An incredibly underrated fighting game, DNF Duel, is currently free-to-own on the Epic Games Store right now. ??It may not have many players now, but I still think it is worth playing.

It is being offered alongside CYGNI: All Guns Blazing, a visually intriguing shoot 'em up, and the Conduit Free Unlock Bundle for Apex Legends, which grants you the Legend Conduit for free, plus a skin. They are all free-to-own forever?, as long as you claim them ?before August 15 at 4 pm BST / 11 am ET/ 8 am PT.

But why should you play DNF Duel (besides that? it's free)? Sit do?wn and let me tell you.

It's actually published by Arc System Works, makers of Guilty Gear, so of course it has an awesome anime art style with a deep fighting system. I enjoy ArcSys games, so I picked it up back when it came out in 2022 and loved the heck out ??of it.

One of the main mechanics of the game is being able to use simple direction inputs for moves �think Super Smash Bros. However, if you prefer traditional fighting game controls, those are available as well, and will even reward you with more damage. It's an input style that's become more popular in recent years, expanding across a bunch of different fighting games including Street Fighter 6.

We here at Destructoid thought it ??was an eas??y-to-learn hard-to-master fighting game, but worried about its longevity. And while its online servers aren’t super populated right now, it still has a niche community and had a community tournament at EVO 2024.

I still highly recommend trying it out if you are a newcomer to fighting games. Maybe just find a Discord or group that plays together, if you are planning on playing online. Plus, if you enjoy it, there are five DLC characters that ar?e also on sale for 50% righ??t now to expand the roster.

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Do you have room in that big heart of yours for another fighting game, but don’t know what to try? 2022’s DNF Duel is free on Epic Games Store as part of their holiday giveaways. You have 24 hours to claim it.

I’ve heard of DNF Duel but know next to nothing about it. There was a lot of PR stuff coming at us in the lead-up and some excitement around the launch, but I think the fighting game market is pretty jammed up with heavy hitters to the point where it maybe didn’t catch fire. It’s a tough market for newcomers. It’s a spin-off of Dungeon & Fighter, which I also don’t know a whole lot about.

When I hear the acronym “DNF,�my mind first goes to “did not finish,�and then afterward goes to �em>Duke Nukem Forever.�/em>

I do know something about the Epic Games Store. It gives away a lot of free games and doesn’t make any money for Epic. I installed it for Ghostbusters Spirits Unleashed and uninstalled it once that game came to Steam.

DNF Duel does seem like a good time, though. You certainly can’t argue with the price of free. However, you’ll have to act now-ish, since the sale is only for 24 hours. It ends on Decem??ber 21, 2023, at 11am?? EST.

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During The Game Awards, developer Neople and publisher Nexon revealed The First Berserker: Khazan, its upcoming hardcore single-player action RPG set in the Dungeon & Fighter (DNF) universe. In the reveal trailer we get a look at the anime-style story the ARPG will be based on. Khazan will be availabl?e on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Players are tasked with surviving the relentless pursuit of imperial forces as they navigate numerous conspiracies aimed at killing Khazan as they overcome the harsh environments of the world. Along the wa??y, players will recall their l?ong-lost skills of battle through brutal torture and decimation of Khazan's enemies who stand against him.

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Content to keep rolling until 2024

As part of this weekend's ARC tournament series, publisher Nexon and developers Arc System Works and Eighting announced that there is still plenty of exciting new content planned for wild fighter DNF Duel, which will see new characters, mechanics, and stages added to the anime scrappe?r well into 2024.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7Z0_SkT9FI&ab_channel=DNFDu?el

Nexon has previously teased the coming of the deadly fashionista samurai, Spect??re, but a new season pass announcement notes that there will be four further fighters added to the title, but two more characters are expected in 2023, and two more in 2024, for a total of five DLC characters. A new stage will also be arriving in the winter of this year. The action kicks off with Spectre's arrival this summer, wh??ich also brings a revised Awakening system, and an entirely new mechanic.

DNF Duel hasn't quite taken off as well as Nexon had hoped, but has found itself a passionate community, (including this author). It's a great-looking name, with fabulous animation and a really varied roster of characters. But DNF Duel's mo??st interesting element is also its most divisive: The game takes a wild approach to combat, with high damage, lengthy combos, and a lack of fear in regards to the characters having uber-powerful buttons and/or abilities. This makes for dynamic and engaging matches, but many have also complained that the title is too embracing of its chaotic nature.

Still, the fact that the development team has a fistful of new roster additions in the works �with ArcSys likely keeping the title on its pro-tour for the foreseeable future, is a good sign that DNF Duel has not been abandoned simply because it isn't doing Tekken numbers. And that's as it should be, as DNF Duel, though an?? underdog, still deserves to be part of the main stage conversation.

DNF Duel is available now on PlayS??tation and PC. A Nintendo Switch po??rt launches April 20.

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Nintendo Switch port arrives April 20, 2023

Nexon has a glut of exciting new info for fans of its highly enjoyable and ultra-aggressive scrapper DNF Duel �Not only is the vaunted "Grand Balance Patch" now live on all platforms, but the publisher has offered a release date for the Nintendo Switch port, and also revealed that mult?iple new characters will be rolling out across 2023.

The Grand Balance Patch represents the first major update to DNF Duel's frenzied and chaotic action, with a flow that favors aggression, flashy combos, and highly extensive damage. The patch ??hopes to bring some of the characters that were struggling a little �such as Grappler and Inquisitor �in line with some of the online monsters such as Swift Master and Dragon Knight. In addition, the patch offers higher HP for all characters, and overhauls the defense system to allow for more combo-stopping Guard Breaks.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIG1gEQquKk&ab_cha?nnel=DNFDuel

You can check out the full list of character changes over on the official DNF Duel website. As previously noted, the overhaul appears to be more about bringing lesser fighters up than bringing stronger fighters down. This is in keeping with DNF Duel's ??divisive, (but in my opinion, welcome) aggressive style

In addition to the patch notes, Nexon announced that it will be launching a season pass for 2023, which will offer up five additional characters over the course of the new year. We already know that the sultry swordmistress, Spectre, will be the first of these new DLC fighters, but the identities of the remaining four remain shrouded in mystery for ??the time being.

Great news to see that the title will be receiving another full year of support, at the very least, and here's to hoping that it will keep the anime scrapper live 'n' kicking on the competitive scene. It was also announced that DNF Duel is currently on sale on both PlayStation and PC (via Steam), with a meaty 50% price discount. So, if you've been on the fence, now is the perfect time to get on board for a full year of sw???ord 'n' sorcery action.

DNF Duel launches on Nintendo Switch April 20, 2023.

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Lush anime fighter getting re-evaluated

Nexon and Arc System Works have announced several new updates currently in the works for DNF Duel. The totally wild anime fighter will receive a fresh run of bug stomp??s and balance tweaks before the year is out, although no mention was mad??e of any additional DLC characters.

