Detailed Review of The First Berserker: Khazan

Premise and Setting The game is a cell-shaded soulslike set in the Dungeon Fighter Online universe. Players take on the role of Khazan, a celebrated general who was exiled and mutilated by jealous nobles. His path to revenge begins when he’s possessed by a netherworld spirit called the Blade Phantom. Interestingly, the spirit is voiced by Anthony Howell (known for voicing Margit/Morgott in Elden Ring), adding a layer of dramatic flair to the game’s narrative.

Combat System The combat is the standout feature of the game, drawing heavy inspiration from Sekiro while introducing unique mechanics:

1. Weapon Variety

• Three distinct weapon types:
  
  
  • Dual-wield sword and axe
  • Glaive-like spear
  • Greatsword
• Each weapon has its own dedicated skill tree
• Weapons offer different playstyles, encouraging experimentation

2. Resource Management

• Uses a “Spirit” point system
• Skills don’t consume stamina
• Players accumulate Spirit by attacking and deflecting
• Allows for fighting game-like combo mechanics

3. Combat Mechanics

• A deflection system similar to Sekiro
• Can parry even unblockable (red) attacks with precise timing
• Reflection technique for regular attacks
• Dodge-based skill trees as an alternative to parrying
• No cost for skill respecs, encouraging players to experiment

Boss Design The review praises the boss design as some of the best in the souls-like genre:

• Bosses have unique stamina mechanics
• Some bosses have fixed stamina bars
• Others have fluctuating stamina bars that change during combat
• Bosses are vulnerable after executing long combo attacks
• Innovative reward system: players earn skill points and Lacrima (stat upgrade currency) simply by fighting bosses, not just defeating them

Narrative and Presentation

• Anime-inspired aesthetic
• Revenge-driven storyline
• Protagonist Khazan is described as minimalist, similar to Berserk’s Guts
• Dramatic boss sequences and cutscenes
• The story is more prominent than in typical souls-like games

Gameplay Structure

• Linear mission-based design
• Hub-based portal system
• Checkpoints called “Blade Nexus”
• Shortcuts between checkpoints
• Armour set bonus system similar to other action RPGs

Criticisms

• Missions between bosses feel repetitive
• Limited environmental variety (mostly mines, ruins, caves)
• Protagonist lacks depth and expressiveness
• Potentially underwhelming initial gameplay impression

Technical Performance

• Reviewed on RX 6800 XT, i5 12400F, 32GB RAM
• Reported smooth performance
• Cell-shaded art style with some environmental design inconsistencies

Recommendation The reviewer strongly recommends trying the demo, specifically advancing to the Blade Phantom boss to truly understand the game’s potential. While not perfect, the game offers an innovative take on the soulslike genre with its unique combat mechanics and boss design.

Target Audience

• Soulslike genre fans
• Players who enjoy precise, skill-based combat
• Fans of Dungeon Fighter Online
• Those who appreciate anime-inspired action games

Final Thoughts Despite its flaws, The First Berserker: Khazan stands out for its combat innovation, challenging boss design, and willingness to experiment within the soulslike genre. It’s a game that rewards patience, skill, and a willingness to learn its unique mechanics.

Suggested Playing Tips:

• Be patient and learn boss patterns
• Experiment with different weapon skills
• Don’t hesitate to change builds before boss fights
• Take advantage of the skill point earning system during boss encounters

The review suggests the game is worth playing for soulslike enthusiasts looking for a fresh take on the genre, with the caveat that players should give it time to reveal its strengths beyond the initial missions.