DNF Duel Reviews

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

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

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

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

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.

Read full review

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.

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.

Read full review

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

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.

Read full review

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

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.

Read full review

80 / 100
Jul 25, 2022

While feeling a tad bare bones, DNF Duel still manages to be a highly entertaining 2D fighting game among many coming out this year.

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.

Read full review

TJ Denzer
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jun 30, 2022

Between the well-adapted cast of characters, stages, and music from Dungeon Fighter Online, this is both a love letter to DFO fans, as well as a quality and accessible fighting game to boot. It will be interesting to see how much longevity this game has in it, though. Where some characters have risen to the top in past fighting games with enough exploration and discovery, DNF Duel feels a little too easy to crack. It’s the most unbalanced of any Arc System Works fighter I’ve played in recent memory, and that makes me concerned for its community health. That said, it’s still a fun fighting game to play with good offline modes to boot. If you want a good-looking fighter that doesn’t take too much practice to access and feel good about, or if you just love Dungeon Fighter Online and want to play a game that adapts it well, DNF Duel might be the brawler you’re looking for.

Read full review

8 / 10
Jul 4, 2022

DNF Duel is a ridiculous fighting game in the best way possible. Simple inputs and meaty one-button attacks provide an easy entryway for beginners, but the advanced defensive mechanics and powerful properties of your attacks create fast & frenzied action that I can't get enough of. More importantly, the simplified inputs don't sacrifice the skill-ceiling - this game is full of depth and a ton of fun even at the highest level of play.

Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jun 29, 2022

Impressive efforts with a few noticeable problems holding them back. Won't astound everyone, but is worth your time and cash.

Read full review

8 / 10
Jun 30, 2022

A robust fighting system and brilliant online play make DNF Duel a worthy new contender.

Read full review

Metro GameCentral
GameCentral
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jun 30, 2022

Another visually spectacular Arc System Works fighter that is both surprisingly accessible and full of hidden depth and clever ideas.

Read full review