The First Berserker: Khazan Review

A hardcore action RPG based on the DNF (Dungeon & Fighter) Universe, the titular Khazan’s vengeance is yours to take with the release of Neople and NEXON’s The First Berserker: Khazan.

Should players finish the fight with this hardcore action RPG? Find out in our review.

The First Berserker: Khazan Review

A brutal tale set in the storied Dungeon & Fighter Universe, things aren’t quite sunshine and rainbows in The First Berserker: Khazan – think more violence and hatred. 

There’s even a nasty snowstorm to set the mood.

Players will follow in the footsteps of the Great General Khazan; once a hero, he’s on a mission of revenge after being tortured due to falsely being accused of crimes against the Empire.

However, Khazan is able to make a break for it, healed by the mysterious Blade Phantom – think a ghost possession, but with multiple personalities. After overcoming trials and forming a shaky alliance where they concur (concur concur), this newfound strength is then utilized to its full extent in a dangerous world where neigh everything out to kill him.

On that note, The First Berserker: Khazan absolutely excels when capturing the sheer brutality and bloodlust that comes with the protagonist’s quest for revenge. To aid Khazan in his journey, The First Berserker: Khazan closely follows in the footsteps of the Soulslike genre. 

Stamina plays a big part, along with a lock-on system, multiple types of attacks, and even stagger. One can also swap out gear and upgrade Khazan’s Vitalitiy, Endurance, Strength, Willpower, and Proficiency with precious Lacrima. However, true to the genre, sheer skill will get you ahead and that oh-so-satisfying “Mission Completed” message.

Do note that this title has a much faster pace compared to other Soulslikes – think Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice as opposed to Dark Souls, right down to its parry system – Brink Parries are crucial! In addition, areas are broken down into different regions – this isn’t an open world title.

However, the same universal rules apply – know your attacks, know your enemy, know your inventory, and do a dance of death where you hope the opponent dies before you. 

On that note, The First Berserker: Khazan’s difficulty is as brutal as Khazan himself – and we mean that in every sense of the word. While there is an Easy Mode (for those “unfamiliar with action games”) and there have been patches that adjust the difficulty in every sense of the word, one will have to truly immerse themselves in this title if they’re looking to get ahead, even with these accomodations.

That being said, The First Berserker: Khazan rewards high level play and gives players the right tools for the job. We started our path of righteous fury utlizing the dual wielding setup nicked from a fallen soldier, but we quickly experimented with different techniques and weaponry as we added broadswords and spears to the mix.

Just be warned that the enemies of The First Berserker: Khazan can take a hit – almost to a fault. There’s a lot of damage sponges in this game, and while players can execute quick takedowns, get ready to fight fight fight. 

This is doubly so for The First Berserker: Khazan’s bosses; as a general indication – without spoiling too much – a certain venomous, multi-appendaged foe a little ways in tested our mettle and helped us refine our craft.

Nevertheless, The First Berserker: Khazan’s presentation is at the top of its class, packing impact, style, and brutality in one fell swoop. Its unique blend of toon shading with realistic, moody backdrops, paired with stellar voice acting and excellent sound design, all crafted an engrossing journey.

Those willing to truly master The First Berserker: Khazan will be treated to a world that is equal parts brutal and rewarding.

The post The First Berserker: Khazan Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.