REVIEW : DNF Duel (PC)
Almost all fighting games have been “subtracting” in the last two years, gradually reducing the difficulty of the operation and the intricacy of the mechanism. For example, in Guilty Gear Strive, the simpler operation of machine gun combinations allows newbies to deal good damage without consciously practising combos; Street Fighter 6, which is still in the public eye, has also decided to include a simplified version of the nirvana. input mode. After all, no matter how well-known and enjoyable an arena is, it will be tough to continue if a new challenger falls upon approaching the door.
And this “Dungeon Duel” made by the well-known combat game producer Arc has a simpler system and operating mode – practically to the point of non-existence. Of course, this isn’t because it has a lofty goal like “the future of fighting games,” but rather because it needs to entertain gamers who aren’t drawn in by the IP “DNF.” At this time, it is more appropriate to compare it to Arc’s fan-oriented effort “Granblue Fantasy VS.”
However, the fan bases of these two works differ slightly: one is a turn-based page game RPG, and the other is a horizontal version of the action online game with its arena PK gameplay. In comparison to “Granblue Fantasy VS,” “Dungeon Duel” lacks the strong sense of RPG and progression of the former but instead focuses on the restoration of numerous cool moves from the original, as well as the usage of various “awakening” special effects to emphasise the characters. Personality also necessitates that players master multiple combos that can do high damage, similar to the terminal game arena. Dungeon Duel does an excellent job at providing content for fans.
The “Dungeon Duel” system is fairly simple. There are no burst bars, death bars, gas bars, or anything else that requires constant monitoring. There is only one MP bar, which will gradually recover. The available upper limit of MP will continue to climb as the player’s HP gradually lowers. When the HP drops below around 30%, the MP will reach its maximum, and the character will also enter an awakening condition and be able to launch unique abilities. In other words, the less blood there is, the stronger the character, giving players who enter the awakening condition early the opportunity to turn their defeat into a victory.
The game also doesn’t have a lot of complicated key operations to remember. Other actions include cool skills that open and close, while the basic light and heavy attacks only have one or two phases at most. The game’s design ensures that each character has a practical and highly targeted skill set, whether it’s indestructible abilities, anti-air, continuous suppression, or long-handed touch, essentially covering “down/left/right direction Plus A or B.” Even new players who are unfamiliar with the rhythm of Arc series fighting games will get positive feedback when they look at the timing and concave talents in such a basic action.
It is worth noting that, even though the roles are different, some skills’ usage scenarios will be associated with the button logic. For example, characters like Dark Blade, Roaming, and Male Mage’s “down A” instantly fires invincible talents within the range of the body. Even though the performance of each character’s invincible skills varies, even if the player swaps roles, they can recall and grasp the use cases for “down A.” This skill input configuration decreases the learning cost of players.
There are now 16 characters available in “Dungeon Duel.” Except for one plot character, the identities of all other characters, such as red dog, roving, female large gun, sanda, male judo, and so on, are all available to players. These character moves are also nearly identical to the “DNF” end game. Of course, the interpretation is more beautiful. Arc’s professional three renderings and two technologies, I believe, can satisfy fans.
Each character in the game, like Guilty Gear, has its mechanics, special talents, and an awakening system. While it is not as complex as Guilty Gear, it is never monotonous.
In the end game, “Sanda,” for example, has the iconic “softening muscle” feature that may be made to cancel in the space between several skills, generating a storm-like nirvana suppression. The “Berzy Warrior” can activate double-blade mode to improve basic light and heavy assaults but at the cost of constant blood loss. His strikes can potentially have a blood-sucking effect when awoken.
It is vital to learn a consistent set of combos in “Dungeon Duel.” Because there are few mechanisms connected to anti-reaction and explosive tyrants, and only one “cancellation” method available in the game, most moves will not be stopped, which is a relatively steady blood-cutting method, even if the set of learning costs is not high. Gao migrant workers frequently play an important role. Simultaneously, the presence of the defence bar (that is, the defence state is durable and will be broken by continuous attacks) and red and white blood (there will be some white virtual blood after an injury, which can be recovered slowly) encourages players to actively attack rather than passively defend, which also speeds up the battle’s rhythm.
Overall, the fighting system design of “Dungeon Duel” is not horrible, but aside from the battle, the game lacks other intriguing gameplay, which limits the game’s complexity and replayability slightly.
Because the multiplayer server was not available at the time of the review, we could only play the single-player mode. Each character has a separate plot in the story mode, although the individual’s own story is scarce and boring.
The player character meets another character on the path and begins the combat due to the “seed of will.” There isn’t much of an effective addition to the DNF narrative. The real gameplay experience is nearly identical to that of the arcade mode.
“Dungeon Duel” does not offer any more intriguing gameplay aside from the most basic 1v1 battling. Although it appears that there is no problem in a fighting game with only fighting gameplay, but also an Arc IP derivative work, “Persona 4 Invincible Ultimate Backfall” has a plot process of dozens of hours, and “Granblue Fantasy” VS” has tower-climbing gameplay and weapon plate development customised for players of air riders. “Dungeon Duel” contains so little content that it appears elementary.
Dungeon Duel is a touch too monotonous in comparison to Guilty Gear Strive, which is still remarkably playable even after the system has been radically streamlined – and they’re even priced similarly. DNF players who want to enter into fighting games or old players who like Arc-based fighting games may be able to test it out, but there are better options than “Dungeon Duel.” “Dungeon Duel” is classified as a fighting game based on an IP. Each available character has unique traits and engaging gameplay. The simpler operation also makes it easier to attract and devote fans’ attention to it.
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