First Berserker: Khazan is the first-ever single-player ARPG set in the Dungeon and Fighter universe, developed by Neople and published by Nexon. With its highly praised demo earlier this year, expectations were high for this debut Souls-like title. But does it deliver? Let’s dive in.

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Story and Setting

In First Berserker: Khazan, you play as Khazan, a warrior of the Pelos Empire who rose to become a revered general. Alongside his best friend, Osma the Great Mage, they vanquished Hisar, the berserk dragon threatening their land. However, their glory was short-lived as the Emperor, envious of their fame, falsely accused them of treason. Khazan was brutally tortured, had his tendons severed, and was exiled to the snowy mountains of Mount Heimach.

Fate intervenes when an avalanche disrupts his transit, leading to an encounter with the Blade Phantom—a mysterious entity that attempts to take over Khazan’s body. Instead of succumbing, Khazan forms a pact with the Blade Phantom, gaining the strength needed to enact his revenge.

This dynamic between protagonist and inner demon is reminiscent of anime tropes, offering an engaging narrative. The Blade Phantom, cynical and dismissive of human connection, contrasts sharply with Khazan, who embodies heroism and loyalty. However, while their interactions are compelling, neither character undergoes significant growth throughout the story.

Similarly, side characters are introduced with intriguing backgrounds but fade into the background after their brief moments of importance. However, the narrative remains engaging, packed with twists, betrayals, and mysteries that make for a compelling revenge tale. The Dungeon and Fighter universe enhances the experience, featuring mages, dragons, reptilian Dragonkin, Seno Temple monks, Yeti monsters, and even rulers of the underworld.

One standout feature is the full character relationship map, accessible from any Blade Nexus, which updates biographies and allegiances as you progress. This thoughtful addition allows for deeper immersion into the game’s lore.

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Gameplay

While the story holds its own, First Berserker: Khazan prioritizes gameplay, streamlining traditional Souls-like mechanics to attract a wider audience. It draws inspiration from titles like Nioh while adding fresh elements to its combat system, which is one of the best in recent years—perhaps only rivaled by Stellar Blade.

Game Structure and Level Design

The game’s core structure borrows elements from Demon’s Souls and Nioh 2. The central hub, known as The Crevice, exists between the Neor and the mortal realm, serving as a fast-travel point. From here, you access missions via the Phantom Gate, similar to Nioh 2’s mission selection system. The structured approach makes objectives more manageable, particularly for players with limited time. However, The Crevice lacks the hidden elements and treasures that define classic Soulsborne hubs.

Levels start linear and simple but gradually become more intricate, featuring shortcuts, verticality, and hidden secrets. Environments take clear inspiration from other Souls-like games—burning villages from Nioh, Sen’s Fortress from Dark Souls, and the infamous Miyazaki poison swamps. Collectibles such as breakable red gems and Jarlings (similar to Nioh’s Kodama) further reinforce the Nioh influence.

At its best, the level design reaches Demon’s Souls-level quality, particularly in the final regions. However, earlier areas feel derivative, relying too heavily on familiar mechanics. Despite this, the execution remains impressive, especially for Neople’s first attempt at an ARPG.

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Combat System

Combat in First Berserker: Khazan is an exhilarating blend of Souls-like patience and Devil May Cry-style fluidity. The visceral animations, impactful sound effects, and satisfying hit-stop frames create a combat experience that almost borders on hack-and-slash. However, bosses demand careful strategy, ensuring that reckless aggression is punished.

A standout feature is the Burst Counter, lifted straight from Nioh, allowing for high-risk, high-reward counterattacks. The game strikes a balance between aggressive tools and measured combat pacing, preventing button-mashing while keeping fights dynamic.

Weapons and Customization

Players choose from three weapon types, each drastically altering combat style:

• Dual Wield – Short range, but swift and agile.

• Great Sword – Heavy-hitting with strong defensive options.

• Spear – Long reach with devastating multi-hit combos.

Each weapon offers a unique experience, making multiple playthroughs feel fresh.

The Skill Tree provides further depth, offering distinct skills and passive bonuses that cater to different builds. Leveling follows traditional Souls-like conventions, using Laca, an otherworldly essence collected from enemies and corpses, to upgrade stats.

Healing is tied to Netherworld Energy, replenished at checkpoints, ensuring a familiar yet refined Souls-like progression system.

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Verdict

First Berserker: Khazan is a strong debut for Neople in the ARPG space, delivering engaging combat, an immersive world, and a well-paced revenge narrative. While character development is lacking, and some levels feel overly inspired by existing titles, the overall experience is polished and enjoyable.

With a Metacritic score of 79, the game impresses with its rich historical setting and authentic world-building but is held back by repetitive missions and familiar RPG progression.

For fans of Nioh, Dark Souls, or Devil May Cry, First Berserker: Khazan is a must-play. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it refines and blends elements masterfully, setting a strong foundation for potential sequels.