But as much as we hate to say it, there are a few titles that just didn’t click, and now have the dubious distinction of forming the lower end of the year’s releases. Let’s jump into which of this year’s games have made the list, and why.

1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

With fatigue having set into the franchise for a while, a lackluster campaign, and some heavy competition in the form of Battlefield 6, Ark Raiders, and Ready or Not, Blacks Ops 7 has failed to breathe new life into the franchise, and has plummeted to being the lowest-ranked Call of Duty entry in history.

Despite its emphasis on a more tactical gameplay loop this time around, Blacks Ops 7 has ultimately failed to bring any meaningful innovations that can make it stand out in a long list of titles from a franchise that could use a bit of course correction. That’s especially disappointing in a year where some excellent shooters have made their presence felt.

2. Sacred 2 Remaster

While the original game might have been considered innovative at the time of its release, this remaster’s insistence on preserving the original experience has largely backfired thanks to the passage of time. Sacred 2’s clunky mechanics and dated visuals needed more than a fresh coat of paint, and it’s a game that’s going to be played only for its nostalgia factor.

Although it did many cool things with its setting and world, it simply doesn’t measure up to scrutiny today. The world may be unique enough to give this one so replay value, but every playthrough is such a chore that it could be very tempting to drop off the game and move on quite quickly. This one should have been a remake if it were to have had any chance at succeeding among a very discerning crop of modern gamers.

3. Double Dragon Revive

Basic combat, finicky targeting, horrendous character models, and a failure to live up to the promise of a series that had been dormant for over a decade, this one was all kinds of wrong for both franchise fans and newcomers alike. Its drab environments and lack of the flair that makes a fighter special made this one a very forgettable experience that quickly gets boring.

And don’t get us started on the platforming sections. We’re all for a challenge in our games but bad design being a part of that challenge is a recipe for frustration , not engagement. While it all could have been salvaged by some awesome combat, there were only so many times we could punch the air before giving up on it all.

What’s sad about this one is that it had the potential to be all that it promised. Countering enemy Aura attacks with a Special Attack of your own was quite satisfying but the minuscule timing window on those parries made pulling them off rely more on luck than on skill. As a fighting game, this one should have been very different, and so much more than it was.

4. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2

Combining a vampire adventure with a setting that pushes you in the direction of an investigation just like a detective sounds like a great concept, doesn’t it? However Bloodlines 2 fails to capitalize on that premise. Its emphasis on sending you all around its admittedly well-crafted world does little to disguise the fact that its exploration is just unrewarding.

While the setting on offer is reasonably good, the combat is too clunky to be entertaining and this is a game that simply doesn’t click on any level. It can even get tedious from moment to moment if you don’t try and diversify what you’re doing. In a year where Ghost of Yotei gave us a more nuanced take on detective work alongside a brilliant combat system, this one is sadly relegated to the shadows.

5. Game of Thrones Kingsroad

With honestly terrible recreations of popular characters from the franchise, and a gameplay loop that doesn’t stay as entertaining as it is after the initial thrills of being let loose in Westeros in a well-crafted RPG world wear off. Bad character models, visual glitches, and a progression system that actively worked against players looking to make progress were factors that broke the spell of some solid visuals.

The combat gets repetitive too quickly, and as an RPG, having to manage menus more than your character arc was a drag. Kingsroad is an ambitious attempt to bring a popular franchise to life in the gaming world, but unlike its presence in other media, this take on Westeros fails to be one to draw the masses.

It’s disappointing to place this one among 2025’s non-preformers but Kingsroad is one that’s better avoided thanks to the journey being too uninteresting to be relevant.

6. Drag x Drive Review

A reasonably good gameplay loop and solid performance on the Switch 2 might have been factors being praised if this one had managed to be more interesting. With its innovative use of the Joy-Con 2’s mouse mode, Drag x Drive Review could have been on the frontline’s of the console’s initial push into popularity after its launch.

But its high skill ceiling and unfamiliar control schemes work alongside a lack of content to keep things interesting to wall off most players from being incentivized to keep pushing forward through its gameplay loop until they get to the meat of why it can be enjoyable in the first place.

However, if you’re looking for a fun, unique 3v3 online title to dive into with your buddies, this one might just be worth picking up on sale when the chance comes along.

