond technical critiques, Ebinuma notes that Double Dragon Revive misses the original Double Dragon’s sense of violence, Bruce Lee-style action, and martial arts essence, expressing concern that he doesn’t want “this poor piece of work to bear the name of the series.”
Via Automaton