Announced during the weekend's CEOtaku tournament, the first update will fix several technical issues that have troubled DNF Duel since launch, including screen freezing during online battles and input issues that a??re exclusive to the PC/Steam platform. These and other problems will be addressed in a new patch, which is scheduled to drop on all platforms at "the end of September"... which is now, to be honest.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=o02qkoTwnvg

Then, in December, a new balance update will be applied to DNF Duel, taking a look at some of its stronger and weaker characters. While chaotic and powerful combos are part of the fighter's make-up, there are still a few characters who could stand to be a little less dominant, (looking at you, Swift Master), and so the December update will attempt to bring the entire roster a little more in-line �hopefully without putting the brakes too hard on DNF's unique, aggressive, and devastating style. It is believed t??hat the patch will focus far more on buffing le??sser characters than nerfing the upper tiers.

Production Director Kodani also noted that the team was working on "something else," but did not offer any further information, other than that it was "exciting" and that the DNF community should look forward to it. ?This seems to suggest some form of additional content, perhaps characters, modes, or ??some technical upgrade. For now, we will simply have to wait and see.

DNF Duel is available now on PlayStation and PC platforms. It's a rad fighter, well worth checking out.

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Just keep punching, Apollo...

Nexon and Arc System Works have released the first "major" balance update to their fun but somewhat outrageous fighter DNF Duel �and, to the surprise of both nobody and everybody, it?? seems that the utter mayhem that is the colorful anime fighter is set to continue, with little in the way of sensible action.

Version 106 brings with it only a handful of changes, mostly targeting the very powerful wind mage Swift Master �arguably the most troublesome fighter in a roster filled with troublesome fighters. Also feeling the sting, albeit mildly are the dashing and deadly Hitman, the hard-punching Striker, and the up-close-and-personal Grappler (who honestly needed bu?ffs, not nerfs).

And... erm... that's pretty much it. The rebalance features a slew of changes for Swift Master, and one-to-three changes for three other characters. The DNF Duel community has reacted to the balance update with both a l??itt?le confusion and a little apathy �clearly expecting far more in the way of character rebalance efforts in the hyper-aggressive fighter. But nope. That's your lot for this round, it seems.

While this might be something of a controversial statement, I "get it." Nexon wants DNF Duel to be an oppressive fighter, it wants players to perform devastating combos with relative ease, and it wants its class-based roster to feel incendiary at worst and overpowered at best. This is, in essence, the distinct identity of DNF Duel, and while it can sometimes make for a frustrating experience online, it is ultimately the chaotic path that the title chooses to walk. Personally, I'm fine with it. And I got destroyed on stream. But I do think that maybe ArcSys could stand to put the roster under the microscope a little more.

DNF Duel is available now on PlayStation an??d PC platforms.

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The curse of 0-2 beckons...

VSFighting, perhaps the UK's most prestigious fighting game tou??rnament, will make its grand return this week for the first time in three years. Players from across the UK, Europe, and wider international communities will gather to?gether once again in a bid to lay claim to bragging rights in some of today's (and even some of yesterday's) hottest scrappers.

The annual throwdown, which has run yearly since its inception in 2010, has been on hiatus since 2019 �impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its related lockdown rulings. The coming weekend will see the 10th iteration of the tournament, once again hosted by West Midlands FGC Electronic Dojo, return to the Millennium Point complex ?in Birmingham for three days of sweet 'n' salty action.

"For a community that demands face-to-face competitive action, the last two years have been tough, so we're super excited to finally be back," said Electronic Dojo head Justin Xavie??r. "We're expecting incredible things for the FGC over the next few years and we hop??e to put on an event that signals the start of a great run!"

//twitter.com/electronicdojo/status/1539925847611695105?s=20&t=RegOKDHCG?SEuw2ArBLaX9g

Arc System Works' Guilty Gear Strive, Bandai Namco's Tekken 7 and Dragon Ball FighterZ, Capcom's Street Fighter V, SNK's The King of Fighters XV, and Nexon's DNF Duel are all on deck as the main games for VSFighting X. In addition to the main roster, various national FGCs will be hosting a series of side tournaments on Capcom classics Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, Ultra Street Fighter IV, and fighting game tournament mainstay Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

And, if all that wasn't enough, then Bandai Namco's Soulcalibur VI and Sega's Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown will also be in attendance �as well as official demo pods hosting a build of the highly anticipated Street Fighter 6! What a lineup!

//tw??itter.com/StreetFighter/status/1551931278378913793?s=20&t=bCx5EIr0dgeXP6bFvq4zYA

VSFighting X will unquestionably be the UK's biggest fighting game gathering in some time, with over 1000 people currently signed up in a competitive or casual capacity. Fortunately, Millennium Point is a large, multi-level, spacious venue, so attendees should hopefully be well accommodated without the environment getting a litt??le too close for comfort. This is sure to be a stellar weekend for Europe's fighting game community.

Of course, I will be in attendance, ensuring ??that some?body, somewhere, gets a free ride up the bracket.

VSFighting X takes place August 19-21 at Millennium Point, Birmingham. For more details on the event, including pass prices and travel information, visit the official VSFX website.

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Not enough ice cream in the world

Hello good buddies, and welcome to Whatcha Been Playing? It's been a scorcher of a week here in Blighty, where temperatures soared higher than they have ever been since records began. A tad worrying, to be honest, despite the interminable ramblings from miserable, Daily Mail-types who insisted that we were all being "cowards" by not wanting heatstroke. I swear that the Venn diagram of people who are angry at masks, angry at pronouns, and, apparently, angry at The Fucking Sun represents some kind of ??self-destructive death cult.

But that's enough ranting, because what matters is us �h??ere and now on the good ship Destructoid. I hope that this weekend f?inds you exceptionally well, in a cheerful mood, and free of lobster-red sunburn. Make the very most of the free time you have today. Don't forget to exercise care for yourself and those who love you. We're still in tough times �but, as the man said �we got each other, and that's a lot.

Have a wicked one!

Mivvis were too expensive, now everything is Mivvi price

I picked up a new/old PC this week, gifted to me very kindly by one of my finest friends. While not Hardcore Redline Top Tier, it's definitely something of an upgrade from my current unit, which is certainly on its last legs. It's got enough oomph to run Cyberpunk 2077 at any rate.

Outside of desktop Frankenstein shenanigans, I am still jumping in and out of the ring with a litany of fighters, shaking off the rust ahead of going 0-2 at next month's tournament. There's been some Street Fighter V, some DNF Duel, some Street Fighter II, and even a spot of Guilty Gear Strive. I have, unfortunately, not had the chance to get to the meow-tastic Stray, which launched earlier this week on PlayStation platforms. It certainly ?looks divine, and I'll be sure to get my whi?skers on this summer.

Make mine a 99

Anyway, ain't nothin' left to it but to do it. So get on with your bad self and have an awesome weekend. Oh, but ??before you go, please take time to jump into the comments and share the good word on whatcha been playing with your fellow jbsgame.community members. We all wanna hear about it, as demonstrated by the happy 'n' health 250-odd comments we got last week! Can we beat that number this weekend? Well, we can but try. Thanks for taking time out of your Saturday to join us here. Stay cool, stay safe, and stay you �That's th??e person we love.

Have a wonderful ??weekend, from all ??of us at Destructoid.

