The First Berserker: Khazan stands out as a hardcore action RPG with soulslike elements, blending intense combat and adventure in a single-player experience on PC. Set in the Dungeon Fighter Online universe, this title follows General Khazan's quest for revenge across the continent of Arad, delivering strategic battles and deep mechanics that appeal to fans of challenging gameplay.
Gameplay
In The First Berserker: Khazan, combat revolves around mastering skills unlocked via Skill Points, allowing players to unleash powerful attacks and adapt strategies on the fly. You can reset and respec these skills anytime to optimize for survival or damage during tough encounters, emphasizing experimentation without permanent commitments.
The death system encourages persistence; when defeated, return to the spot to recover lost Lacrima and regain experience, focusing efforts on skill improvement rather than repetitive grinding. Gear collection plays a key role, with weapons and sets offering unique attributes that enhance playstyles, whether through full-set bonuses or mixed loadouts for customization.
Boss fights demand precise timing and understanding of enemy patterns, weaknesses, and abilities, pushing players to refine tactics with versatile weapons. Reviews highlight the combat as addicting and well-executed, with blocking and dodging as core defensive options that make engagements feel fluid and rewarding.
Game Modes
The main campaign mode immerses you in Khazan's story-driven adventure, filled with diverse foes and exploration across Arad. After completing the initial playthrough, New Game+ unlocks, letting you replay with heightened challenges while retaining progress.
For endgame tests, the Ultimate Challenge mode resets stats and equipment, introducing fresh progression systems. Within it, Great General's Crucible pits you against themed groups of bosses in a gauntlet format, while Berserker's Bloodshed requires battling all 16 bosses consecutively to earn special gear and weapons as rewards.
Visuals and Setting
The game features striking 3D cel-shaded graphics that blend anime aesthetics with realistic textures, bringing the vibrant world of Arad to life. This visual style captures the essence of the Dungeon Fighter Online series, enhancing the immersive atmosphere during Khazan's revenge-fueled journey.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player reception praises the tight, visceral combat and brutal difficulty, making it a strong pick for those who thrive on soulslike challenges. Reviews from sites like IGN and GamingTrend describe it as impressive and a masterclass in the genre, with Reddit users noting the addicting flow of battles.
If you enjoy strategic action RPGs with deep mechanics and don't mind steep learning curves, The First Berserker: Khazan offers substantial replay value through its modes and skill systems. However, it may not suit players seeking easier experiences, as the focus on mastery and adaptation defines its appeal in the current gaming landscape.
