How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 80 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 62 | 18 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 5h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (18)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 85
“DNF Duel on PS5 delivered in almost every way. I was hoping to have another fighting game that satiated my Granblue Fantasy Versus itch, and this is exactly that. The online has held up brilliantly over the last week on both PS5 and Steam Deck, and the game looks gorgeous. I hope the mobility can improve in a future update, but in its current state, I'm having a ton of fun playing DNF Duel both online and offline, and look forward to playing it regularly.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Overall, DNF Duel is a great fighting game. It appeals to casual players, while still offering a fair bit of complexity to keep more experienced players entertained. It’s definitely a title I’ll go back to from time to time. Ultimately, it feels like a game that could develop a consistent following in the years to come. If it gets the right opportunity, that is.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“DNF Duel is a ridiculous fighting game in the best way possible. Simple inputs and meaty one-button attacks provide an easy entryway for beginners, but the advanced defensive mechanics and powerful properties of your attacks create fast & frenzied action that I can't get enough of. More importantly, the simplified inputs don't sacrifice the skill-ceiling - this game is full of depth and a ton of fun even at the highest level of play.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Another visually spectacular Arc System Works fighter that is both surprisingly accessible and full of hidden depth and clever ideas.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“DNF Duel’s approachable take on the genre might hold it back for some, but will likely hit the sweet spot for many newcomers and mid-level players.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“It’s safe to say that we’ve been taken by surprise by DNF Duel. We were drawn in by its trailer showcasing its eye-catching visuals, but have been very happy to find that it has real substance. Its combat is exhilarating and easy to get to grips with, yet has enough depth to keep you going back for more. And with its many characters, ahem, classes, as well as a pleasing selection of modes, there’s plenty to go at. Whether you’re new to the fighting game malarkey, or a seasoned pro, this definitely deserves your attention.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“DNF Duel is a surprisingly deep fighting game, that doesn't require a whole lot of learning to be enjoyed. Mechanically interesting and with a very diverse cast of fighters, this videogame has the potential to entertain both new players and old fans of this genre.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“All in all, DNF Duel is a raucously enjoyable fighter in spite of its seemingly haphazard design.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“In an industry slowly and often clumsily stomping towards some nebulous washed out esports future where it feels as though all games must be perfectly balanced with big bucks competitive gaming in mind, I’m happy that some developers like Eighting and Arc System Works remain willing to make games that are still a little jank, still a little busted. DNF Duel is unapologetic - and a lot of fun. For Dungeon Fighter fans this is obviously a great purchase, for fans of the genre the same thing goes. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“DNF Duel has so much to offer fighting game fans. The stylish rooster of characters pairs well with the exciting and accessible combat system. There isn’t much here for casual fans looking for offline content, but mastering any of the characters opens the door for competitive online play. Like most fighting games, this is a title that will live and die by its community, and luckily it’s one hell of a fun game.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“DNF Duel is a good game with beautiful graphics and accessible mechanics. The cast of characters is relatively varied and the modes are what we currently expect from a fighting title. Online is great with its netcode via rollback, although there is no cross-play. DNF Duel's biggest problem is perhaps its lack of innovation and being too simple in its essence.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“While DNF Duel isn't quite able to unseat Guilty Gear Strive, what Nexon and Arc System Works have conjured here is nonetheless deeply worthy of commendation. A welcoming, two-dimensional fighter boasting a honeyed aesthetic that caresses both the ocular and aural senses, DNF Duel makes a great representation as a fantastic entry point for genre newcomers, as well as being a reliable source of instant gratification for brawling stalwarts.”
read full review ↗
Siliconera
TheSixthAxis
Metro GameCentral
GamingBolt
GameSpew
IGN
Screen Rant
VG247
Noisy Pixel
PSX Brasil
PlayStation Universe…and 6 more tracked reviews.