The First Berserker: Khazan delivers a thrilling and demanding Soulslike experience, packed with energetic combat and a stylish anime presentation that sets it apart from many of its peers. From the moment we stepped into Khazan’s shoes—an exiled hero bound by a dark pact—we found ourselves immersed in an intense quest for revenge, fighting our way through a war-torn empire shrouded in conspiracies and formidable foes.
Story and Setting
While the overall plot centers on a familiar tale of betrayal and vengeance, it still provides enough intrigue to keep players invested. The cinematic cutscenes shine here, showcasing Khazan’s journey in eye-catching anime visuals that heighten the tension and drama of every encounter. Sure, the dialogue can be a bit heavy-handed, and some character arcs lack depth, but the atmosphere remains consistently gripping throughout your 30-to-40-hour playthrough.
Combat That Packs a Punch
Where The First Berserker: Khazan truly excels is in its combat system. Players can choose from three distinct weapon types—Spear, Greatsword, or Dual Weapons—each offering a unique balance between speed, range, and raw damage. Precise timing of blocks, parries, and dodges is crucial, thanks to a stamina-focused design that adds a layer of tactical thinking to each battle. The result is a fast, explosive feel as you slam powerful blows into enemies while managing your stamina bar to avoid being left wide open to counterattacks.
This commitment to delivering hard-hitting action truly shines in the boss battles. Every boss encounter challenges you to adapt and exploit weaknesses, with each foe bringing its own formidable set of attacks—some relying on brute force, others on swift combo strikes or devious status effects. These fights stand out as highlights, capturing the high-stakes drama that Soulslike fans crave.
Deep Progression and Character Customization
Leveling up works in familiar ways: defeating enemies earns you Lacrima, which you then spend at checkpoints to boost Khazan’s strength, stamina, and health. You’ll also gradually unlock new weapon skills and moves, keeping progression steadily engaging. Equipping different armor sets or mixing and matching gear further tailors Khazan’s stats to your preferences, whether you favor agile combos or heavy-hitting strikes. Additional allies, like upgradable spirit companions, can tip the odds in your favor against particularly tough bosses.
A Gorgeous Anime Aesthetic
Visually, The First Berserker: Khazan stands out from the crowd with its cel-shaded, anime-inspired design. Characters and enemies pop vividly against darker backdrops, adding a unique charm to each battlefield. Though some areas and enemy types may feel a bit familiar—typical ghosts, undead soldiers, and monster spiders—the game’s vibrant, stylized aesthetic keeps exploration entertaining. It also runs smoothly, with only occasional hiccups in textures and the camera.
Final Thoughts
Despite a few minor drawbacks—such as a sometimes finicky parry system or occasional camera angles that impede your view—The First Berserker: Khazan manages to deliver a remarkable, high-impact action RPG. It doesn’t reinvent the Soulslike formula, but instead refines it with rapid, powerful combat and excellent customization options, all wrapped in a striking anime art style. If you’re craving a Soulslike challenge brimming with explosive battles and a vengeance-fueled storyline, Khazan is well worth your time.