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Striking down with great vengeance

Nexon's rad new fighting title DNF Duel has received its first post-release update, br??inging a small fistful of important changes to the rule-breakin' brawler. Now available on both PlayStation and PC, Update 103 brings a couple of much-needed character tweaks as well as adjustments to various modes on PC.

First and foremost, Crusader's reign of holy error is over, (for the most part), as developer Arc System Works has removed the truthsayer's devastating "Sacred Upper" infinite combo loop. That's not to say that ??Crusader is no longer a threat �dude is a ??monster �but at least that's one particularly silly weapon removed from his arsenal.

In addition to this major fix, several other characters have received bug stomps that couldn'??t wait for a larger balance check down the line. Grappler's "Break Down" will now connect on a crouching Enchantress, so no more hiding for the sneaky magical maiden. Striker's Airwalk has had an adjustment made to its gravity mechanics, while Lost Warrior's Mysterious Pierce will now interact more consistently when it collides with opposing projectiles. As if that mf'er needed any mo?re help.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf0ZlqM1yfQ

On PC, several changes have been made to optimize player interaction with offline modes. Training Mode will no longer be confused when dealing with recorded actions made via custom button layouts, while keyboard players will no longer find themselves randomly isolated from their controls during online matches. In regards to full balance changes and mechanic tweaks, a further major update ??????????????????????????is expected at some point in the near future.

Don't buy into the naysaying. DNF Duel is an accessible, silly, and fun fantasy fighter �boasting a fun cast, cool visuals, and tight online play. It is available now on PlayStation ?and PC platfor??ms.

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Can you set the oven to cold?

Good morning, and from the barren wastelands of my arid homeland, I welcome you to Whatcha Been Playing? And if you haven't guessed from that weak-ass intro, or my sweaty hands tap-tapping over the keyboard, it has been an absolute scorcher in Britain this week. I hear that y??ou are suffering from your own intense heat wave, bringing with it more than its fair share of storms and monsoons.

I'd say it's nice to see the sun, especially in grey old England, but hoooo boy, this might be too rich even for yer boy. I keep buying ice cream that melts on the two-minute walk home, I'm powering through cans of water, and we have officially entered "shirt change at 1600 hours" territory. I'm not gonna complain though, I'll miss them when winter rolls around and the energy crisis means I can't heat my home. I'll also miss this when Planet Earth erupts into a huge fireball and, knowing my luck, it'll happen right before they premier Juri's Street fighter 6 trailer. Life is tough on me like that.

Oh, and yes, the heat has sent me into delirium. You hadn't noticed a ?difference? Fair doos.

Worth its weight in Freeze Pops

With my first fighting game tournament since the pandemic a mere month away, my gaming time this week has mostly been spent in the ring, throwing down with various fighters and trying desperately to shake off that ring rust �now simply part of my core makeup. You can practice, practice, practice, but honestly, it's no real comparison to actual on-site one-on-one gam??????????????????????????eplay. Even online play doesn't really offer the same difficulties, intensity, frustration, and painful exposure of your own awful faults. Still, isn't that why we play games? For... fun?..

DNF Duel is really good. Easy to pick up, dynamic to watch, chaot?ic to play. You should check it out.

Stay cool, homeslice

So, before I toss back the spit bucket and get back between the ropes, I wan??na hear from all a' y'all. Before you get stuck into your weekend, (or literally stuck into your faux leather gaming chairs), please dive into the comments and let us all know whatcha been playing. It's been a quiet week for news and a generally quiet month for releases, so I'm sure you've had the opportunity to pick and choose some rad entertainment for your spare time. I love having you here and we love hearing from you all. So join the party and spill your thoughts. Don't sweat it, I'll clean them up afterward.

Have a wonderful weekend, from all of us at Destructoid. And Stay Cool.

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Wonder Wheel

So, you're playing Nexon's fab new fighter DNF Duel and you're already neck-deep in staggeringly bust battlers. Still, I know what you're thinking: "An abundance of plus frames are all well and good, but what I need is someone truly broken." Well, help is at hand, as I'm going to take a couple of minutes to inform you how you can unlock DNF's holiest of unh??o??ly boss characters, The Lost Warrior.

It's a fairly simple affair. All you need do is embark upon Story Mode with any character of your cho??ice. Once you've battled through each chapter and reached "The Gate," then the mischievous herald Nemyr will siphon all of your hero's gathered "Will" and? then use it to bring about the coming of her foretold champion: The Lost Warrior. Unfortunately, as is often the way in anime, this act does not work out too well for poor old Nemyr. Adios, toots.

Then it is time for you to face the Chrono champion himself. It's not an easy fight, thanks? to Lost Warrior's full-screen attacks, teleportation skills, and Time Stop ability, but I would recommend zoning yer boy out. For some reason, he seems to struggle against projectiles. Once you have defeated Lost Warrior, then the credits roll, and he will be readily available for use in Arcade, Training, and Online modes. Lost Warrior even comes with his own tutorial and combo challenges. Neat.

But that's not all. There is also a secret hidden version of Lost Warrior in DNF Duel, dubbed "Strengthened Lost Warrior." As the name suggests, this version of the character ups the cheapness by a hefty factor, and may in fact be using some sneaky button-reading tech... At least it feels that way, and as a Mortal Kombat II veteran, I should know.

To fight Strengthened Lost Warrior, simply reach the final stage of DNF Duel's Arcade Mode without losing a round. You can recognize the varian?t cha??racter by his shock of white hair.

Beating Strengthened Lost W?arrior will earn you a meaty score and also unlock a trophy/achiev??ement.

//youtu.be/BqaHE0JwIJ8

Ok, so I jest a little about DNF Duel's broken nature, and for sure it's an absolutely wild fighter. But, as I wrote in my recent review, it is also fast-paced, engaging, and easy to learn, with a cool cast of characters, dynamic animation, and superlative online connectivity. Put mildly, it's a helluva lot of fun, and well worth checking out for both fighting game veterans and?????????????????????????? newcomers.

DNF Duel is available now on PlayStation and PC platforms.

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Didn't I promise you fireworks?

Well howdy there, buckeroos, welcome to the weekend, and Whatcha Been Playing? For our American readers, (which analytics tells me is about 90% of you), I believe that it is a holiday weekend. Independence Day, no less. I hope that you have a very happy weekend and that you're able to find some time for good food, good gaming, and good friends. If you're working, that's unfortunate, but I hope your shift goes smoothly, and?? that you can treat yourself once you get back home. You've all earned a break, so ?be kind to yourself, however you see fit.

And, if you aren't feeling particularly patriotic, well, I get it. I don't see myself saluting the flag of any country ever again, quite frankly. But you are not your leaders nor their choices. I sure as hell am not mine. And while many of us across the world are feeling the frustrations of stunted bur?eaucracy, we can still ensure that we remain kind to ourselves, our friends, and those in need. So enjoy yourself this weekend. Make it matter for you, and thos?e around you.

Paternity Punch-up

This week has been spent in the wild world of fighting games. I've been sucked into the absurdist but very compelling DNF Duel, and I've also spent some time getting acquainted with my old Night Warrior buddies in Capcom Fighting Collection. I did notice something funny, however.

