The First Berserker Khazan - A Glimpse of What You Can Expect
Aug. 14, 2024The First Berserker Khazan – A Glimpse of What You Can Expect
The first 15 minutes of gameplay footage of TheFirst Berserker: Khazanwere recently released, offering a glimpse of where the Action RPG currently is in terms of development. We have previously covered an earlier gameplay footage reveal, along withan interview with the developers, so make sure tocheck that out as well.
In the ever-evolving landscape of action RPGs, where dark fantasy often intertwines with intense, gritty combat, “The First Berserker: Khazan” is poised to make its mark. This title, coming to PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, is being crafted with an ambitious vision. From the moment you step into its brooding universe, you’re in for a unique experience. As a hack-and-slash action RPG, “The First Berserker: Khazan” immerses players in a world rich with dark fantasy themes and a soulslike challenge. The game aims to give players a unique blend of dynamic combat and an anime-inspired aesthetic, making it a game to keep an eye out for.
Developed byNeoPlewho also developedDungeon Fighters Online, this game will be a step towards a completely different direction both visually and gameplay-wise, while still maintaining the lore set by the previous franchise.
For those unfamiliar with Khazan’s lore in DFO, at the core of the game’s narrative isKhazan, a former general whose story is marked by tragedy and betrayal. Alongside the formidableArchmage Ozma, Khazan conquered the fearsome dragonHizmar, a triumph that should have secured his place in legend. However, instead of being celebrated for the glory and honor he earned, Khazan is falsely accused of treason, cast out, and betrayed by the very kingdom he swore to protect. Stripped of his title, honor, and purpose, Khazan embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance, seeking to reclaim what was taken from him and exact justice on those who wronged him. This narrative setup provides a foundation for a dark and compelling journey, blurring the lines between hero and villain amid betrayal and revenge, drawing players into a story that is both emotionally charged and action-packed.
Visually, “The First Berserker: Khazan” is nothing short of stunning. Right from the start, the game makes a strong impression with its cel-shaded graphics. It’s clear that the developers have poured some effort into crafting an environment that feels both fantastical and rooted in a harsh reality. The details are remarkable—from the way Khazan’s hair gently sways in the wind to the way the snow on the ground breaks and scatters as he trudges through frozen landscapes. The anime-inspired 2.5D art style adds a unique flair in a way that sets the game apart. Paired with an almost top-down camera angle, this distinct visual approach enhances the dynamism of each scene, allowing players to fully appreciate the depth and detail of the world around them.
One of the most striking features of the game’s visual presentation is the attention to detail, especially during combat. The blood splatter effect that occurs when Khazan hits an enemy isn’t just a generic visual; it actually changes direction based on the angle of the attack as well, adding a satisfying layer to each blow. This detail extends to the enemies too, who show visible wounds from your attacks, with these wounds staying throughout the fight. This contributes to the gritty, realistic atmosphere the developers are striving for. Fans who like a bit of gore will surely appreciate this, as it enhances the game immersion, making each battle feel like you’re truly embodying a berserker. It’s no surprise that this game draws inspiration from the hit manga and anime series “Berserk” because you can definitely feel likeGutswhile playing.
The world design in “The First Berserker: Khazan” is what the game really gets right. While it doesn’t have a full open-world setup, the closed-level design still offers plenty of room for exploration. There are even shortcuts that can be found if you know where to look. The developers have hinted at hidden treasures, lore-packed items, and secret spots scattered across the game’s eerie, haunting landscapes. There’s also some sort of checkpoint system in place. The design clearly draws inspiration from games likeDark Souls, where the environment itself tells a story and adds to the overall experience. Even though “The First Berserker: Khazan” might not have the sprawling, interconnected world of something like Elden Ring, it makes up for it with beautiful level designs and you can still have a lot of things to do, like collecting hidden items and loot.
The full details of the game’s HUD are still not revealed, but we do know there will be a stamina system, complete with a stamina bar. This means that combat will require some smart resource management, much like what you’d find in soulslike games. With the stamina system paired with the existing combat mechanics, players will need to stay sharp and adapt to the ever-changing flow of battle. This mix of familiar and new elements will keep players totally engaged, delivering a combat experience that’s tough but rewarding.
