DNF Duel

Deep and unique enough for genre veterans, yet also simple and welcoming enough for newcomers.

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

DNF Duel is fun, it’s a spectacle, it’s easy to learn, and a bit trickier to master. Its deceptive simplicity may not be for everybody, and its story may as well not have been there. But overall, it’s a good time.

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. Its visuals are great, the combat is ridiculous, exciting and entertaining, the characters all feel bespoke and broken, and the mechanics, while not the deepest, have layers to them. This helps DNF Duel hold the interest of serious fighting game players, while not making the casual player suffer. Amazing online netcode is just the icing on the cake for this eccentric fighting game, a title that will most likely be remembered for the insanity that is ensured to happen in every match.

Arc System Works continues to set a high standard for fighting games with DNF Duel, creating an experience that's both simple enough for new players and robust enough for fighting veterans. 16 unique characters offer plenty of variety, the core fighting system rewards players who dig into it, and the online offerings feel like the arcade scenes of old. I would have preferred a more in-depth story mode, but the rest of what the game brings more than makes up for the misstep. DNF Duel not only excels as a fighting game, but it also reinforces the versatility of the entire genre through its adaptation of an established IP into a whole new experience.

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.

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.

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.

DNF Duel delivers the spectacular visuals Arc System Works always deliver, and offers a more accessible control scheme for newcomers, but it’s not as complete or polished as the big names in the genre.

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.

With enticing visuals, accessible-yet-deep gameplay, and a roster of varied, exciting characters, DNF Duel rises above its cult branding to offer one of 2022’s most dynamic, explosive slugfests. While its lofty price tag and niche IP might see DNF struggle to get through the ropes, once the bell sounds it easily holds its own against its contemporaries. Time will tell whether this particular entity cracks the scene long-term but, either way, DNF Duel is laser-focused on ensuring its presence is felt… Right on your jaw.

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.

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).

DNF Duel may take it's simplification a step too far, but it's still a flashy and satisfying anime fighter that's approachable for players of all skill levels.

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.

As it stands, DNF:Duel is not a fighter I will continue to play as it’s not the kind of experience I’m looking for in a fighting game. However, that is not to say that I don’t see the value in having a game where bombastic, overtuned characters do dumb things to each other as I don’t believe every fighter needs to be meticulously balanced and brutally deep to have a place in the FGC. All that really means is that I’ll just be watching instead of playing.