In DNF Duel and Darkstalkers 3, I've respectively gravitated toward Enchantress and B.B. Hood as my main characters. Am I getting to that age? Am I now choosing characters based on my desire to raise them correctly, pick them up from school, attend dance recitals, and punch out tutors at PTA meetings? I guess your priorities change as you age. Today, instead of rocking the hotties (of which DNF has many), I'm looking for characters who I can be proud of when they grad??uate. Lordy, next thing you know I'm gonna be one of those dipshits who wears a shirt that ?says  "I'm The Dad and I'm ARMED".

The Get Up Kids

Anyway, ain't nothing to it but to do it. Before you all go gallivanting about your day, I'd be very happy if you would join us in the comments and tell your fellow Destructoid readers Whatcha Been Playing. I honestly can't remember the last time the first half of a year rolled out so many gems �we're spoiled for choice right now �and that's on top of our bac?klogs! So, get into the community vibe and tell the people what they should be playing. They'll li?sten to you. You're a good kid. Like my daughter, Enchantress.

Have a wonderful weekend, from all of us?? at Destructoid.

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Striking down with great vengeance and furious anger

Well, I called it �back when I reviewed Nexon's awesomely fun fighter DNF Duel earlier this week, I distinctly noted that I expected 20 infinite combos to drop w??ithin week one, and it seems that a whole host of 'em were found by Day Two, with the holy warrior Crusader being the worst offender.

In videos spreading throughout the FGC like wildfire, the gospel-lovin' bone-breaker has demonstrated his utterly ridiculous touch-of-death combo, one that can essentially be repeated until the opponent is no more, with no wind?ow to break (hence "infinite"). What's more, while many fighting game infinites are usually very circumstantial, the Crusader c?ombo can be pulled off with relative ease. As long as he has a dot of conversion and decent Mana, then the loop can be started from almost any hit confirm.

And Stop. Hammer Time.

/?/twitter.com/??winnie3s/status/1542622167929692170?s=20&t=3W0YaFTxmauew4DgrTaS6g

The DNF Duel community is already experiencing a sense of Total Freakout, especially given that this weekend will likely see the new fighter experience its first run of local tourneys. Hold yourself. I'm in no doubt whatsoever that developers Arc System Works/Eighting will stop Crusader's reign of terror before too long. Other DNF characters �such as the hard-punching Striker and the violent judoka Grappler �have also demonstrated staggering levels of loop-de-loop action, such is the way of DNF's highly aggressive and accessible playstyle.

Don't let this story frighten you away from trying the new release out. It's a great fighter with a colorful roster and wild, dynamic action. While nobody obviously wants infinites in any fighting title, it is the overall chaos that makes DNF what it is, giving it a distinct identity in a crowded market. Embrace the state of carnage that is the game's bran??d.

Yesterday, I saw someone call DNF "The Mario Kart of fighting games" and boy howdy, is that ever a snug fit. DNF Duel is available now on PC and PlaySta??tion platforms.

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Before it was even officially out a full day

Nexon's absurdist, highly enjoyable fighting title DNF Duel launched yesterday, and it wasn't even 24 hours before modders were already adding popular anime and gaming heroes into the PC?? edition of fast??-paced fighter �such is the way of the FGC and its incredibly talented modding community.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe9RmGZGwfU

The first that caught my eye was this wonderful skin of Persona 5's button-down bookworm Makoto Nijima, whose skin fits like a glove over DNF's martial arts cutie-pie, Striker. Created by modder Monkeygigabuster, the skin sees the school president rocking her "Queen" biker persona, throwing out fists and feet in keeping with her own martial arts expertise. A video from YouTuber DanteLive4Game spotlights the skin in action. Makoto is available to download over at GameBanana. Incredible work.

//twitter.com/WistfulHopes/st?atus/1541846287011573760?s=20&t=zsIWq??UgAfzpfxQiId0RrIg

Another popular modder, Ryn, has also opened the door for crossover fighters wanting to show up on DNF Duel's wild battleground. Ryn is already working on a fresh DNF mod, which will see Dragon Ball Z's Goku going Super Saiyan in the guise of DNF's poster boy, Berserker. There's still some work to be done to complete Goku's moveset, but he's already looking pretty comfortable. Mods such as these are made somewhat easier thanks to Arc System Works' utilizing similar software for its games. So don't be surprised if we see more Dragon Ball FighterZ, Guilty Gear, or BlazBlue characters in the future.

DNF Duel, which is now available on PlayStation and PC platforms, is a fighter spun-off from the Korean MMO series, Dungeon Fighter Online. As I stated in my review yesterday, it is a highl??y aggressive but very accessible?? entry to the fighting game genre, that embraces a sense of proactive combat and wanton chaos. The community is only just beginning to get stuck into the new title, which is surprising some players with its fast-paced nature and explosive visuals. In general, feedback has been very positive.

Oh, and if you're wondering who is top tier, the answer is Every?body.

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Does Not Fail

Ever since Capcom released Street Fighter II 30 years ago, the fighting game genre has attempted to strive for perfection. Oh sure, the methods, modes, mechanics, and artistic styles for every ring-rocker are very differ?ent, but every one of these games is pushing toward the same goal: the capture of a community; a passionate player base that will keep said fighter alive, ki??cking, and perpetually on its feet, lest it falls to a 10-count like so many contenders that have come before.

Today, it is incredibly rare that a developer makes a "bad fighter." Whether billion-dollar franchises such as Tekken, Mortal Kombat, and Street Fighter itself, to mid-size slugfests such as The King of Fighters, Guilty Gear, and Skullgirls, to cultish outliers such as Melty Blood, Samurai Shodown, and Them's Fightin' Herds, almost every modern fighter �regardless of budget, visual style, or gameplay �brings its A-game. This is reflected in the fact that all of the above have delivered great efforts in the past 10 years. The days of Kasumi Ninja, Ballz, and Survival Arts are long dead. And they can stay that way, Jack.

No, the true goal of a fighting game today is not to simply be "great." They're all great. The challenge today is to survive; build a community; retain full lobbies; be repped at tournaments; to hold their own against more recognizable brands. That is the true fight, the real challenge, and it is one that now stands before DNF Duel, Nexon's long-awaited Dungeon Fighter Online spin-off. The FGC is eating well right now, and next year is set to bring more food to the table.

DNF Duel has what it takes to be a contender, no doubt about it, but it has a helluva scrap on its hands.

DNF Duel (PC [reviewed], PS4, PS5)
Developer: Arc System Works, Eighting
Publisher: Nexon
Released: June 28, 2022
MSRP: $49.99

DNF Duel, as previously stated, is an adaptation of Neople's 2005 MMO Dungeon Fighter Online, more commonly known as "DFO." Given that game's natural proclivity for frenzied fist-throwing against lush fantasy backgrounds, it is a no-brainer that this world would translate so easily to the fighting game genre. While Neople has already provided a universe packed with lore to provide a backdrop to the action, Nexon has wisely chosen two veteran studios to adapt DFO for the one-on-one stage.

