2021 was a huge year for fighting games, especially for anime fighting game fans. This includes releases such as Guilty Gear Strive, Melty Blood: Type Lumina, and DLC releases for games like Dragon Ball FighterZ. Last year was quite busy for Arc System Works, juggling the release of Guilty Gear Strive and its related DLCs, but also the surprise announcement of a new fighting game known as DNF Duel.
This upcoming fighter from Arc System Works is based on an MMO known as Dungeon Fighter Online, developed by Neople and originally released in Korea in 2005. Late last year, Arc System Works announced that it would be partnering with Neople and Eighting to create a brand-new fighting game based on Dungeon Fighter Online, with it being called DNF Duel. Recently, a trailer for DNF Duel was shown off, giving fans a look at what to expect. In addition, there was an announcement for a beta test on both PlayStation 4 and 5.
Much like other fighting games by Arc System Works, it is a 2.5D fighting game utilizing a cel-shaded anime aesthetic with 3D models. Ever since its initial unveiling, the game has steadily showcased the roster via short trailers of gameplay. This includes characters that originated from Dungeon Fighter Online, such as Berserker, Striker, Ranger, and more. The latest trailer from the developer shows off when players can expect to get in the ring with this new fighting game.
This trailer was revealed during the ARCREVO America 2021 finals, a Fighting Game Tournament hosted by Arc System Works. It showed off some brief gameplay that was focused on the recently revealed Ghostblade, where he utilized lightning-fast attacks and a ghostly support mechanic. There was also a teaser for the next character that will be added to the roster, being the Female Mechanic. Near the very end of the video, it revealed that DNF Duel will be released worldwide for PC and currently supported PlayStation consoles on June 28.
On a final note, this trailer announced that DNF Duel along with Guilty Gear Strive will be headlining Arc System Works' tournament circuit, the Arc World Tour 2022, with a combined prize pool of over $100,000. Alongside the release date for DNF Duel, Arc System Works also revealed a number of updates for Guilty Gear Strive, such as the final character of the game's season 1 pass, Testament, returning from past installments with a brand-new glamorous look.
DNF Duel will be launching on June 28, 2022, for PC, PS4, and PS5.