7.Killing Floor 3

While the legacy this one carried might tempt you to give it a go, you’re quickly going to find out that Tripwire Interactive failed to capitalize on the valuable feedback it received during the closed beta it held for it. While it can be fun on occasion, and even shines brightly when your plans for the chaotic decimation of Zeds line up well, its lack of content makes it too forgettable to be worth it.

For a game meant ot be played with friends or as a team, its solo survival mode might just be the most entertaining thing it has to offer. There was too little synergy between its playable classes for it to sustain any sort of engagement its initial hours might have garnered, and the lack of enemy types and bosses at launch meant that it soon became a rampage without consequences once we got used to its mechanics and combat.

All in all, there was a lot to like but too little of it to make Killing Floor 3 a game that holds its own against the year’s heavyweights, or enough to ensure it stayed off this particular list. Tough luck, though.

8. Dollhouse: Behind the Broken Mirror

In a genre where the world you craft is as much a part of the experience as your story and gameplay, Behind the Broken Mirror’s poor level design and a fairly predictable and uninspired story made it rank low among the year’s best horror experiences.

Frustrating puzzles peppered a progression path that was often blocked thanks to a lack of clarity on potential solutions stemming from poorly designed levels. It often felt like the game was working against us to be as frustrating as it could be, instead of with us to be entertaining instead.

The story is similarly all over the place, and you’re better off not joining Eliza on her journey to regain her lost memories.

9. MindsEye

In the end, MindsEye’s gorgeously crafted world was ultimately where its ambitions went to die. As if its lackluster story, subpar combat, and uninspired game design weren’t enough, the game’s AI was simply not up to the standard of a 2025 release. Policemen would walk idly by while you slaughtered an enemy in front of them, while the lack of life along the streets you go along made the entire experience feel like a massive letdown.

It’s a world that feels empty despite how its vibrant colors and futuristic buildings immediately stand out as soon as you see them. But MindsEye sadly doesn’t populate that world with enough life to make it matter to its players.

Making things worse was the lack of effective damage control from Build a Rocket Boy, and the eventual promise of a roadmap of fixes has ultimately failed to grab any attention. It’s a pity, but MindsEye is among the biggest failures of 2025 as far as gaming is concerned.

10. La Quimera

It’s a solid premise for a shooter. Its absolutely dystopian premise and environmental storytelling might have been the stuff of a legendary game. But Reburn’s Early Access version of a solid idea does nothing to make this game worth your time.

Its story fails to raise the stakes enough to make you care, which is quite surprising considering the setting it takes place in. Its combat is similarly vanilla, giving you farily powerful weapons and linear levels in which taking down enemies quickly became routine instead of a fight for survival in which either side could end up losing.

And in what’s going to be our top pick for most annoying mechanic of the year, your mercenary’s pockets only let you carry a limited amount of money. That’s counterproductive to the nature of your work, isn’t it? La Quimera makes too many of these blunders to be close to the experience it could be as it stands today.

11. Solo Levelling: Arise Overdrive

While its visuals and excellent audio design might have you believing that this one is worthy of the anime that inspired it, you’re going to want to temper your expectations with Solo Levelling: Arise Overdrive if you’re a fan or someone with a passing interest in what it has to offer.

It’s a story wastes the potential set up by the level designs, while bosses waste its combat system’s potential by having massive health bars whose only effect is that they make each one outstay their welcome. Despite a lot of depth, this one simply fails to make use of its strengths enough for it to be worth a shot.

And that’s a wrap on the year’s titles that might have been more than what they are if things had turned out different. We’re hoping that the talented teams behind these titles lift their chins up and come back stronger than ever with new projects in the years to come.

Which is funny because Double Dragon is one of the most influential games of all time, not only establishing the beat ’em up genre’s major tenets but inspiring the likes of Golden Axe and Final Fight. And yet subsequent titles and spin-offs couldn’t live up to that legacy. In the wake of Double Dragon Gaiden and Neon doing their own thing to mixed results, does Revive at least pave the way forward while capturing everything that made the original so compelling?

Well, no, and that would be fine if it succeeded on its own merits, but developer Yuke’s drops the ball there as well. The result is a revival that’s more like a rumination on how to mess up a beat ’em up game.