Diving deeper into the combat, “The First Berserker: Khazan” takes a lot of cues from the soulslike genre, especially with its focus on combat and exploration. Fans of this style will recognize familiar mechanics like blocking, dodging, and parrying—essential for making it through the game’s tough battles. But what really sets the game apart is how snappy and responsive the combat feels. Unlike some soulslike games that can feel clunky, this game’s combat looks smooth, where every move and action is spot-on. The result is combat that’s not only challenging but also deeply satisfying, rewarding players for their skill and timing.
One of the interesting features of the combat system is the ability to use the environment to your advantage. Whether you’re pushing enemies off ledges or baiting them into spots where the ground might give way, these environmental interactions add a strategic aspect to the gameplay. This encourages you to get creative and form your strategies with the surroundings in mind. Plus, the addition of visual cues, like red flashes when you nail a parry, is a nice touch. These indicators make landing a perfect parry even more satisfying, adding to the overall combat experience.
That said, the 15-minute gameplay footage we’ve seen so far suggests that while the combat is solid, it could definitely use more depth. The mechanics are well-executed, but they don’t offer much that we haven’t already seen in other games of the genre. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that early gameplay footage doesn’t always show off everything a game has to offer. The developers still have time to introduce new elements that could make Khazan stand out more. Plus, considering this is just the first 15 minutes of the game, it’s likely that new mechanics will be introduced as the game progresses.
After watching the gameplay, I noticed that Khazan’s appearance changes over time. He starts with bloodied bare hands but soon picks up some bracers and shoulder armor. Previous footage has shown him in different armor, too. While it isn’t fully confirmed yet, the fact that Khazan’s look changes based on the gear he equips is really exciting. It’s more than just a visual detail; it adds to the immersion and gives players the freedom to shape their character. This aesthetic customizability is great for players who enjoy tailoring their character’s look. Plus, as Khazan’s appearance evolves, it mirrors the player’s journey, making each new piece of gear feel like a big achievement. This suggests there could be even more customization options in the final game, offering players more ways to make their character their own and feel deeply connected to their growth.
This customization aspect could really enhance the diverse combat styles Khazan seems to offer. While dual-wielding an axe and sword might look cool, that’s just scratching the surface. Imagine Khazan using different stances, maybe wielding a sword and shield for a more defensive approach, or switching to a bow for taking down enemies from a distance. Having multiple combat styles with their own strengths and weaknesses adds a lot of depth and strategic options to the game. It lets you tailor your combat approach to whatever challenges come your way or just to fit your personal playstyle, making each fight feel unique. Plus, it sets the stage for replayability—trying out different builds and strategies could totally change how you experience the game.
Overall, I think the gameplay footage looks great. It fixed some of the issues from earlier footage, like the FPS drops. Comparing the new trailer with the first 15 minutes, it feels like a whole different game. I really appreciate how the game throws you into the action right away instead of locking you into a dull tutorial—you get to learn as you play. What we’ve seen so far is promising, and I’m genuinely excited for future updates. I’m especially looking forward to seeing more about the customization options and different fighting styles. I just think the combat shown in the gameplay footage is still a bit lacking. It does look cool but surely there’s much more to it than what’s shown. Otherwise, non-boss fights would definitely feel like a chore as it goes on.
As fans wait for the release of “The First Berserker: Khazan,” it’s clear the game is aiming to make an impact in the action RPG genre. With its interesting story and striking visuals, it might just be able to pull it off as long as it polishes the combat aspect. I can see it appealing to those who enjoy dark fantasy and soulslike games. The game’s immersive world creates a tense atmosphere where players feel like they are constantly facing danger and must work hard to earn their rewards. The combat system, if done correctly, will test players’ skills, while the customization options hint that each playthrough could offer a unique experience.
If NeoPle manages to polish these elements in the final development stages, “The First Berserker: Khazan” could make a notable impact in the indie action RPG market. A solid mix of story, combat, and customization might make it a fan favorite. If it performs well, it could even lead to updates or sequels that explore additional content and expand the game’s universe.
Whether “The First Berserker: Khazan” turns out to be a standout game will depend on how well it executes its ideas. If it lives up to expectations and avoids being just another generic ARPG, it should hold its own. Either way, it’s definitely a game worth watching out for. With its potential to influence indie action RPGs, the excitement around it is likely to build as more details and gameplay footage are revealed. For fans of action RPGs with a taste for soulslike elements, “The First Berserker: Khazan” might end up being a notable title to look out for.
Castielle
Senior Editor at Fextralife. I enjoy gaming, playing and watching sports, cooking yummy food, watching a good movie and hanging out with Fex.
