DNF Duel Reviews
While DNF Duel isn't quite able to unseat Guilty Gear Strive, what Nexon and Arc System Works has conjured here is nonetheless deeply worthy of commendation. A welcoming, two-dimensional fighter boasting a honeyed aesthetic that caresses both the ocular and aural senses, DNF Duel makes a great representation as a fantastic entry point for genre newcomers, as well as being a reliable source of instant gratification for brawling stalwarts.
The guys of Arc System Works have hit the target again, packaging an articulated combat system, unbridled and fun but also accessible and innovative.
Review in Italian | Read full review
DNF Duel adds and subtracts from a variety of fighting game mechanics to create something strangely unique, fundamentally simple, and undeniably fun.
DNF Duel on the Switch is a fairly decent port of the game that was released for the PlayStation and PC. The game remains intact and is an enjoyable fighter. The downside is that the visuals have suffered, and thanks to Nintendo, you have to pay to play online, which may hamper any chance of a healthy online community.
DNF Duel is the total package and it has something for everyone. It's an easy to jump into fighting game, thanks to the simplified inputs while offering great depth and lots of opportunities to improve your skill. If ArcSys and Eighting can address those pesky infinities, and maybe make it not so much Kusoge, which I'm sure they will, and make address some character balancing, the DNF Duel will be at the forefront of fighting games for quite some time.
DNF Duel remains a good fighting game in general, but the noticeable drop in graphics quality and the lack of Rollback Netcode makes the Switch version the least successful and appealing.
Review in Italian | Read full review
DNF Duel takes a popular but somewhat dated MMORPG and successfully reinvigorates it into a quick to learn but hard to master fighting game.
There is not much more to say about DNF Duel. The game does not push the genre forward, but what is here is an exceptionally fun fighting game that is slightly cheaper than full price.
As an IP-derived fighting game, DNF Duel is up to standard. Each available character has distinctive characteristics and interesting gameplay, and the simple operation makes it easier to attract fans' attention and devote themselves to it. Unfortunately, the deficiencies of storyline and gameplay, as well as the too-simple combat mechanism, make it difficult to really become an addictive fighting game.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
DNF Duel’s approachable take on the genre might hold it back for some, but will likely hit the sweet spot for many newcomers and mid-level players.
DNF Duel is an absolutely well crafted fighting game, with a spectacular and yet layered gameplay. We will update our review once we can take a look to its online mode.
Review in Italian | Read full review
DNF Duel successfully brings the world of Dungeon Fighter Online to a fighting game arena with all the ingredients that made previous Arc System Works games great.
DNF Duel has a glorious soundtrack, distinct characters, and immersive environments that really set this whole game up to be a fan favorite. Anything else coming after this game’s launch is more than welcome and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
DNF Duel is a fun fighting game suitable even for players who are not fans of the genre or do not have much experience with it. But you won't enjoy the story very much and the online gameplay is quite austere. In addition, the Switch version does not support rollback netcode.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
A visually pleasing fighter that is competent in every aspect, but other than being based on a popular MMO and some of the minutiae of its system, other fighters have offered a better experience, some of them even from the same developer.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
DNF Duel is a good game with beautiful graphics and accessible mechanics. The cast of characters is relatively varied and the modes are what we currently expect from a fighting title. Online is great with its netcode via rollback, although there is no cross-play. DNF Duel's biggest problem is perhaps its lack of innovation and being too simple in its essence.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
While DNF Duel’s MP system adds a new layer to the fighting game genre, this title plays things far too safe. Fans of Arc System Works’ other fighters will enjoy throwing down as wind wielders and puppet masters, but the studios’ other titles manage to do everything on offer here.
As a huge fan of the original series, there is a lot of style drawn from it. The action is fast and looks good, and seeing the characters in another format is a great surprise. Some caution is warranted as the price tag is hefty and the lack of cross-play between PlayStation and PC might shorten the game's lifespan. While not nearly as tactical as PVP was due to its 3D plane, now condensed down to its 2D linear combat, it's a fun romp and the gallery/glossary of the lore is appreciated. In the end, as good as this game is, it's more of a reminder how much better DFO is.
It’s safe to say that we’ve been taken by surprise by DNF Duel. We were drawn in by its trailer showcasing its eye-catching visuals, but have been very happy to find that it has real substance. Its combat is exhilarating and easy to get to grips with, yet has enough depth to keep you going back for more. And with its many characters – ahem, classes – as well as a pleasing selection of modes, there’s plenty to go at. Whether you’re new to the fighting game malarkey, or a seasoned pro, this definitely deserves your attention.
DNF Duel is a 2D fighting game that features an extraordinarily accessible control system and move list that’s certain to put newcomers at ease while welcoming veterans as well. Its Story Mode could certainly have been more developed with such a rich lore, but the sharp, intuitive gameplay experience is going to fit like a glove on anyone who enjoys 2D fighting games.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review