"The Pagoda offers this weird perspective to accommodate the annoying eight-directional movement, resulting in a weird effect when climbing the stairs. But even if it tries sticking to a more rudimentary design, like on the highway, Revive feels downright boring."

The first step: An ugly style. I was flabbergasted when starting Double Dragon Revive for the first time because of its animated stills masquerading as cutscenes. These were more colorful and vibrant than anything seen in the gameplay thus far, and actually made the designs, both for the protagonists and villains, pop out more. But it’s not the actual visual style – when you enter that first stage, a fully 3D, dingy world with generic-looking characters greets you. It was probably easier to develop in retrospect, but the results just come across as dull.

Not that the overall pacing and gimmickry of the levels does much to fix that. You might think that going from one side to the other on a 2D plane is what constitutes a beat ’em up, but there’s so much that can be done in terms of interesting mechanics, enemies, and structures. Double Dragon Revive tries to leverage that in some regards, but with mixed results. One sequence in the Power Plant felt more like an impromptu platformer with conveyor belts and fiery vents. It’s unique but feels completely out of place, especially with the lack of enemies.

The Pagoda offers this weird perspective to accommodate the annoying eight-directional movement, resulting in a weird effect when climbing the stairs. But even if it tries sticking to a more rudimentary design, like on the highway, Revive feels downright boring. This level seemingly goes on forever with very few exciting things going on (barring the motorcycle-riding enemies that traverse the screen a few times).

From the outset, you can choose from two fighters – Billy and Jimmy. The story actually takes place 15 years after a nuclear war in a metropolitan city-esque colony where the Shadow Warriors gang rules. For some reason, people are being kidnapped, and after their childhood friend Marian goes missing, the duo embark on a hard-hitting, name-taking journey.

"I can stomach challenging bosses, but the amount of tedium in Revive’s encounters is simply not fun."

Except that the main motivation for their quest is resolved almost immediately. The whole kidnapping thing is also a gateway into utterly bizarre twists with roots in the trio’s upbringing in the Sosetsuken fighting style. While I appreciated the art style of these cutscenes, they also dragged for way too long, and the characters, though initially making a decent impression, are undone by unfunny dialogue, making the skip button that much more appealing. Which probably explains why some of the plot developments took me completely by surprise, but make no mistake – even by Double Dragon standards, the narrative is downright asinine.

Combat offers some pretty simple mechanics on the surface, with a light attack that can combo, a heavy attack that can knock enemies away or stagger them, and a special. Characters can also block, dodge and grab enemies, either slamming them into environmental objects or tossing them into others. When a Dragon Orb is full, you can execute a Hyper Blow that hits multiple enemies in an AoE.

If there’s one bright spot, it’s that even with this simplistic combat approach, each character has a unique moveset. Billy is fairly well-rounded with a special spinning kick for knocking enemies back, and a heavy attack that’s perfect for sending enemies careening into the background. On the other hand, Marian is quicker and more agile, executing diving kicks and mid-air dodges alongside a special rising knee.

There is some combo potential, and making use of your environment to back an enemy up against a wall to execute an even more devastating version of the basic combo is cool. Unfortunately, the eight-directional movement feels clunky, while blocking and dodging feel unreliable. Enemies aren’t completely dense, but the wall-jump into an AoE attack that easily clears them all out trivializes some encounters. Breaking through enemy armor, especially when they’re about to perform certain attacks (denoted by a blue glow), also feels finicky at times. With how important the latter is for obtaining Dragon Orb charge and dealing some real damage with Hyper Blows, it can be painful. Also, the fact that you need to have the contextual buttons appear over enemies to execute Hyper Blows instead of simply letting them rip whenever feels awkward, especially in the heat of the moment.

Then there are the bosses, who attend the same school of annoying gimmicks as the stages. There’s one that constantly throws you around, but the really annoying part is getting knocked by even the slightest touch of barrels being placed in the arena. Another has flame vents on the walls that activate at certain intervals as he dashes around. You need to avoid all this to break through and ultimately build Dragon Orb charge, since his usual combos drop explosives that, you guessed it, mercilessly knock you back. I can stomach challenging bosses, but the amount of tedium in Revive’s encounters is simply not fun.

"A beat ’em up with a recognizable name and very little else going for it. If you’re starved for new games in the genre, there are far better options available."