Enter Arc System Works (Guilty Gear, BlazBlue), and Eighting (Bloody Roar, Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom), two respected developers equipped with skills that will indeed pay the bills. This is Nexon's wisest core decision for DNF Duel. While the fighter steps into the ring sporting an unknown and unproven brand (at least among western audiences), the publisher has ensured that it has recognizable develo??pers with proven ??track records working to deliver a competent and solid fighter.

And "competent" is an understatement. DNF Duel is straight-up wicked.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwlu9JtD98o

A four-button 2.5D fighter, DNF Duel offers the player both simple and standard inputs. That's not simple or standard, like the upcoming Street Fighter 6, both controls exist concurrently, which can present some confusing first impressions. DNF wants to be all things to all players; a fun smack-around for beginners; and a deep, complex fighter for veterans. And, despite this lofty ambition, DNF somehow manages to achieve both of these ??goals, if at the cost of some initial stum?bling.

The four-button layout corresponds to Weak (W), Medium (M), Skill (S), and Magic (MS). The player holds back to Block or uses a dedicated Block button. Maneuverability consists of walking, crouching, jumping, backstepping, running, and dodging (an invincible forward movement with slow recovery, ala The King of Fighters' roll). As a rule of thu??mb, Weak links to Medium, Medium to Skill, and Skill to Magic, so even new players can perform satisfying chains with relative ease.

Skill blends Heavy & Special. Much like Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, or Super Smash Bros. hitting Skill and any direction performs a fairly light special attack. In general, forward + S is a projectile or dash attack of ??some sort, down + S is a defensive move or anti-air, while back + S is something more subjective �perhaps a parry or a command grab, as defined by the fighter themselves. The Magic button works with similar directional input, although these?? attacks are a little meatier and a lot more damaging. Magic attacks may include huge projectiles, environmental traps, launchers, or teleports. With me so far? Ok.

Secret of Mana

Skill attacks are free to use, but Magic attacks drain the player's Mana meter, with each attack costing a set amount of Mana dependent on its power. Mana auto-replenishes after use, and replenishes faster if you use the standard input instead of the simple input, (for example, QCF + MS instead of simply forward + MS). By combining standard attacks, Skill attacks, and Magic attacks, players can bust out powerful and visually arresting combos with ease, offering accessibly entry not just to new DNF players, but to new figh?ting game players, period.

And it doesn't end there. Once a player is below 30% health, then their character enters "Awakening." This is a comeback state which activates the character's unique passive skill �maybe you become faster, like Kunoichi, score heavier chip damage, like Launcher, or regain health on hit, like Berserker. In addition, an Awakened fighter gains access to a one-button Super, resulting in some gorgeous, and hilariously OTT animations. Time it well �if you whiff the move, you lose it. Sorry, MK Krew.

In addition to the above, there are also combo-breakers, strategic ways to extend your Mana meter, and even the ability to convert your grey life into Mana itself �risking it all for the ability to go HAM. In DNF Duel, ArcSys and Eighting have attempted to create a fighter th??at would allow two new players to engage in flashy anime warfare at the simple press of a few buttons, but not at the cost of sacrificing the opportunity to create a deep, strategic, and highly competitive fighter. And, amazingly, it seems that the developers have pulled it off.

DNF plays with anarchic delight. Sure, it tends to lean toward chaos over precision at times, but that's fine. While DNF occasionally feels as though the combatants are tossing nukes at each other, rather than engaging in human chess, stick with it. There is method to this mayhem. I fully expect release week to result in the discovery of about 20+ infinite combos, such is DNF's love of overkill, but all fighters typically find their niche only after they are in the public's mitts. Balance will be struck, and we'll al?l be having a blast in the meantime.

DNF Duel embraces its sense of wanton chaos, and we should too. ?Why should we always whisper? It can feel great to simply scream.

Knockout Cast

DNF Duel admittedly lacks some of the expensive visual polish and slick presentation of ArcSys' flagship fighter, Guilty Gear Strive. The spirit is there, but the budget is not. There is a notable step-down in presentation and cinematic flair. DNF is still a sharp-looking game, with a roster of likable characters, given life through cool animations, dynamic intros, and outrageous moves. Oh, and almost everybody is hot af, with a lascivious level of design ho?rniness I'm yet to experience outsid??e of the Marvelous! oeuvre.

"Almost everybody is hot af." Stick that on your acc??olades trailer. I double dare ya.

In or out of the bedroom, there is somebody here for everybody, be it the crunchy judoka pressure of Grappler, the airborne, controlled chaos of Swift Master, the meat-and-potatoes rushdown of Striker, or the complex-but-cute shenanigans of my new Goth daughter, Enchantress. In fact, the hardest decision you'll make in DNF might be picking your main. I still haven't found my mu??se, they're all so interesting.

Word to the wise: You'll be facing hundreds of Launchers in month one. You think Skullgirls' Peacock is a zoning nightmare?.. Launcher makes her?? look like? fucking Zangief.

Speaking of online, the servers are not going live until launch day, and thus I was unable to check them out. I did, however, play the beta earlier this year. And �aside from some initial technical hiccups �I found DNF's online smooth and reliable, thanks to the modern powers of rollback netcode. As always with online stability, your own personal experience may vary. Crossplay is??, disappointingly, not supported. Here's hoping that Nexon can add this feature down the line.

Where's there a Will?

DNF Duel features several modes for single and offline VS. play. There are standard Vs. and Arcade Modes, as well as a Survival Mode. The latter operates much like that of Street Fighter V's effort, with the player sacrificing score f?or between-round boosts and upgrades. Th??ere is also a full tutorial, as well as the requisite, fully-featured Training Mode, which includes combo trials for all 16 characters.

Story Mode equates to an arcade ladder for each character punctuated by short narrative cutscenes. These sequences afford personality, background, and investment to our cast of heroes as they travel the world in a literal battle of "Wills." This mode also features some delightful splash art, as well as fan-pleasing cameos from DFO regulars such as busty barkeep Sushia, pirates Captain Luther? & Ludmilla, and the b??eautiful but mysterious celestial being, Nemyr. Yep, more hotties. Hotties everywhere.

While the narrative is a tad rote, the solid voice acting, handy glossary, and healthy sense of humor keep the action ticking along nicely. This engageme??nt does crumble upon meeting the final boss, who suffers from agonizing "button-read" syndrome. Like so many Japanese fighters, you t??ypically waltz your way through to the finale, only to face down a frustrating foe who has miracle defense in close quarters, yet stumbles openly into projectiles at range. It makes for something of an anti-climax.

Eye of the Tiger

DNF Duel ??has higher ambition than many would give it credit for. By taking an attractive MMO fantasy universe and marrying it to the sublime showdowns of an ArcSys/Eighting fighter, Nexon's newfound scrapper is headed down the aisle full of vim and vigor, hell-bent on finding its measure of success?? in a generation chockful of excellent, well-established fighters. But, recalling our intro, it is not enough to "only" be a great fighting game anymore. (And that $50 price tag sure doesn't help.)

