With the surge of interest in games inspired by the Souls series, Neople’s upcoming title, The First Berserker: Khazan, is drawing attention as a prequel to the beloved Dungeon Fighter Online universe. Set to launch on March 27, its marketing may shun the label “Soulslike,” but the game nonetheless exhibits core features familiar to fans of FromSoftware’s dungeon-crawling masterpieces. After playing the demo, which received over 3,436 Steam reviews with a commendable 90% positivity rating, it’s clear this title is generating excitement among gamers.
One of the first things players will notice about Khazan is its approach to combat. Unlike the more methodical pace observed in games like Elden Ring and Bloodborne, Khazan embraces a rapid-fire gameplay style. The emphasis here is on fluid movements and quick engagements, where dodging and parrying take center stage. This approach is enhanced by the game’s visual aesthetics, which feature a cel-shaded art style drenched in vibrant blood splatters.
Players control Khazan as he swiftly navigates through enemies using dual-wielded weapons, a sword, and an axe. This combination allows for aggressive strategies that prioritize offense over defense. The game’s pacing rewards skillful dodges and timely counterattacks, with a gratifying melee rhythm that keeps players engaged. The design philosophy behind the combat seems to echo sentiments from titles like Black Myth: Wukong while also layering on influence from the Souls genre—creating an engaging hybrid that’s fun to play.
While Khazan certainly features elements familiar to Soulslike enthusiasts—such as healing resources akin to Estus flasks and experience points represented through Soul-like mechanics—the game introduces innovations that set it apart. Stealth kills and other strategic tactics provide players with multiple avenues to tackle challenges in the game world. This mixture of combat styles offers a refreshing twist, incentivizing a more active engagement with enemies rather than playing on the defensive.
Adding depth to the character development, the gear menu evolves rapidly in the first couple of hours of gameplay. As players traverse through environments, they collect equipment that includes various set bonuses. The character customization might seem limited at first glance with only five statistics to allocate points into, but Neople plans to incorporate a wealth of skills and weapons that extend the potential for customization. This approach encourages experimentation, an essential aspect of RPG gameplay that keeps players coming back for more.
The demo provided a glimpse into a game that seems polished and ready to capture its audience. Players can see the potential for hours of engaging gameplay that perfectly balances challenge and reward. The initial encounters with bosses left a strong impression, as even the demo’s challenges are designed to test the player’s skills—an encouraging sign that players are in for a fight when the full game releases.
In terms of performance, The First Berserker: Khazan runs smoothly without the sluggishness often associated with many action RPGs. This quality alone makes it stand out from a crowded field of contenders. The graphics are crisp, and the control scheme feels responsive, making it an enjoyable experience right from the get-go.
As we approach its release, The First Berserker: Khazan stands poised to carve a niche for itself in the action RPG landscape. With its focus on fast-paced combat, RPG elements, and an undeniable sense of style, it promises to engage both veterans of the genre and newcomers with its dynamic gameplay. Whether or not this title will be a worthy competitor to established franchises remains to be seen, but based on the demo, it’s clear that anticipation is building. Set to launch on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, players will have the opportunity to experience Khazan’s adventure soon—giving us all something to be excited about.
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