Introduction
The First Berserker: Khazan Review dives into a fierce new entry in the Soulslike genre that demands your full attention and precise timing. Developed by Neople and set in the Dungeon Fighter Online universe, this title delivers punishing combat, stylish visuals, and intense gameplay loops that fans of challenging action RPGs will love.
Although it treads familiar ground with clear influences from Sekiro and Nioh, Khazan tries to set itself apart through its unique protagonist, strategic parry mechanics, and artistic flair. Let’s dive into the meat of what makes this game brutal, bold, and occasionally broken.
Story & Setting
You play as Khazan, a once-revered general who was betrayed, mutilated, and banished. His journey begins not just with revenge in mind but also a transformation—both physical and emotional. After encountering a mysterious entity named Blade Phantom, Khazan returns to the world as a brutal, blade-wielding warrior hellbent on destroying the corrupt forces that wronged him.
The story in The First Berserker: Khazan serves more as a backdrop to the gameplay rather than a driving force. While the voice acting — especially Ben Starr’s portrayal of Khazan — brings emotional weight and intensity, the narrative in The First Berserker: Khazan lacks the depth and world-building typical of a truly story-driven experience. Many characters feel underdeveloped, and the revenge-focused plot seldom rises above familiar tropes.
Combat: The Game’s Core Strength
Combat is where Khazan truly delivers. It borrows heavily from Sekiro’s posture and parry-based system, but with its own twist. The “Brink Guard” is the standout mechanic—it rewards perfectly timed guards by staggering enemies and opening them up for punishing counterattacks. Timing is everything. A mistimed block can cost you dearly, while a well-executed parry can turn the tide of a difficult boss fight.
Every enemy is deadly, and even low-level mobs can wipe you out if you’re careless. There’s no button-mashing your way to victory here; every encounter feels deliberate and demanding. Players who appreciate the thrill of mastering combat mechanics will find this deeply satisfying.
The First Berserker: Khazan also offers Brutal Attacks — stylish and devastating finishers you can trigger when enemies are stunned. The visual flair and sound design make each of these moments feel like a rewarding display of your skill and power.
Progression and Exploration
Unlike open-world Soulslikes, Khazan adopts a more linear level design. Each mission plays out in a structured stage, with branching paths and hidden areas offering gear and upgrades. There’s a clear emphasis on replaying levels with different builds, thanks to the game’s robust stat allocation and equipment system.
You can customize your playstyle significantly, investing in attack power, stamina, defense, or unique passive skills. This allows players to shape Khazan into either a tanky juggernaut or a nimble counter-striker.
However, exploration is not a strong suit. While the stages are artistically varied—from corrupted cities to eerie desert zones—they don’t offer much in terms of verticality or open-ended secrets. If you’re a fan of sprawling interconnected worlds like Dark Souls, this may feel somewhat restricted.
Stylistically, The First Berserker: Khazan leans into a cel-shaded aesthetic that sets it apart from the grim realism of many other Soulslikes. It’s a bold choice that pays off, creating a distinct and memorable visual identity. Enemy designs are grotesque and imposing, while the protagonist’s animations remain fluid and cinematic throughout.
That said, not everything is polished. Some textures feel flat, and the game’s performance can dip during heavy particle effects or multi-enemy battles. While it doesn’t break the experience, it could use a few patches for optimization, especially on older systems.
Audio & Voice Acting
Ben Starr’s voice performance gives Khazan a depth and gravity that keeps you invested. He’s brooding, intense, and brings just enough humanity to a character who could’ve easily been a one-note anti-hero. The music complements the game well—tense in combat, somber in quiet moments—but it never becomes a centerpiece.
Side Missions & Replay Value
Side quests are available, but most are forgettable. They often involve revisiting older levels with minor variations and limited narrative purpose. Still, the promise of new loot and upgrades can make them worthwhile. The real replay value lies in tweaking your build and testing it in higher difficulty stages or optional challenges.
Final Verdict
The First Berserker: Khazan won’t win over everyone, especially those looking for a rich story or expansive open world. But for players who crave precise combat and stylish brutality, this game is a hidden gem. It embraces what it is—a fierce, focused, and unforgiving action RPG that doesn’t hold your hand. It’s not perfect, but it knows its audience.
