The First Berserker: Khazan review – Parry, die, repeat

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The First Berserker: Khazan stands out as an uncommon Soulslike game. Unlike many imitations, this one doesn’t quite grasp what makes FromSoftware’s formula successful or they ease up on the challenge to cater to a broader audience. However, Developer Neople has made Khazan more challenging and, in some instances, even more gratifying than its predecessors. Unfortunately, the rest of the game didn’t receive that same level of dedication.

My demonic kingdom for a body

In Neople’s plan, Khazan’s narrative served as the basis for the creation story of the Dungeons and Fighters series, however, there isn’t much material to expand upon. This tale revolves around a renowned general, admired for his brutal prowess in battle and his contributions towards expanding his emperor’s empire. However, this revered figure is eventually ousted from the imperial court through a devious plot. The army subjected him to torment and abandoned him to die, but a wicked spirit from another realm found potential in Khazan as a host and miraculously revived him for selfish purposes.

There’s an intriguing similarity between Khazan’s demon and the biblical story of the demon Legion. Both involve a multitude of evils being drawn by dark emotions, possessing one individual to make them extraordinarily powerful. “Legion” symbolizes Roman military might, much like Khazan’s position as commander-in-chief. However, the tale doesn’t delve deeper than this basic premise. It revolves around a man with demonic powers seeking revenge, but fails to explore these themes in a more personal or innovative way, instead relying on the overused trope of vengeance without adding any fresh perspectives.

Dodgy moves

The First Berserker: Khazan borrows typical features seen in many Souls-like games, such as leveling up with items earned from defeating foes (Lacrima instead of Runes or Souls), opponents often respawn when you rest or save, and the main objective is battling through swarms of common enemies and taking on tougher Guardian-type enemies or bosses. However, it stands out in combat by offering unique mechanics for evasion and parrying.

Dark Souls and Elden Ring offer flexibility in combat, allowing you to succeed without relying heavily on parrying, which can be a relief if, like me, your timing isn’t always spot-on in these games. However, Khazan demands mastery of both parrying and dodging, and the ability to discern the optimal technique based on the situation at hand – a skill that becomes crucial as battles progress. Stamina is crucial for Khazan, and you’ll find it scarce during your initial hours in the game.

In combat, Khazan temporarily loses his ability to act due to stamina depletion, making him vulnerable and increasing the likelihood of being defeated. However, executing a flawless dodge or block at the optimal moment doesn’t drain any stamina. The gameplay emphasizes mastering an enemy’s precise timing more so than other Soulslikes, giving it a similar feel to Shadow of the Erdtree, although Khazan’s bosses are significantly less punishing than those found in Messmer.

In addition to other stats, Khazan’s attacks can decrease an enemy’s stamina by a significant amount. When enemies become tired, they become vulnerable to critical strikes, much like when you shatter an opponent’s guard in Dark Souls. The battles in Khazan require a delicate balance, as you must determine the best strategy for survival, ensure your timing is accurate, and assess whether it’s wise to intensify your attack to exhaust your foe. It’s challenging yet thrilling, representing one of the more engaging adaptations of FromSoftware’s combat style in a new format within recent years.

In contrast to many contemporary games that feature skill trees, particularly action-RPGs, which often clutter these trees with insignificant skills, Khazan’s skill trees stand out, with only one minor drawback. The Dual Wield tree is a notable exception, as it enhances the initial weapon to the point where it can shred both common enemies and bosses, while also allowing for evasive maneuvers to dodge incoming attacks. Upgrading the spear in this game is analogous to learning advanced techniques in an introductory fighting game, resulting in a variety of chain attacks and unique effects based on the enemy’s current status.

The main issue with the greatsword is that it’s a typical heavy weapon, known for its strength but also its slowness and awkwardness, especially in boss battles. Its skill tree primarily addresses its vulnerabilities, like allowing you to inflict more damage if you get hit while charging or speeding up your charge attacks. However, these skills are mainly filling gaps rather than offering fresh playstyles or pushing you to master new combat techniques.

Even though Khazan can be challenging, it allows for flexibility in building your character based on what feels enjoyable to you. Unlike other Soulslike games, if you die during a boss fight, you can retrieve your Lacrima without re-entering the arena, and even receive some extra Lacrima as a sort of consolation prize. This won’t let you level up significantly or alter the upcoming battle greatly, but it does soften the grind and make it less monotonous.

Nothing but the void

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve noticed that many games attempting to emulate the Souls series often nail the structure but fall short on the style. Khazan is one such game, and while it shares the core mechanics, it lacks the immersive attention to detail in its environments, where the battles unfold. Sure, Dark Souls might be filled with gloomy castles and dreary swamps, but they’re not just grim settings; they’re masterfully crafted to evoke a sense of foreboding and awe. Bloodborne’s Yharnam, for instance, skillfully uses light, camera angles, and sound effects to create an eerie, unsettling atmosphere that makes the game stand out.

Neople’s distinctive artistic style shines in cutscenes, lending depth to what would otherwise be flat characters. However, many of the game settings appear barren – caves, castles, snowfields devoid of charm or atmosphere. These locales seem more like backdrops for action and combat rather than immersive environments filled with life.

At first glance, Khazan might appear to be just another game following the Soulslikes format. It would be exciting if Neople developed its unique style and design instead of merely mimicking a widely-followed trend. Interestingly, however, Neople surpassed most Soulslikes by introducing innovative elements into the genre’s combat system – a significant advantage since there isn’t much else to Khazan beyond fighting. Fortunately, the time spent engaging in combat is enjoyable, which compensates for the limited offerings outside of battle.

As a fervent admirer, I’m penning down this review from a copy of “The First Berserker: Khazan” kindly provided by the publisher. Right now, you can immerse yourself in the thrilling world of “The First Berserker: Khazan” on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S platforms!

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2025-03-28 22:29