Coupled with the fact that a single playthrough takes a handful of hours with very little reason to return, Double Dragon Revive feels like it lacks any real impact. Replaying with other characters and alongside friends are two major appeals in the journey, but I simply have no desire, given how boring the stages can be. Some of the enemies stand out – katana-wielding swordmaster that I have to jump attack to break through, my beloved – but for the most part, they’re mostly uninteresting and downright boring to fight.

If you’re keen on getting the most bang for your buck, there are extra Episodes that provide some more story context on the various villains. These are also a decent way to challenge yourself, even if they’re ultimately not worth the time. You also have optional missions, like taking out a set number of enemies, if you want to avoid the headache of traversing the story.

Overall, Double Dragon Revive is about what I expected, even after diluting my expectations so far. A beat ’em up with a recognizable name and very little else going for it. If you’re starved for new games in the genre, there are far better options available.

This game was reviewed on PC.

Rather than showcasing pure gameplay, the launch trailer – and by extension the opening movie – instead focuses on setting the right mood for the beat ‘em up. Along with giving us a look at the protagonists, we also to see the various enemies that we can fight in action. The protagonists also get quick moments to showcase their own unique movesets before the arrival of an antagonist that actually puts the heroes on the back foot.

As for the physical release of Double Dragon Revive, there are three distinct editions that buyers can opt for: the standard edition, as well as Limited and Deluxe Editions. The Limited Edition includes three character cards and additional outfits alongside the game itself, while the Deluxe Edition also brings in extra goodies in the form of the digital soundtrack, a digital art book, a Steelbook, a printed art book, and a poster.

Double Dragon Revive is a direct sequel to the classic games in the beat ‘em up franchise, with the story being a brand new one that takes place in the same world as the original. It features protagonists Billy and Jimmy who have to set out to rescue their childhood friend, Marion, from her kidnappers – the Shadow Warriors gang. While the story takes on a decidedly old-school vibe, with the writing feeling like it comes right out of the pages of one of the original Double Dragon titles, the gameplay is a more modern take on the genre.

The side-scrolling beat ‘em up action in Double Dragon Revive will offer players the chance to pull off intricate combos depending on the combination of buttons that players press. Enemies can also be grabbed for other attacks, or even thrown into environmental hazards. Along with this, all playable characters also have Hyper Blows that can be used if they find themselves surrounded by too many enemies. These Hyper Blows can also be used in the air for more unique moves.

Each level of Double Dragon Revive is also slated to feature unique gimmicks, which will revolve around environmental hazards, and interactive objects and unique terrain that can be taken advantage of. These can range from wall-mounted flame-throwers, to bridges over bottomless pits lacking guard rails, making them perfect opportunities to dish out massive damage to enemies.

Double Dragon Revive got a showcase trailer back in June that confirmed the contents of its Limited and Deluxe Editions, as well as a Nintendo Switch release for the title. The game itself was first announced all the way back in July 2024, and was described by Arc System Works as featuring “intuitive gameplay” that will have players figure out enemy move sets and how they can be manipulated with ideal attack timings.

Ghost of Yōtei

Easily the biggest game of the month, and certainly a contender for Game of the Year, but that’s to be expected. Sucker Punch Productions’ skill for creating engaging open worlds is on full display once more as Atsu scours Ezo for revenge against the Yōtei Six. There’s more variety and less repetition, while the combat system has been expanded to include more weapons, fresh mechanics like disarming enemies (and throwing weapons into their imminent carcasses), and a wolf that occasionally helps out. In a year where Sony desperately needs some PS5 exclusives, Ghost of Yōtei looks to be an incredible showcase for the console when it launches on October 2nd.

Battlefield 6

About four years ago, the Battlefield franchise suffered a slump that few thought it could ever recover from. But here we are with Battlefield 6, a combined effort between DICE, Ripple Effect, Criterion and Motive Studio, which could take the series to new heights of success. The return of an epic globe-hopping campaign is already fantastic, but even the multiplayer with its Classes, weapon feel, and grounded atmosphere has us excited. Even Portal and the new Battle Royale don’t look too shabby. Launching on October 10th, Battlefield 6 will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Game Freak’s latest Pokémon title also marks the series’ debut on Nintendo Switch 2 alongside the original Switch, but it goes even further by taking place in a single city. As a new trainer in Lumiose City, it’s your job to investigate the strange outbreak of Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon while having their wish granted in the Z-A Royale. Between new Pokémon and Mega Evolutions, a free-for-all competitive mode called Battle Club, and much more, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is certainly shaping up well. It’s out on October 16th for Switch 1 and 2.