It will be up to the players to take a chance on the underdog, spotlight it at locals, create content, and spread the word. DNF is a solid, exciting, and enjoyable fighter. It's not the most marketable, nor does it carry the biggest budget, but it has the tools necessary to carve itself a piece of the fighting game pie. I'm telling you that DNF is worth checking out, but, ultimately, the summer season will decid??e whether the community offers the underdog a foothold. It deserves a place at the? table. I hope that it finds one.

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.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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The Silver Fox

Surprise! Turns out that Nexon is still not done revealing characters for its upcoming fighter DNF Duel, which is literally less than six days away from launch. Today's DNF Duel trailer introduces us to the Lost Warrior, who car??ries with him the undeniable presence and physical aura of a potential boss character.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqaHE0JwIJ8

The Lost Warrior, as you can see in the video above, carries himself with the visual appearance of primordial times, but with a fighting style and mastery of magic beyond his years, suggesting that he may be capable of visiting multiple worlds and eras. Lost Warrior commands the battleground with devastating large strikes, reminiscent of King of Fighters' Rugal. The silver fox is also capable of switching positions with his opponent and rounds ?off the ?battle by repeatedly slamming his foe into handy nearby mountains. Ouch.

Lost Warrior is, officially, the final character to join the DNF Duel launch roster, which now totals 16 distinct and unique fighters. I'm still pretty much at a loss for who I'm gonna be digging into, but Enchantress and Inquisitor are both pretty solid calls for me. I hope to share my findings on Nexon's underdog fighter with you all soon. In the meantime, maybe check out the previous trailers for Berserker, Grappler, Hitman, Inquisitor, Striker, Ranger, Dragon Knight, Vanguard, Kunoichi, Crusader, Ghostblade, Launcher, Troubleshooter, Swift Master, and Enchantress.

DNF Duel ??launches on PlayStation and PC platforms June 28.

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Who do you voodoo?

Yes indeed, we are less than a month away from the long-time-coming launch of anime fighter DNF Duel and publisher Nexon is still dropp??ing character reveal trailers. Who's that clomp, clomp, clomping her massive-ass ??shoes down the hallway? It's the pint-sized voodoo queen herself, Enchantress!

Bedecked in Gothic-Lolita fashions and wearing an equally heavy look of mischief, Enchantress might be the smallest and youngest competitor to enter the DNF Duel ring, but what she lacks in size she makes up for in frightening black magic abilities. An expert in the ways of voodoo and the dark arts, Enchantress is able to conjure up projectiles and other weaponry twi??ce her size, while also holding her own in C?QC thanks to her super cute broomstick.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAbrqLes3dQ&t

If that wasn't enough, then the opp??osition might also find themselves on the business end of her scary stuffed toy companion, who can be given life and form, offering up several attack options, and even growing to monumental size to finally put the hexclamation mark on the battle. A true puppet player, Enchantress and her sinister arts are certainly not to be taken lightly. Spooky!

While the fighting game community is understandably frothing at the mouth due to the reveal of a certain Capcom sequel, I think we'd all be fools to sleep on DNF Duel. With gameplay designed by Guilty Gear's Arc System Works, (ably assisted by fight fanatics Eighting), and a really cool,  varied roster of characters, DNF Duel is looking better and better by the week. Throw in the previously announced rollback netcode and several single-player features, and?? I think we have ourselves an underdog contender worth keeping an eye on. I can't wait to check it out...

...But who to play? There?'s too many? cool characters!

DNF Duel will launch on PlayStation and PC platforms June 28 �after you take a look at Enchantress, why not check out the previous character trailers for Berserker, Grappler, Hitman, Inquisitor, Striker, Ranger, Dragon Knight, Vanguard, Kunoichi, Crusader, Ghostblade, Launcher, Troubleshooter, and Swift Master.

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He's Like the Wind

With the arrival of each recent DNF Duel character trailer, I've been left thinking "That's probably about it" and yet publisher Nexon continues to surprise us with more and more pugilists debuting in the flashy-looking fighter �Today sees the arrival of the young and powerful mage: Swift Master.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzL-iMD_ckg&t

As demonstrated in the above trailer, Swift Master holds fearsome control over the winds, which he uses to manipulate and confuse his opponent on the battlefield. Of diminutive stature and mischievous nature, Swift Master's battle plan appears to involve using bursts of air to attract, deflect, and launch his opponent, following up with an array of air combos and juggle-enhanced specials. Swift Master looks very set-play based, and as such may prove to be one of DNF Duel's more complex but dangerous characters.

With the arrival of Swift Master, the DNF Duel roster has reached a healthy total of 14 highly unique characters, which is nothing to be sniffed at when it comes to an underdog, untested fighting IP. While the launch of the Dungeon Fighter Online spin-off is bearing down on us, there remains plenty of time for Nexo?n and Arc System Works to introduce us to more of its hard-hitting, (and compellingly hot), roster.

DNF Duel will launch on PlayStation and PC platforms June 28 �after you take a look at Swift Master, why not check out the previous character trailers for Berserker, Grappler, Hitman, Inquisitor, Striker, Ranger, Dragon Knight, Vanguard, Kunoichi, Crusader, Ghostblade, Launcher, and Troubleshooter.

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If you got a problem, yo, I'll solve it...

Well I'll be durned, I was sure that last week's explosive "Launcher" trailer was the last character trailer we'd be seeing for Nexon's upcoming scrapper DNF Duel �and yet the funky looking fighter keeps on giving with a brand new video ??revealing the gun-toting, swooneriffic desperado, Trouble??shooter.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=7luVBKogBKk&t

As you can see from the above video, Troubleshooter is another DNF Duel firearms user, though has more of an old west, gunslinger aesthetic when compared to the hi-tech talents of Launcher. In the preview, we see the old dawg utilizing his meaty-looking sidearms at both long and short distances, while also laying several traps in order to co?ntrol space. Troubleshooter looks to be a somewhat complex character, but one that ca??n easily control their opponent's space, shutting down options and presenting risk from all angles.

He's also handsome as all hell, teasing the viewer with roses and sweet nothings. DNF Duel may be the horniest fighter to come down the line in some time, frankly. You'll be able to join the love-in very soon, as DNF Duel will finally launch on PlayStation and PC platforms June 28. While you wait for its impending arrival, you have enough time to check out the character trailers for Berserker, Grappler, Hitman, Inquisitor, Striker, Ranger, Dragon Knight, Vanguard, Kunoichi, Crusader, Ghostblade, and Launcher.

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Lock 'n' Loaded

Plucky underdog fighter DNF Duel may only be a couple of weeks away from launch, but that fact, apparently, will not prevent it from revealing even more roster members. Check out this new trailer from publisher Nexon, which gives us our first in-action look at what may prove to be DNF Duel's final launch roster fighter: Launcher.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTbz8Ouj6z0&t

In a somewhat terrifying 30 seconds, our tech-savvy, firepower-obsessed gal lets rip on her opposition with a ridiculous variety of firearms �all of which seem practically conjured out of thin air.?? From rocket launchers to min?iguns, laser rifles to Bayonetta-style twin guns, Launcher not only comes loaded for bear, but is seemingly fully equipped for every single eventuality. The new girl closes out the round by calling a devastating cyber-cannon onto the playfield, voguing like a true diva as her opponent enters the stratosphere.

