Just keep punching, Apollo…
Nexon and Arc System Works have released the first “major” balance update to their fun but somewhat outrageous fighterDNF 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 itonly 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 buffs, 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. TheDNF Duelcommunity has reacted to the balance update with both a little 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 wantsDNF Duelto 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 ofDNF 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 alittlemore.
DNF Duelis available now on PlayStation and PC platforms.
