The First Berserker: Khazan review

Khazan offers smart combat and boss design but suffers from repetitive missions.

: In 'The First Berserker: Khazan,' players will experience some of the most sophisticated combat and boss battles ever seen in a soulslike game, as it cleverly integrates Sekiro-inspired mechanics with its unique twists. This game, set within the Dungeon Fighter Online universe, takes players through a series of linear missions that unfortunately feel repetitive over time, a point where players might prefer to skip straight to the next captivating boss fight. Despite lacking in exploration and character depth, Khazan stands out with its inventive system of rewarding players with skill points for mere engagement in boss fights, enhancing the learning curve and enjoyment significantly. While its protagonist, Khazan, may lack charisma, the intricate boss and combat mechanics within the striking anime-like art style make it a formidable entry in the genre, earmarked for its clever play rewards and skill versatility.

The First Berserker: Khazan introduces players to an anime-infused, cell-shaded universe inspired heavily by the Dungeon Fighter Online. Developed by Neople and published by Nexon, it was released on March 27, 2025. Khazan is an exiled general who declared vengeance after being freed and possessed by a netherworld spirit known as the Blade Phantom. The game brings a remarkable voice-over performance from Anthony Howell, the voice behind characters like Margit/Morgott, adding depth and familiarity for Elden Ring enthusiasts.

One of the core highlights of Khazan lies in its successful integration of soulslike mechanics, much reminiscent of Sekiro. Players are compelled to adapt to complex combat scenarios that involve precise deflections, gauge-building, and mastering boss mechanics. Khazan innovates by allowing players to accumulate Spirit through attacking and deflecting, which can then be leveraged to perform unique weapon skills. Its capability to run seamlessly with only 32GB RAM on systems as modest as RX 6800 XT and i5 12400F further aids accessibility.

The game distinguishes itself through a unique feature where players earn Lacrima and skill points not merely by defeating bosses but by actively engaging in battle. This approach applauded by critics several times throughout reviews allows players to meaningfully savor each formidable boss encounter. Khazan’s difficulty spikes at key learning junctures, such as engaging with status effects or mastering parrying techniques, where players are encouraged to take calculated risks through reflection and counters.

Despite its intriguing combat systems and the smart design of bosses, Khazan stumbles with its linear mission structure, which can become monotonous over time. The missions transition between Blade Nexuses and end with bosses, but the levels lack exploration and variety, unlike those seen in comparable soulslike titles. Black Myth: Wukong's comparability arises from its weapon skill trees, armor bonus systems, and level design, although Khazan surpasses it in boss encounters.

Graphically, Khazan employs dynamic anime-like cutscenes, yet some areas are criticized for their drab appearance due to palette choices limited to mines, ruins, and caves. PC Gamer’s Sean Martin notes Khazan’s gripping revenge storyline but describes the protagonist, Khazan, as too flat and unexpressive, suggesting that the narrative lacks the emotional depth vital to keep players invested. While promotional content emphasizes its strategic combat brilliance, new players are advised to sample pre-release demos to experience its peak moments ideally.

Sources: PC Gamer, Neople, Nexon

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