The Outer Worlds 2

For a game that goes “bigger and deeper” than the original, with an overhaul to Skills and Flaws alongside much larger planets and a third-person perspective, The Outer Worlds 2 certainly feels like the underdog heading into October. Maybe it’s the sheer range of other big-name sequels to look forward to, but the new, more-serious story (which still packs moments of dark levity) looks intriguing, and there’s plenty of room for more niche playstyles. Whether you’re a team player or a solo operative intent on killing all NPCs, The Outer Worlds 2 could satisfy that role-playing fix when it launches on October 29th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger

Seven years after Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory, a new entry in the Digimon Story is finally upon us with Time Stranger. Launching on October 3rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, it was actually announced way back in December 2017 and offers a brand new story with time travel elements. Following an incident that would change the world, the player, as part of a mysterious organization, ventures back in time to try to prevent it. On top of over 450 Digimon to collect, players travel to Illiad in the Digimon World and attempt to unravel what’s going on. Will it end up overshadowed by Pokémon Legends: Z-A or stand out all the more? We’ll find out in the coming days.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2

Super Mario Galaxy has returned, and thankfully, it isn’t part of a compilation that’s available only for a limited time. This time, Nintendo Switch players can experience each title in the series for $39.99 separately or for $69.99 in a bundle. Switch 2 owners can play both games at 4K courtesy of a free update, and there are new features like more Storybook Chapters, amiibo support and Assist Mode. These are more like re-releases than remasters, but if you’ve ever wanted to play two of the best 3D platformers ever made, they may be worth checking out on October 2nd.

ARC Raiders

As if it isn’t competing for time with all the other big releases, Embark Studios’ ARC Raiders is sandwiched between two triple-A shooters (with Battlefield this month and Call of Duty in the next). Nevertheless, if the response has proven anything, it’s that it may very well hold its own. Launching with four maps with different conditions and challenging foes, the extraction shooter packs Embark’s sleek shooting with a distinct post-apocalyptic atmosphere. Between mastering different skills, competing quests, taking a shot at the leaderboards, or trying to understand the world as a whole, ARC Raiders promises a lot, and we can’t wait to dive in when it launches on October 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Little Nightmares 3

The heavyweight survival horror titles are already out, but there’s still Little Nightmares 3 to look forward to ahead of Halloween. Set in The Spiral, the story follows Low and Alone as they attempt to escape its hellish landscape. Between towering monsters, sentient puppets, and other horrors, it’s a tall task, but each packs unique tools like arrows and a wrench for puzzle-solving and self defense. And while couch co-op isn’t supported, there is a Friends Pass, meaning another player can join in without owning the game. All the better to spread the terror when Little Nightmares 3 launches on October 10th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

Keeper

You never truly guess what Double Fine Productions will pump out next, and Keeper, out on October 17th for Xbox Series X/S and PC, is truly unique. You control, of all things, a sentient lighthouse that ventures across the world to learn more about its purpose. Between encountering other strange entities in a wordless narrative and the trippy visuals, it’s certainly shaping up to be an adventure unlike any other.

Jurassic World Evolution 3

You kind of know what you’re getting with any Frontier Developments management sim, and Jurassic Park Evolution 3 is no exception. The usual campaign, sandbox and challenge modes return, but there are over 80 species, each with variants (including juvenile dinosaurs), and more complex creation tools to embrace alongside new attractions. Couple this with new locations, and there’s plenty to look forward to when it launches on October 21st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Ninja Gaiden 4

One of the gold standards for incredible hack and slash action-adventures, Ninja Gaiden, is finally getting a new mainline title on October 21st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. Ninja Gaiden 4 follows Yakumo of the Raven Clan as he ventures to the remains of Tokyo to slay the Dark Dragon. The Order isn’t having it, though, and neither is series mainstay, Ryu Hayabusa (who’s also playable), leading to some bloody battles. While possessing an array of armaments, Yakumo also has Bloodraven Form to modify his attacks and even unleash Bloodbath Kills to maim several foes at once. Promising accessibility via Hero Mode and hardcore challenge courtesy of Master Ninja difficulty, Ninja Gaiden 4 could be the most epic title in the series yet.

