I’ve played my fair share of Soulslike games, but The First Berserker: Khazan still managed to surprise me. It’s fast, aggressive, and demanding in a way that sets it apart from similar titles. If you’ve played Lies of P or Nioh, you might think you know what to expect—parrying, dodging, and stamina management—but Khazan pushes those mechanics further with tough enemies and a combat system that rewards mastery. It’s not just about survival. It’s about controlling the fight before your opponent does.
Developed by Neople, The First Berserker: Khazan brings the Dungeon Fighter Online world to a new audience. While the original MMO might not be widely known outside of Korea, this game stands on its own as an action RPG focused on skill and adaptability. You play as Khazan, a former general betrayed by the empire he once served. Left for dead and barely clinging to life, he’s saved by the Blade Phantom, setting him on a bloody path for revenge. The setup is familiar—fallen warrior, corrupt rulers, supernatural forces—but the execution keeps things moving.
At its core, Khazan is a test of patience and skill. It punishes hesitation but rewards those who learn its mechanics. From the first encounter to the toughest boss fights, every moment is about proving yourself. If you’ve been looking for a new challenge in the genre, this one doesn’t hold back.
The First Berserker: Khazan details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
Developer(s): Neople
Publisher(s): Nexon
Genre: Action role-playing
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
Betrayal, power, and the cost of revenge
The First Berserker: Khazan doesn’t try to tell a complex story, but it sets up a strong foundation. At its core, this is a tale of revenge, power, and survival. Khazan was once a respected general, only to be labeled a traitor and sentenced to death. His body was broken, his tendons were severed, and his fate was sealed—until the Blade Phantom intervened. This mysterious force binds itself to Khazan, healing his wounds at a cost. Now, their fates are connected, and Khazan’s only path forward is through bloodshed.
The game doesn’t overwhelm you with long-winded explanations. Instead, it reveals details through cutscenes, NPC dialogue, and environmental storytelling. You’re given pieces of the larger picture rather than everything upfront, leaving room for interpretation. The story unfolds across 16 missions, with side quests offering extra context about the world and its conflicts. As Khazan fights his way through enemies, he meets allies and rivals who either support his mission or stand in his way. Some characters bring interesting backstory, while others feel more like obstacles along the way.
One of the more interesting aspects of the story is how your choices affect the ending. Completing certain side objectives unlocks different conclusions, expanding on Khazan’s betrayal and the forces behind it. While the main plot is straightforward, these variations give you a reason to revisit the game. If you’re looking for a deep, emotional journey, Khazan doesn’t quite reach that level. But if you enjoy a dark, revenge-driven tale filled with action and mystery, there’s enough here to keep you hooked.
Mastering the blade
The First Berserker: Khazan is built around fast, aggressive combat that demands precision and adaptability. Every fight is a test, whether you’re clearing smaller enemies or facing a boss. The game doesn’t just reward skill—it demands it. Button mashing won’t get you far, and learning how to control Khazan’s movement, stamina, and attacks is the key to survival.
The game follows a mission-based structure, similar to Nioh. Instead of a fully connected world, each level is a self-contained area with branching paths, shortcuts, and hidden rewards. While some routes lead to valuable upgrades, others take you straight to your next battle. Enemies range from standard foot soldiers to elite warriors with deadly combos. Some will try to overwhelm you, while others wait for the perfect moment to counter your attacks. It keeps encounters unpredictable, forcing you to adapt.
Weapons and combat styles
Khazan has access to three distinct weapon types: Dual Blades, Greatswords, and Spears. Each one changes the way you approach combat, making weapon choice a big part of the experience.
- Dual Blades – Fast, precise, and perfect for those who prefer dodging over blocking. These weapons let you stay mobile, landing quick attacks before slipping away. They’re great for keeping pressure on enemies but require careful stamina management.
- Greatswords – Slow, heavy, and devastating. These weapons deliver massive poise damage, staggering enemies and opening them up for brutal finishers. But each swing leaves you vulnerable, so timing is everything.
- Spears – Balanced between speed and power, spears allow for controlled aggression. Their range makes them effective against larger foes, and their thrust-heavy attacks let you keep enemies at a distance.
Each weapon type comes with its own skill tree, allowing you to unlock new combos and abilities. Combat isn’t just about picking a weapon—it’s about mastering its strengths while minimizing its weaknesses.
