DNF Duel Reviews

DNF Duel is ranked in the 75th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
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

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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8 / 10.0
Jun 30, 2022

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

Apr 20, 2023

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.

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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’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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8 / 10
Jul 12, 2022

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.

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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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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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80 / 100
Jul 8, 2022

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

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
Jul 15, 2022

DNF Duel is a good fighting game, but nothing more. It has beautiful animations between fights and a very rich universe to use to its advantage. Besides that, the gameplay makes combatants use their creativity to the fullest in combos. But still, it seems that all the meticulousness of the mechanics has not been extended to the game modes and all the rest of the experience that a fighting game can give its fans.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

4 / 5.0
May 2, 2023

Overall, DNF Duel was and still is one of the most aesthetically pleasing games I’ve played in a long time and one of the better ports on the Nintendo Switch, taking everything there was to love about the game while still retaining its sleek gameplay and killer sense of style. Sadly, while the characters and animations still look great, and the game runs like a champ, it took a slight hit in terms of graphical fidelity to be able to run the game at its most optimal on the Switch. Nevertheless, while it may not be an entirely new game, it does a phenomenal job showing that an old dog doesn’t need new tricks to be great. So if big beautiful sprites, bone-crunching combat, and vivid visuals are your cup of tea, don’t be afraid to give DNF Duel a try.

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8 / 10.0
May 15, 2023

DNF Duel is a fine addition to the rosters of fighting games on the Nintendo Switch. I can only hope that crossplay comes in the future alongside the number of updates and support Arc System Works has promised the other versions. It's a bit of a niche franchise when compared to stuff like Dragon Ball Z and may not quite have the appeal for more casual fans. That said, fans of the genre who fancy an anime fighter with a bit of a difference will find that DNF Duel stands in its league.

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8 / 10
Jul 25, 2023

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

Jun 28, 2022

DNF Duel is a fighting game that successfully returns to the roots of the genre while being accessible to new players. Although some features are not present, the future of the game could evolve with DLC and updates. At launch, a well-rounded fighting game is available with unlockable characters and a plethora of content.

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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

7.8 / 10.0
Jul 11, 2022

A pleasing surprise.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Jul 18, 2022

DNF Duel is a surprisingly deep fighting game, that doesn't require a whole lot of learning to be enjoyed. Mechanically interesting and with a very diverse cast of fighters, this videogame has the potential to entertain both new players and old fans of this genre.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Wccftech
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
Jul 3, 2022

DNF Duel is a broken fighting game that lives by the philosophy of "Everyone's busted, so it's balanced." The game is going to push the right buttons for a lot of fighting game enthusiasts. At the same time, its mechanics are easily approachable for casual audiences who want to see cool moves executed easily. I believe that the game will be in the same category as games like Fantasy Strike in terms of accessibility (it will also be better than Fantasy Strike overall).

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