The First Berserker: Khazan Review – Gritty, Stylish, and Brutally Challenging

Upon firing up “The First Berserker: Khazan” and being struck by its awe-inspiring title screen, I had a feeling something extraordinary was in store. And luckily, I can confirm that this game is indeed extraordinary, earning a spot among the top Souls-like games available today.

Drawing on games like Sekiro and Nioh for inspiration, Khazan manages to establish its unique character. In terms of gameplay structure, Khazan evokes memories of the hack-n-slash adventures from the nostalgic PS2 era. Here are some reasons why you might want to try out this fresh action RPG.

Betrayed by the Empire

In the opening scene, the initial Berserker, Khazan, swiftly establishes the atmosphere for the forthcoming journey. Players assume command of the main character who is falsely accused of treasonous acts against the Pell Los Empire. His condition is grim due to his arms’ tendons being cut as a form of punishment.

In a surprising twist, General Khazan is granted another life by an unseen spirit who sees potential in him as a vessel. With this newfound strength, his harrowing journey commences. It’s an intriguing opening that captures the game’s foreboding ambiance and air of enigma. This traditional storyline fits well with the genre, enhancing its appeal.

Khazan stands out right from the start due to its distinctive visual style. Unlike most Souslikes, Khazan strives for a more artistic and stylized appearance, yet it still maintains the rough, gritty vibe typical of these types of games. Accompanied by impressive music and exceptional sound design, the overall presentation is outstanding.

The First Berserker: Khazan Is All About Combat

In essence, Khazan is my kind of action game, where the focus is primarily on intense combat. Don’t get me wrong, other features are still present and decent, but what sets this game apart is its emphasis on battle mechanics. If you’re expecting intricate, Souls-like levels with meticulously crafted environments, you might be disappointed, as that’s not what Khazan offers. Instead, it provides a unique gaming experience centered around dynamic combat.

If you’re a fan of intense combat, you’re in for a treat with the game “Khazan“. To start off, it offers straightforward mechanics that are familiar to genre enthusiasts. But as you advance, you’ll find the system becoming increasingly intricate. Consequently, “The First Berserker: Khazan” surpasses the typical dodge roll and parry gameplay.

This combat system offers a balance between high-stakes rewards and potential setbacks. The more assured you feel about your abilities, the greater the harm you can inflict. However, a single error could prove costly for the player. Fortunately, the controls are exceptionally responsive and the game’s animations clearly convey the vital information needed to emerge victorious.

Quality Over Quantity

Khazan offers the player a selection of three distinct weapon categories to master. Although it might seem simple at first glance, there’s an incredible amount of complexity hidden within. Each category encompasses multiple skill branches that offer plenty of knowledge to absorb.

In the course of my gameplay, I developed a strong affinity for the Greatsword, making it my preferred weapon. As I grew more accustomed to it and uncovered innovative strategies, I noticed my advancement not only in terms of stats but also in my own mastery. Given this experience, the combat system effectively combines resource management and technical proficiency.

To master Khazan, always remember to stay mindful of all possible moves. From flawless parries to graceful dodges, there’s a lot to manage, and it can be simple to overlook something. Utilizing every resource available will give you an advantage in combat, and the game will generously acknowledge your skill.

During a single game session, it’s beneficial to focus on using one type of weapon consistently. This approach not only enhances the game’s replay value but also aids in learning more efficiently.

Gear, Lots and Lots of Gear

The First Berserker: Khazan

In essence, this character only offers three types of weapons to wield, yet the abundance of loot can be quite daunting. Your choice of equipment is significantly influenced by your preferred playstyle and whether you’re addressing any shortcomings in your character’s build. If you’ve experienced games like Nioh or Wo Long before, the loot system here might seem familiar to you.

Each item comes with fundamental characteristics like defense and offensive scores, yet there’s a lot more to think about. Based on the quality of your gear, it might possess additional traits that offer minor advantages. Additionally, the weight of the equipment is significant, and some character classes can handle hefty equipment while still maintaining agility.

