Duel DNF is another fighting game made in cooperation with the powerhouse Arc System Works. For those who are already quite deep into the first MMORPG scene or have played a lot of Korean MMOs, Dungeon Fighter Online has remained a staple since its original release in the mid-2000s. Arc System Works tweaked the game’s core strengths and incorporated its signature style into what turned into a battle interesting and accessible soldiers.
Ark System Works managed to retain the essence of each layer originally from Dungeon Fighter Online In Duel DNF. I was especially surprised at how Ranger, which was my main character in the short time I played the MMORPG, was translated into a fighting game. Attacks from the MMO appear in his move list, with animations almost identical to the sweeping kick he can perform.
Each animation is exceptionally powerful, with fluid, exaggerated movements that make each action feel particularly dynamic. Looking back, it almost feels natural that a fighting game would somehow manifest from Dungeon Fighter Online series. Arc System Works creates the overall feel of each of these layers. Every character looks good and works well. Hitman is the one that stands out to me the most on the list. Mainly because I love his design, his mid-range ballistic balance (really just short volleys of bullets spewing out of his SMG), and his long, sweeping swings. .
I find each character relatively easy to pick, which is great. Honestly, I fall somewhere between the “average fighting game person” and “the person who really wants to get better at fighting games but never gets there”. Duel DNF makes every character feel approachable, with combos that are easy to execute even for the most inexperienced players. It doesn’t have the same fussy or highly focused style as previous Arc System Works, like previous iterations of the series. Guilty Gear or BlazBlue. This makes the game feel a little more accessible.
More complex aspects of the game are moved down to the MP bar which will charge according to the duration of the match. Using certain attacks will drain the MP bar, and this is usually the flashiest and most powerful bar. Thankfully, the meter fills up relatively quickly and in just a few seconds consumes a hundredth of your bar. This works similarly to a “super” bar in other fighting games, with the addition of the ability to convert damage to MP.
Besides Duel DNF only one story mode allowing everyone to fight their way through scenarios designed specifically for each character. Playing through Hitman’s story left me chasing leads with an assassination office, while Vagabond’s storyline saw me chasing a supposedly worthy opponent. While the end result is mostly the same, with the final battle for the story mode culminating in similar events, it’s a fun adventure that allows the cast of characters to interact with each other. . Though it’s mostly at the surface level, since the story isn’t really anything to write home about. Story mode is not as verbose as Granblue Fantasy Versus‘, For example. However, you can unlock a secret character by beating the story mode the first time.
Story mode is where the single player experience ends, like the rest of Duel DNF relegated to online or couch co-op matches. The overall player experience can vary based on their skill level and what they want to achieve through playing online. I’m not a particularly competitive person, so I don’t mind being beaten over and over again by a player infinitely more skilled than me. I’m glad there was little or no lag. This makes duels at least feel fair in some respects, even when I get hit by Strikers and Berserkers.
Are from Duel DNF use the same visual style as Guilty Gear Strive, the game looks great. The cel-shaded art style really brings out the best in the character designs and effects. However, its background seems a bit blurry in comparison. There are a few places that stand out, like a warmly lit pub and a white stone square in a seaside city, but other arenas feel like they’re just there. In terms of scores, none of the tracks were particularly memorable. This is odd, considering Arc System Works’ history of having incredible and distinct soundtracks to the game.
How surprising, Duel DNF no English language audio option. Instead, it chose to dub Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. That’s not to say the voice acting isn’t great, especially the Japanese dub of the game. Those with a honed ear will be able to choose familiar voice actors to play their roles.
Overall, Duel DNF is a great fighting game. It appeals to casual players, while still providing a bit of complexity to keep more experienced players entertained. It’s definitely a title I’ll come back to from time to time. In the end, it looks like a game that can grow steadily over the years to come. If it gets the right opportunity, that is.
Duel DNF available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and computer.