Many anime fighters as of late have introduced at least one firearms-based character, and usually with extremely effective results, (I'm looking at you, Happy Chaos). Whether Launcher proves to be just as frustrating to deal with as her bang-bang brethren remains to be seen, but her debu??t trailer certainly makes an impact. I'm not ready to face a bevy of these ladies in an online capacity. That's for sure.

Rollback don't fail me now.

DNF Duel launches June 28 on PlayStation and PC platforms. While you wait for its impending arrival, you have enough time to check out the character trailers for Berserker, Grappler, Hitman, Inquisitor, Striker, Ranger, Dragon Knight, Vanguard, Kunoichi, Crusader, and Ghostblade.

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Online features Online Modes

Nexon's decision to drop a brand new trailer for each and every feature in its incoming fighter DNF Duel is certainly... a choice, but I suppose it helps to communicate to the fightin??g game community that the plucky un?derdog title will be stepping into the ring loaded for bear when it arrives in June.

This latest lightning-fast video focuses specifically on DNF Duel's online options, which include Ranked Vs battles, a full online ranking system, player profile cards, and a replay library �an invaluable tool when it comes to rewatching and reassessing everything that you and your chosen fighter might have gotten right, or so very wrong. In all, the online options for DNF Duel look pretty standard, though ??it should be recalled that the Arc System Works-developed fighter will utilize snazzy rollback netcode.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsIqL9NgAYs

After its gallery of exciting character trailers, and more than a fistful of feature trailers, DNF Duel has pretty much laid out its statement of intent over the past 15 or so months. Entering into a busy-busy market that is already packed out with great fighters, the scrapper is looking to cut itself a piece of a very popular pie. In DNF Duel's corner is a fantastic development team and some cool-looking characters, working against it is its niche Dungeon Fighter Online branding and relative publisher obscurity.

But, when all is said and done, it looks pretty durn rad, and with a fresh summer of fighting game tournaments on the horizon, DNF Duel is sure to come out swinging. Whether it ends up taking a spot on the championship podium or simply flat on its back, looking at t??he lights... well... that'll be up to the community.

DNF Duel launches June 28 on PlayStation and PC platforms. Be sure to check out the character trailers for Berserker, Grappler, Hitman, Inquisitor, Striker, Ranger, Dragon Knight, Vanguard, Kunoichi, Crusader, and Ghostblade.

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Does not play well with others

It's been a long, long time, but we're now only a short month away from the launch of Nexon's plucky underdog fighter DNF Duel. Following on from an array of character trailers and a semi-successful beta ??test, the great-looking punchfest will finally launch on PlayStation and PC platforms June 28.

To help keep the fans' hype fires stoked, Nexon released a short new trailer taking a look at the title's single-player options. Those of you who don't feel like throwing down with friends or strangers in rollback-based online matches will instead be able to lock horns with the CPU in Free Battle (essentially Offline Vs.), Arcade Mode, in which your chosen character takes on a series of player-chosen opponents, and Survival, where you can test your mett?le against an endless run of enemies, cashing out your score for a variety of health, damage, and meter buffs between fights.

These all seem like mighty fine ways to get acquainted with DNF Duel's exciting roster of characters.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY1H30c_TdA&t

In addition to the above modes, it should be noted that DNF Duel also includes its own individual Story Mode, which uses comic book-style panels and a rotational cast of characters to tell a new chapter in the Dungeon Fighter Online universe. Once you've held your own in these offline battles, I would not be surprised if you do not have a potential? main character or two and will perhaps be getting ready to step up to plate for one of DNF Duel's rollback netcode-powered showdowns.

DNF Duel launches June 28 on PlayStation and PC platforms. And while you wait for its impending arrival, you have enough time to check out the character trailers for Berserker, Grappler, Hitman, Inquisitor, Striker, Ranger, Dragon Knight, Vanguard, Kunoichi, Crusader, and Ghostblade.

Who you got?

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A Striker, a Berserker, and a Dragon Knight walk into a bar...

Publisher Nexon has released a very short video offering the first glimpses of the story mode for its upcoming fighter, DNF Duel. The anime scrapper, which launches on PlayStation and PC next month, will see the classes of MMO Dungeon Fighter Online gather for some solid one-on-one slugfestin'

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV7yyGP0YgM&t

Even from this short video, we can already see that DNF Duel will feature the deep lore and delightful melodrama of its MMO source material. In the clip, we see Berserker going, umm, berserk, the spritely Striker dodging trouble in the woods, and the noble Dragon Knight having a bit of a lie-down. The scenes have full voice acting and sport some very nice, comic-book style artwork. In addition, the new trailer also includes a look at a gallery mode, as well as an in-game glossary �no doubt to help newcomers get up to speed in the world of Dungeon Fighter Online.

DNF Duel, first revealed back in the winter of 2020, has spent the past year turning heads with its dramatic and action-packed trailers, rad character designs, and promises of enthralling battles powered by silky-smooth rollback connections. Recent betas, (poorly timed to coincide with other popular betas and game releases), did not exactly set the FGC alight, but many players found enjoyment in DNF Duel's specific brand of fantasy carnage. Hav??ing covered the t??itle every step of the way since its initial reveal, I'm very anxious to check out the scrappy underdog in its final form.

DNF Duel launches on PlayStation and PC June 28.

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My children deserve to see me get a free gift...

Publisher Nexon has opened pre-orders on its funky-looking fighter DNF Duel. Interested pugilists can now pre-order a physical copy of the game on PS4 and PS5 platforms ahead of its official June 28 launch. DNF Duel is a??lso available on PC (via Steam) but pre-orders are yet to be ac?tivated for that platform. Customers who pre-order the physical release on PlayStation will earn a non-disclosed "free gift," while digital pre-orders will also gain early access.

As a quick refresher for a title we have written about many, many times, DNF Duel is a one-on-one fighter based upon the Korean MMO Dungeon Fighter Online. Players pick from a colorful roster of characters, based on DFO's wide variety of classes, before duking it out in explosive combat, featuring fists, feet, an array of gnarly weaponry, and some devastating elemental?? abilities??.

Over the course of the past 12 months, Nexon has rolled out trailers for the entire cast, as well as two beta tests to initialize DNF Duel's rollback netcode. Developed by fighting game enthusiasts Arc System Works and Eighting, the new title is suitably attractive from an audio/visual standpoint and, at this early stage, seems equally cool from a gameplay perspective. Hopefully, DNF Duel can find its niche within the crowded fighting game market. Perhaps the upcoming EVO 2022 tournament will afford an opportunity for the game to strut its stuff in a side tourney. DNF Duel is also heading up Arc World Tour 2022.

DNF Duel launches June 28 on PlayStation and PC. In the meantime, be sure to check out the character trailers for Berserker, Grappler, Hitman, Inquisitor, Striker, Ranger, Dragon Knight, Vanguard, Kunoichi, Crusader, and Ghostblade.