Kingmakers

What happens when modern soldiers are sent back in time to fight medieval battles containing hundreds of units? You get Kingmakers, with its unique mix of third-person shooting, extensive military equipment and base-building, launching on October 8th for PC. When you’re not engaging in the battle, you can take an overhead view and command units. All this and co-op for up to four players? If nothing else, it looks like a fun bit of controlled chaos.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault

Nothing can stop a good merchant, especially one like Will, who ventures into dungeons to collect the wares himself. Moonlighter 2 directly follows the first game’s events, as you venture into The Endless Vault, collect valuable artifacts, and sell them in your store. The profits can be used to upgrade the town of Tresna, your own shop and even equipment to delve deeper into the dungeons for more profitable finds. With a jump to full 3D and new mechanics – like using your own backpack as a weapon – there’s plenty to look forward to when Moonlighter 2 launches in Steam Early Access on October 23rd.

Double Dragon Revive

The classic side-scrolling beat ’em up franchise returns courtesy of Arc System Works and Yuke’s when Double Dragon Revive launches on October 23rd for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. Alongside Story Mode with support for up to four playable characters, there’s Extra Mode with more than 50 mission types and a uniquely separate story across multiple unlockable episodes. Between this and Absolum, it’s a great month for beat ’em up fans.

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted

After botching Battle for Neighborville and Plants vs. Zombies 3, PopCap Games is going back to the drawing board. Or more specifically, to the first garden in Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, an HD version of the tower defense that started it all. Fortunately, there’s a lot to justify that $20 purchase, from a new hardcore mode to the more forgiving but still challenging Cloudy Day Mode. You can even compete in local PvP as the zombies or defend together in co-op. Replanted launches on October 23rd for Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.

Tormented Souls 2

The original Tormented Souls didn’t push any boundaries, but for a title inspired by old-school Resident Evil, it wasn’t half-bad. Tormented Souls 2, out on October 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, continues the story of Caroline as she ventures to a mysterious yet sinister new location. While you’ll be shifting between realities, solving puzzles and fighting off new enemies, tank controls are still in effect, and you won’t have unlimited saves, just like the survival horror games of yesteryears, but you can enable assist mode.

Once Upon A Katamari

A new Katamari title that isn’t a remaster? Somehow, it’s true as Once Upon A Katamari launches on October 24th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The Prince is once again tasked with fixing the sky after The King of All Cosmos destroys it yet again, and this time, you’re venturing through time, rolling up the Ice Age and other notable eras. With character customization, new tools and KatamariBall, a new four-player competitive mode, the good times may indeed be ready to roll.

Dispatch

What happens when Mecha Man no longer has his mech suit to fight crime? He does the next best thing, taking on a job as a superhero dispatcher. That’s only the start of Robert Robertson’s ordeals, however, as he works with ex-supervillains, dispatching them to different locations with unique consequences. Between unlocking new abilities and managing their various personality quirks, Dispatch is a unique mix of narrative adventure and hero strategy with a strong cast. The first two episodes debut on October 22nd, followed by the next two on October 29th for PS5 and PC, with the final four out in November.

Wreckreation

I’ll admit to being somewhat disappointed with Bugbear’s Wreckfest 2 (which has seen several updates after launching in early access), but Wreckreation, developed by the team behind Dangerous Driving, could fill that void. It’s out on October 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and introduces the 400 square kilometer sandbox that is MixWorld, which you’re free to build up and wreck alone or with others. With extensive customization tools and plenty to discover, it’s an interesting proposition, and hopefully one with a lot of staying power.

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection

Have you ever wanted a definitive collection of all classic Mortal Kombat titles? Yes, even Mythologies: Sub Zero and Special Forces? Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection could be the answer as it contains Mortal Kombat 1, 2, 3, 4, Trilogy and much more with multiple versions, online play with rollback netcode and instant access to all secret characters. You can explore the lore of the series and its characters, and learn more about the franchise’s development courtesy of new creator interviews. Launching on October 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, it could very well be a must-buy for any fighting game fan.

