DNF Duel Reviews

DNF Duel is ranked in the 75th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
8 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

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.

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7.5 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

DNF Duel offers fun and action-packed anime-style combat that's simple enough for new players to jump into without sacrificing too much depth that veterans love. Unfortunately, repetitive single player content with a lack of meaningful unlockables makes the game one that will only retain those who it charms with its flashy fighting.

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4 / 5.0
Jun 28, 2022

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.

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8 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

DNF Duel is an 2.5 D Fighting Game with an excellent core and a very interesting roster but very little to offer to new players in terms of contents. In its current state, it can be an easy suggestion for anyone more interested in playing in a more competitive way rather than for a casual player.

Review in Italian | Read full review

VG247
Top Critic
Jun 28, 2022

In an industry slowly and often clumsily stomping towards some nebulous washed out esports future where it feels as though all games must be perfectly balanced with big bucks competitive gaming in mind, I’m happy that some developers like Eighting and Arc System Works remain willing to make games that are still a little jank, still a little busted. DNF Duel is unapologetic - and a lot of fun. For Dungeon Fighter fans this is obviously a great purchase, for fans of the genre the same thing goes.

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7 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

DNF Duel is an approachable, explosive fighting game. Although it doesn't quite stand out from the crowd in terms of having an instantly recognisable style, it's great fun to actually play. Crazy combos, a cool character roster, and a nice selection of game modes makes for an appealing package. Once we've been able to put the title's online offerings to the test, we'll be updating this review with a score and additional details.

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9 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

DNF Duel is an extremely welcoming fighting game that I’d recommend to genre veterans and newcomers alike. The battles are tense, the visuals are out of this world and the inputs and tutorials make it really easy to pick up and play. I never thought I’d truly get into this genre of video game, but DNF Duel managed to drag me into it and I couldn’t be happier.

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8.3 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

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

7.5 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

Overall, DNF Duel is a beautiful anime fighting game that brings together a roster of 16 unique fighters to the arena. While the game is inviting to new players, it doesn’t feel like there is a lot of content for returning players to engage with. While the game is beautiful to look at, there are reasonable questions about how long players will engage with this game.

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8 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

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.

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IGN
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

DNF Duel has lots to love for fighting game beginners and experts alike if you can get through a tough difficulty curve, the lack of crossplay, and don't mind a thin story mode.

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INVEN
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

DNF Duel is a fighting game with great respect to its original IP. While the game providing deep sense of duel, its easy control system makes anyone can adapt into the game's mechanic. Though the collectable system and convenience in training mode are not as good as its graphic and sound quality, it is certain that both DNF fans and fighting fans can enjoy this.

Review in Korean | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

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.

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7.8 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

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

83 / 100
Jun 28, 2022

‎The fact that it is an Arc System Works title makes comparisons with its great games inevitable and DNF Duel is somewhat below, but its combats are solid, intense and spectacular.‎

Review in Spanish | Read full review

Jun 28, 2022

DNF Duel is another stunning fighter from Arc System Works that offers a unique experience setting it aside from other fighters. Its simplified fight mechanics make DNF Duel an accessible fighter whilst still being complex enough to offer a challenging experience for members of the Fight Game Community.

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CGMagazine
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

DNF Duel takes a popular but somewhat dated MMORPG and successfully reinvigorates it into a quick to learn but hard to master fighting game.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2022

DnF Duel is the perfect entry point for people new to the genre, being a decent challenge for the more experienced players. All this with an amazing artwork.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

Cubed3
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jun 29, 2022

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.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jun 29, 2022

DnF Duel proves that publisher Nexon was wise to place their trust in developer Arc System Works, because they know the art of fighting game duels better than absolutely everyone else.

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