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Round 2 kicks off on Friday

[Update: Just a?? reminder that the DNF Duel beta is live on PlayStation right now! Have fun, it's wild!]

As previously predicted, publisher Nexon has announced a second open beta for its upcoming anime fighting title DNF Duel. Following on from its previous demo efforts in t??he tail-end of 2021, t?he fun-looking scrapper will be available to test drive on PlayStation platforms this coming weekend.

Nexon did not reveal a lot of details pertaining to the new beta, but we can probably expect it to feature online-only battles, given that the core goal of the demo is to stress test DNF Duel's snazzy rollback netcode abilities. We do know that the recently revealed character Ghost Blade will be available, suggesting that the entirety of DNF Duel's officially revea??led roster to date will be selectable.

Back in December, the DNF Duel beta was unfortunately timed to coincide with the beta for SNK's The King of Fighters XV, which led to a lot of people not finding the opportunity to give the fledgling Arc System Works/Eighting fighter a go. While this week brings with it a lot of fighting game updates �including the Street Fighter V "definitive update" and Guilty Gear Strive's final season one character, Testament, hopefully, the FGC will find a few hours to jump on the DNF Duel bandwagon, as it really isn't?? looking too shabby a title at this early stage.

The beta goes live on Friday, April 1 and w??ill run until the afternoon of Monday, April 4.

DNF Duel launches on PlayStation and PC June 28.

//tw?itter.com/DNFDuel/status/1508270149408854016?s=20&t=uk?kgwlXd2jwuAiuu26XKSw

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Testament for Every Single Header from now on

As part of the past weekend's flurry of fighting game news, Arc System Works announced that its professional fig?hting game circuit, Arc World Tour, will return for another round later in 2022.

While details pertaining to dates, locations, structure remain under wraps for now, the anime fighting game developer has noted that its flagship fighter, Guilty Gear Strive will be joined on the circuit by the fledgling new slugfest DNF Duel, which Arc System Works develop?ed alongside studio Eighting. Each game will off??er up a prize pool of $100,000 each �not too shabby for a new and unproven release.

Players will compete in both games on a national and international stage, before the finalists come together for the tour's climax �The Arc World Tour Final �which is likely to take place in early 2023, as the very best players for both titles throwdown for the bragging rights of Guiltiest Gear or.. erm... DNF-est DNF'er. You can check out the finals for the ARCREVO 2021 tournament right here.

Guilty Gear Strive is available right now on PlayStation and PC. DNF Duel will launch on PlayStatio?n and PC June 28. Get practicing, get out there, and bag those skulls.

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Mysterious new fighter teased

We finally have a launch date for Nexon's cool-looking fighting game DNF Duel. As revealed by the publisher this past weekend, the Dungeon Fighter Online spin-off will jump into the ring on June 28,? launching on PlayStation and PC (Steam) platforms. A price point was not announced.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMFEVGGCEZk&t

The short trailer above gives us a lightning look at some of the game's eccentric cast of characters, pulled from the Korean MMO's class system. The trailer winds up with the first glimpse of an as-yet-unnamed new fighter, which fans believe is DNF Duel's take on Mechanic. They seem a tad overdressed for the job, honestly, but perhaps they're a "Mechanic" in the Charles Bronson sense. Wouldn't that be neat?

DNF Duel will be entering a very crowded fighting game market, standing against titles such as Tekken 7, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and the upcoming Street Fighter 6. It also appears that, despite being on the market, DNF Duel did not make the cut for this summer's EVO 2022 festivities. Ho??????????????????????????p??efully, the new game will have a spot at the scene in the form of a side-tourney. It could really help put eyes on the contender. Having developers Arc System Works and Eighting in its corner will help it get its foot in the door.

DNF Duel launches June 28 on PlayStation and PC. I wouldn't be surprised if we don't get another beta before then. In the meantime, be sure to check out the character trailers for Berserker, Grappler, Hitman, Inquisitor, Striker, Ranger, Dragon Knight, Vanguard, Kunoichi, Crusader, and Ghostblade.

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One Man and his Ghost

It's been quite some time since we heard from the rad-looking anime fighter DNF Duel, but fortunately, Nexon has blessed us with its presence once again, dropping a hair-raising trailer for yet another surprisingly sexy combatant. Seriously, this particular fighting game does seem particularly h??orny... Or maybe that's just me.

The short, sharp preview gives us a look at the newest addition to the DNF Duel roster, Ghostblade. This mysterious samurai, clearly not one for lounging in the sun, has a very deliberate but devastating fighting style �with gameplay reminiscent of SNK's great Samurai Shodown. T??he ghostly figure cuts down his foe with huge, deceptively ranged strikes �offering Ghostblade excellent attack and defense capabilities. If that wasn't enough, then his super sees him ??call upon an ancient spirit from the past to land the killing blow.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Dr4FIUwp0M&t

Ghostblade joins what is already a very cool, unique, and charismatic roster of DNF Duel characters, all based upon classes and warriors from the popular South Korean MMO Dungeon Fighter Online. DNF Duel turned heads back in late-2021 following a slight but intriguing beta test weekend. Though the IP flies a little under the radar, having fighting game experts Eighting and Arc System Works in its development corner will certainly help DNF Duel make an impact in what is, currentl??y, a very crowded fighting game market. I'm looking forward to it.

DNF Duel launches on PlayStation and PC platforms this summer. I would not be surprised if we didn't get another open beta weekend before then, as the studios will be looking to iron out any nagging issues before the big launch. Oh, and be sure to check out the previous trailers for characters Berserker, Grappler, Hitman, Inquisitor, Striker, Ranger, Dragon Knight, Vanguard, Kunoichi, and Crusader.

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Who is your favorite duelist?

Following on from this past weekend's open beta, publisher Nexon announced that its spin-off fighter DNF Duel will officially launch i?n summer 2022 on PlayStation and PC �Additi?onal platforms were neither confirmed nor denied.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf0ZlqM1yfQ

Over the past few days, curious fighting game players got their hands on the untested title via an open beta on PS4 and PS5, which offered up online play and... well... not a whole lot else. It can't be denied that the beta was very rough around the edges, but the game itself showed a ton of promise. I'll be offering up my brief thoughts in the very near future. So many fun characters, and it appears that Crusader is already ?something of a meme superstar!

DNF Duel, a spin-off of popular MMO Dungeon Fighter Online, sees a very attractive and magnetic cast of characters battling it out in typical 2D anime fashion. Arriving like a bolt from the blue, Nexon peppered the past fortnight with character trailers before dropping the open beta almost out of nowhere. It was certainly an interesting way to build hype and it worked a treat �given the buzz for the title I saw around the online FGC. While the beta had its fair share of issues, the early gameplay was sound, and with a good six or so months to go until release, developers Arc System Works and Ei??ghting clearly have plenty of time to iron out the creases and get things ship-shape f??or what could be a grand launch.

DNF Duel is scheduled to release summer 2022 on PlayStation and PC. Be sure to check out the character trailers for Berserker, Grappler, Hitman, Inquisitor, Striker, Dragon Knight, Vanguard, Kunoichi, and Crusader.

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