A fight to remember
One of the toughest fights came against Aratra, the boss at the end of the Strange Stench mission. He struck fast and didn’t give much room to breathe. At first, I relied on Dual Blades, thinking speed would let me keep up. That didn’t last long. Every attempt to dodge was met with a counter, and I barely had time to recover before he attacked again.
After a few losses, I switched to the Spear, hoping the range would help. It worked—at least for a while. I could poke at him from a distance, but the moment I overcommitted, he broke through my defense and took control of the fight. Eventually, I realized dodging wasn’t the answer. Perfect parries turned the fight around, letting me stagger him just enough to land real damage.
By the final phase, he wasn’t holding back. One mistake meant restarting, but after enough practice, I landed the last strike. Watching him fall felt like a real win, the kind that only comes from learning every move and adapting on the fly.
Leveling, gear, and combat challenges
Progression in Khazan isn’t just about getting stronger—it’s about fine-tuning your build. Defeating enemies earns Lacrima, which is used to level up Khazan’s stats. You’ll also find gear of varying rarities, each with unique perks. Weapons, armour, and accessories can be upgraded, reforged, or swapped out to match different playstyles.
A unique system in the game involves summoning spirits to assist in battle. You can find and power up these spirits by defeating ghostly warriors, gaining items that boost their stats. While these summons won’t carry you through a fight, they provide useful buffs and can distract enemies long enough for you to land crucial hits.
The First Berserker: Khazan doesn’t hold your hand. Every encounter is a challenge, and progression is earned, not given. The game’s mix of fast, precise combat, meaningful weapon choices, and deep progression systems make each battle feel rewarding. If you’re willing to learn its mechanics, adapt to its difficulty, and push through its toughest fights, Khazan delivers a combat experience that few action RPGs can match.
Cel-shaded visuals and combat-driven sound
The First Berserker: Khazan uses a cel-shaded art style that gives characters and environments a distinct look. Khazan’s movements are smooth, and combat animations feel responsive. Weapon swings, parries, and special attacks have clear visual effects, making every fight easy to follow. Some areas look more detailed than others, but the shading and lighting keep everything consistent.
Levels take you through ruined cities, underground tunnels, and frozen landscapes. The lighting creates a strong contrast between bright highlights and deep shadows, adding to the game’s dark tone. While some locations feel more detailed, the cel-shaded design keeps the world visually clean without overloading it with effects.
The soundtrack leans on orchestral arrangements with heavy percussion. Battles feature fast, dramatic tracks, while quieter moments use slower, more subdued music. Sound effects help make combat feel weighty, from the clash of steel to the impact of finishing moves. Voice acting is solid, with Khazan delivering his lines with the right intensity, though some supporting characters sound more reserved.
The combination of cel-shading, strong animation work, and clear audio design makes Khazan stand out. The world looks sharp, the combat feels impactful, and the presentation ties everything together.
The First Berserker: Khazan is a brutal yet satisfying soulslike experience
The First Berserker: Khazan doesn’t reinvent the Soulslike formula, but it delivers a tough, fast-paced experience that stands alongside games like Lies of P and Nioh. The combat requires skill, the bosses push you to your limits, and the progression system gives you plenty of ways to fine-tune your playstyle. While the story isn’t the main draw, it does enough to keep the action moving. The cel-shaded visuals help it stand out, and the soundtrack enhances each fight.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Challenging boss fights that push you to improve. | Difficulty might be too punishing for some players. |
| Deep progression system with multiple weapon types and upgrades. | Certain characters feel underdeveloped and exist only to move the plot forward. |
| A rewarding difficulty curve that makes victories feel earned. | The story does its job but isn’t the main reason to play. |
| Fast and aggressive combat that rewards skill and adaptation. |
What stuck with me the most was how every battle felt like a lesson. There were moments of frustration, especially when a boss felt overwhelming, but learning enemy patterns and finding the right strategy made victory feel earned. It’s not a game that hands out wins—you have to work for them.
Overall assessment of The First Berserker: Khazan
Gameplay: 4/5
Graphics: 4.5/5
Sound: 4/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 5/5
Overall rating: 4.4/5 (88%)
If you enjoy Soulslike games and want something that leans into aggressive combat and deep progression, Khazan is worth your time. Just be ready for a challenge. This game doesn’t hold back, but if you stick with it, the payoff is more than worth it.
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