Double Dragon Revive acts as a sort of direct sequel to the classic beat ‘em up franchise, with the trailer describing its story as being a new one that takes place in the same world. The game, described as “a true modern beat ‘em up action experience”, takes place in a desolate world ravaged by nuclear war.

The two protagonists – Billy and Jimmy – have learned that their childhood friend – Marion – has been kidnapped by the Shadow Warriors gang. The duo decide that they must once again take on some gang members in melee brawling action to rescue their friend. The description of the story essentially sounds like it might have been written for one of the classic Double Dragon games.

When it comes to core gameplay, Double Dragon Revive will feature similar side-scrolling beat ‘em up action as its name would suggest. Much like the classics, the upcoming game will also allow players to travel vertically through its levels to take on enemies coming in from different angles. The title is structured around completing missions, and there are four playable characters to choose from.

Along with taking enemies on with intricate combos that can be pulled off by a combination of buttons, players can also grab enemies to use different moves, like beating them up more, or throwing them into environmental hazards or even the waiting punches and kicks of another player. All characters are also equipped with unique Hyper Blows that can help out if they get surrounded by enemies, pushing all of them away. Hyper Blows can also be used in the air to make use of unique attacks.

When it comes to its missions, Double Dragon Revive will have unique gimmicks for each of its stages. Along with plenty of terrain and objects being available to be taken advantage of, stages will also have their own unique hazards, from wall-mounted flame throwers to the lack of guard rails on paths over bottomless pits that enemies can be thrown into. Some stages even have gimmicks strong enough to take down enemies in a single hit if the player can find and use them.

Arc System Works has also revealed details about the Limited and Deluxe Editions of the game. The Limited Edition will come with the game, three character cards, and additional outfits for its characters. The Deluxe Edition will include the Limited Edition contents, along with adding in the digital OST, the digital artbook, a Steelbook, a printed artbook, and a poster. It is worth noting that Double Dragon Revive Deluxe Edition will only be available physically, and only on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. A digital release of the Deluxe Edition will be available on all platforms.

Double Dragon Revive was announced back in July 2024. The game was described by the studio as having “intuitive gameplay” that revolves around the player learning enemy patterns and figuring out the ideal attack timings. The title is currently available for pre-orders across all of the digital distribution platforms that it is available on, and will be coming to PC and consoles on October 23.

Double Dragon Revive will bring the beloved franchise back in the form of a brand-new sidescrolling 3D beat ’em up experience, which we get to see new glimpses of in the trailer. Also showcased are the leading duo of Jimmy and Billy Lee, and a number of different enemies who’re stupid enough to take them head-on. Check out the trailer below. 

A release date has also been announced for the title. Double Dragon Revive is due out on October 23, 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Pre-orders for the title are live now. 

Earlier this year, Arc System Works and developer Yuke’s announced Double Dragon Revive, an aptly named revival of the classic beat ’em up franchise. Now, the duo have confirmed that we’ll be getting our next look at the 3D sidescrolling action title imminently, with a new trailer set to be unveiled at The Game Awards later this week, on December 12.

Double Dragon Revive joins a growing list of titles confirmed for the show, which currently also includes the likes of Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, and It Takes Two developer Hazelight’s next game.

Double Dragon Revive is due out sometime in 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Hopefully, we’ll be learning about a more specific release date when the game is showcased at The Game Awards this week. Stay tuned for more updates.

The next update for #DoubleDragonRevive will be unveiled at #TheGameAwards.
Get ready for a brand-new chapter of innovative side-scrolling action!
Details will be revealed during the event. Stay tuned!#TheGameAwards pic.twitter.com/nciunMizNj

— Double Dragon Official (@DD1987_PR) December 11, 2024

While touting the same “intuitive gameplay,” Double Dragon Revive aims for more variety instead of being a “simple button-masher.” Players must learn enemy patterns and discover the “most effective attacking timings” to succeed. However, like the older titles, you can still pick up weapons and utilize the environment to gain an edge.

The controls have also been “refined for the modern era”, while the plot sees the Lee brothers working together to battle “powerful foes from their past” (which seemingly include Roper and Abobo). Arc System Works staff with experience in fighting games are supervising the development, which Yuke’s is leading.

Double Dragon Revive launches in 2025 for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and PC. Stay tuned for more details and gameplay in the coming months.