Furthermore, particular gear collections come with unique benefits tailored for specific gameplay styles or situations. Using multiple items from the same collection enhances the benefits derived from the set. Although it’s feasible to combine different gears, it might be beneficial to focus on one set instead.

Thankfully, instead of searching everywhere for a full gear collection, the game lets you acquire certain scrolls that enable the blacksmith to construct complete sets for you. This is a thoughtful addition as it lessens the hassle involved in organizing and maintaining your gear.

The Killer Boss Encounters of The First Berserker: Khazan

An action RPG like Khazan demands some truly epic boss battles, and it certainly delivers on that front. Each encounter challenges your skills, often resulting in multiple attempts to conquer them. Be warned: unless you’ve opted for the easy mode, these fights may require persistence and patience.

What’s even more noteworthy is the diverse array of bosses and the consistent high-quality gameplay here. Although they challenge the player in distinct ways, almost every interaction is captivating and unpredictable. Of course, understanding the movesets of each boss is crucial, but there are numerous chances to inflict significant damage.

Khazan encourages players to think outside the box for rewards. While playing cautiously is generally possible, solutions to problems are often multifaceted. The ‘Brink Guard’ parry isn’t always sufficient to prevent harm, so how do you respond in such situations?

During battles, consider combining defensive moves like dodging, counterattacks, and smart positioning with taking some damage if needed. This strategy can significantly improve your fight performance. Don’t hesitate to try new things if you’re unsure, as experimentation is key to success!

Quantity Over Quality

Upon reviewing my journey with the game, I find that Khazan could shine even brighter if it focused more on streamlining its content. A more compact gameplay experience would undoubtedly enhance the overall quality of the game. The abundance of content in the game is commendable, but it often slows down the pace, particularly towards the later stages.

In choosing a mission-focused framework over a more integrated approach, Khazan presents an ideal chance to streamline unnecessary elements. However, rather than doing so, these missions turn out to be quite expansive, and the overall level design shows inconsistencies. On occasion, there are intriguing concepts emerging, particularly in areas with increased verticality.

As a gamer, I must admit that while the game was fun, some of its environments failed to leave a lasting impression. Instead of memorable landscapes, I found myself navigating through repetitive gray corridors. Games like “Lies of P” put significantly more effort into crafting their locations, which is a shame because with a bit more attention to detail, “Khazan” could have reached even greater heights.

Unfortunately, the situation becomes more challenging as the player is heavily motivated to accomplish some of Khazan’s side missions. These tasks are repetitive and frequently involve battling slightly modified versions of earlier bosses, which appears to be a deliberate effort to extend total gameplay time. Regrettably, this tactic feels quite disappointing.

An Easy Recommendation

As a gamer, I must say that, even though there were the occasional hiccups, my gaming experience was mostly glitch-free. Opting for a stylish appearance over high-resolution graphics proved to be an intelligent decision, as the game ran seamlessly from the get-go. To my surprise, it seems the Steam Deck can handle this game quite efficiently too!

Experience the exceptional hardcore action RPG titled “The First Berserker: Khazan.” If you’re a fan of the genre, don’t miss out on this game that you truly should play. Despite encountering numerous spiders, skeletons, and zombies which might have caused some weariness, I found myself drawn back repeatedly. The game offers remarkable boss fights, a rewarding sense of progression, an engaging narrative, and a top-notch soundtrack, making it a highly recommended title.

On March 27, “The First Berserker: Khazan” will be released for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. If you can’t wait that long, grab the Deluxe Edition now to start playing immediately. Don’t forget to check out Final Weapon for more reviews!

As a grateful admirer, I’d like to clarify that Nexon generously offered me a Steam version of “The First Berserker: Khazan” for the purpose of providing an honest review.

2025-03-24 18:19