REVIEW Brutal, beautiful and brilliant — The First Berserker: Khazan battles for Soulslike supremacy

A scene from The First Berserker: Khazan / Courtesy of Nexon By John Popko Beating games like The First Berserker: Khazan is hard, but standing out in the crowded, competitive Soulslike genre is even harder. That was precisely the challenge faced by Neople, a subsidiary of Nexon, with their latest installment in the long-running Dungeon & Fighter franchise. Much like its intense boss fights, the game itself confronts formidable adversaries, competing directly with celebrated titles such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Lies of P and Elden Ring. Somehow, it manages to carve out its own identity among these highly acclaimed, punishingly difficult action role-playing games. In many respects, The First Berserker: Khazan rises to the occasion. The game delivers a brutal, stylish and sometimes frustrating journey into dark fantasy warfare. While it might not revolutionize its genre, its exceptional combat mechanics, captivating visuals and intricate progression systems make it a worthy adventure — provided players are ready to endure its demanding nature. The narrative centers on betrayal, following General Khazan, a respected leader falsely accused of treason. Narrowly escaping execution, he is resurrected through an uneasy pact with Blade Phantom, a mysterious ghostly entity. Empowered by this dark alliance, Khazan embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance. Although this tale of revenge, and Khazan's transformation into the titular first berserker, will resonate with Dungeon & Fighter fans and those who want to explore the IP — a very well-established one featuring different games, manga and anime — it ultimately feels standard within its genre. The storyline lacks the emotional depth and standout storytelling necessary to elevate it above its peers. Yet, where the narrative stumbles, Khazan excels spectacularly in gameplay, boasting fluid, satisfying combat mechanics as dynamic as any in the genre. Players are quickly introduced to three distinct weapon choices: dual blades, a spear and a greatsword — each tailored to varied playstyles. The dual blades cater to swift, agile fighters, delivering rapid strikes and nimble dodging. The greatsword offers powerful, heavy-hitting attacks at the expense of speed and mobility. Meanwhile, the spear provides balanced versatility, effectively blending reach and agility for varied combat scenarios. Each weapon comes with an extensive skill tree, enabling deep customization and experimentation. This robust variety ensures engaging gameplay that continually adapts to individual preferences. A scene from The First Berserker: Khazan / Courtesy of Nexon Combat is a precise and tense dance requiring careful timing and stamina management, reminiscent of other Soulslike titles. Actions such as attacks, dodges and blocks consume stamina, emphasizing strategic play. Successfully executing a perfect block conserves stamina and staggers enemies, creating opportunities for devastating counterattacks. Mastery of these mechanics, complemented by satisfying visual and auditory feedback, forms one of Khazan's greatest strengths. Battles feel meaningful, rewarding careful observation and adaptability rather than aggressive recklessness. Character progression further distinguishes the game, merging traditional experience-based upgrades with tailored gear customization. Equipment carries randomized attributes, motivating players to continuously seek optimal gear sets. Completing full gear sets grants substantial stat boosts and potent special skills, significantly enhancing combat effectiveness. This layered system introduces compelling strategic depth and personalization. Yet, the game's uncompromising difficulty may intimidate newcomers and occasionally frustrate veterans. Boss encounters are grueling, requiring precise mastery of enemy patterns and mechanics, leaving minimal room for error. Triumphing over these formidable challenges yields immense satisfaction. Unfortunately, missions outside boss battles often feel formulaic, serving primarily as corridors to these climactic encounters. Side missions suffer similarly from repetitive design. A scene from The First Berserker: Khazan / Courtesy of Nexon Visually, Khazan employs a striking cel-shaded art style, distinguishing itself from its darker, grittier contemporaries. This aesthetic effectively captures the bleak tone of Khazan’s journey without compromising visual clarity during intense battles. Exceptional lighting effects and invigorating combat animations further enhance overall presentation. Despite its considerable strengths, The First Berserker: Khazan hasn't innovated sufficiently to surpass the greats in its genre. Occasional repetitive level design and sparse storytelling prevent it from reaching perfection. Nevertheless, what it achieves brings it to greatness — an incredible, visceral experience that gamers should not miss. Ultimately, The First Berserker: Khazan succeeds impressively as a combat-driven adventure, rewarding those willing to master its intricacies. Its demanding nature might deter some, but those who persevere will discover a deeply satisfying and intense journey. While there’s still room to grow, it firmly establishes itself as a compelling addition to the ever-expanding Soulslike universe, promising excitement — and perhaps a healthy dose of frustration along the way. John Popko is a contributing writer on games.