Games
Arc System Works was among the booths showcasing some of their games during Anime Expo 2025 for attendees to demo. The long-awaited anime that surprisingly didn’t have its own fighting game finally did with Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact. Two classic franchises made a return as well. Double Dragon returns in a new visually stunning arcade game called Double Dragon Revive and Bubble Bobble receives a new adventure game in Dubble Boggle Sugar Dungeons. Despite only having a brief amount of time for each game, they all hold value for their target market. Here are my thoughts on each game’s demo.
Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Hunter x Hunter, a popular anime series finally received its own fighting game. This 2.5D three-on-three tag team style fighting game is set to attract both fans of the series and the fighting genre. During the demo, the game offers a story mode, training mode, and free battles. There were only six characters to choose from and playing around with each one, they each have their own set of unique abilities. Understanding the mechanics is easy enough to jump in and learn, but there are also enough skills to master. Based on watching a performance between two Arc System Works employees with two different skillsets, it was quite entertaining in all three matches they played.
Each character can unleash a special skill by initiating an easy execution on the controller. Special attacks and animations closely matched the original anime. Hisoka’s poses and movements were spot on. Gon using his fishing rod was great to see once more, and Isaac Netero’s “100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva” was showcased in the game as well. Using a controller, one teammate is called on the left shoulder button, the other on the right. There’s a cooldown period so players cannot overuse the system. Double-tap the shoulder button to swap teammates with the current fighter. A single tap initiates a teammate to perform a quick attack and retreat without swapping. Overall, it’s an entertaining fighting game that feels smooth, and it’s great to see Hunter x Hunter finally getting its own title. Additional characters are announced to be released through summer 2026, so the game will still feel fresh for a while.
Hunter × Hunter: Nen × Impact releases on July 17, 2025 for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Steam. Those with Steam accounts can demo the game today. Fans can visit the official website for more information.
Double Dragon Revive
The arcade classic returns in a 3D makeover with Double Dragon Revive. Similar to the side-scrolling arcade game, players can utilize the z-depth to move forward and backward to interact with objects and enemies. Additionally, players can use objects within the stage, such as tossing enemies into refrigerators or dumpsters. Some enemies will use power-up chargers to take you out, but you can counter those with well-timed attacks. Once you fill up your power-up gauges, you can unleash a super-powered attack that triggers a short cinematic and flashy scene before taking down enemies in your vicinity.
The overall level designs exude a dark, neo-punk 90s vibe. All characters are rendered in 3D with intricate details, but some may feel that the designs lack a certain flair as characters tend to blend into the 3D rendered backgrounds. The game’s soundtrack has been updated, and it would be interesting to have the option to switch to a more 8-bit tune. Despite this, the game kept me entertained until I met my demise at the hands of the demo’s final boss.
After attending Arc System’s panel at Anime Expo, it’s clear that the company aims to showcase games beyond just versus fighting titles. Double Dragon Revive seems to be one of those titles, along with the next demo discussed, Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons.
Double Dragon Revive will be released on October 23, 2025 for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Steam, and Epic Games. Fans can visit the official website for more information.
Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons
The bubble action game returns in a new adventure in Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons. The demo offered gave me only enough time to do the tutorial and start the first stage. The concept is easy to understand to start and begins adding new ways to take out enemies. For example, using fire-type materials to add flame inside your bubble. Pop it to ignite your enemies around. To have this and many more powered up items, these can be gained while playing with an inventory to hold up to ten items per slot. Players can have multiple slots of the same type of materials so you aren’t just stuck with ten fire attack items. Players can also level up skills to make adventuring a little easier to take out foes. Stages change every time as you play, giving more replay value and keeping players on their toes.
The stages are fun and colorful, making it a less serious style of play compared to Double Dragon Revive but players will still need to keep their eyes peeled when enemies swarm around Bub, the green bubble dragon.
I do wish the demo gave me more access to play past the tutorial but will have to wait a little longer as Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons releases in winter 2025 for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Steam. Fans can visit the official website for more information.
Satisfying, Delicious Demos
Each demo was played at Arc System’s booth during Anime Expo 2025, and every one was satisfying and enjoyable. Cat with Monocle greatly appreciates the company for allowing us time to test each title.