A Berserker’s Tale
First things first, “The First Berserker: Khazan” is set in the Dungeon & Fighter universe, a franchise that’s been around for a whopping 19 years. Our protagonist, Khazan, is a fallen general of the Pell Los Empire who’s somehow cheated death. Talk about a comeback story!
The game promises to deliver a hardcore action RPG experience, and from what we’ve seen in the gameplay footage, it’s not pulling any punches. Khazan wields a variety of weapons, from great swords to spears, each with its own unique characteristics. And let’s not forget the “Blade Phantom” which grants him new powers along the way. Color me intrigued!
Soulslike or Not?
Now, the burning question on everyone’s mind: Is this just another Soulslike? Well, yes and no. While “Khazan” definitely borrows some elements from the Souls series – think maze-like environments, powerful falling attacks, and a parry system – it’s also carving out its own identity[1].
One major difference is the emphasis on storytelling. Unlike the cryptic lore of Souls games, “Khazan” is putting its narrative front and center[2]. We’re talking revenge, conspiracy, and drama – all the good stuff! Plus, it’s tying into the larger Dungeon & Fighter lore, which is a neat bonus for fans of the franchise.
Visuals to Die For
Let’s talk aesthetics, because hot damn, this game is eye-candy! “Khazan” sports a cel-shaded anime art style that’s giving me serious manga vibes. The frosty environments and the character designs are simply chef’s kiss. It’s a refreshing change from the gritty realism we often see in this genre.
But what makes The First Berserker: Khazan’s art style so unique compared to other action-RPGs?
- Cel-shaded anime aesthetic: The game features a cel-shaded anime art style but with a darker and more muted tone compared to many brightly colored anime-inspired games. This gives it an edge that resonates well with fans of more serious narratives.
- Darker color palette: Utilizing a darker color palette focused on black and red hues creates a somber and intense visual style that complements the game’s themes of revenge and conflict.
- Realistic texturing: While maintaining an anime-inspired look, “Khazan” incorporates more realistic texturing during combat sequences. This blend enhances immersion while keeping the overall aesthetic cohesive.
- Frosty environments: The gameplay footage showcases snowy, mountainous environments that contribute to the game’s distinct visual identity. The frosty landscapes serve as both a backdrop and a character in their own right.
- Manga-like appearance: The overall aesthetic feels like it’s straight out of the pages of a combat-filled manga like Berserk, drawing players into its dramatic world.
- The art style strikes a balance between stylized anime visuals and more realistic elements, especially in character designs and combat animations. This approach helps convey both the intensity of battles and the emotional weight of Khazan’s journey.
This combination of cel-shading, darker tones, realistic texturing, and manga-inspired aesthetics sets “Khazan” apart visually from many other action RPGs, which often opt for either fully realistic or brightly colorful styles. The game’s visuals aim to complement its intense gameplay while tying into its darker narrative themes.
Build Your Berserker
For all you min-maxers out there, “Khazan” is promising deep character progression and build variety. Want to wield a slow but powerful great sword? Go for it! Prefer the rapid strikes of a spear? That’s an option too! The developers are aiming for both variety and depth in the builds, so we should have plenty of room to experiment and find our perfect playstyle.
Will It Live Up to the Hype?
Now, the million-dollar question: Can “The First Berserker: Khazan” deliver on its promises? From what we’ve seen so far, it’s looking pretty promising. The combat seems solid, the art style is gorgeous, and the story-focused approach could be a refreshing change of pace for the genre.
However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The game isn’t set to release until 2025, so there’s still some way to go. We’ll need to see more gameplay and hear about features like multiplayer before we can make a final judgment.
The Verdict (So Far)
“The First Berserker: Khazan” is shaping up to be an intriguing addition to the action RPG landscape. It’s got the Soulslike elements we know and love, but with enough unique features to stand out from the crowd. The emphasis on story, the striking art style, and the promise of deep character builds have certainly piqued my interest.
Will it dethrone Elden Ring as the king of action RPGs? Well, that’s a tall order. But if it can deliver on its promises, “Khazan” could very well be a worthy contender in the genre. I, for one, am looking forward to donning my berserker armor and diving into this frosty world of revenge and mystery.
What do you think, fellow gamers? Are you hyped for “The First Berserker: Khazan,” or are you taking a wait-and-see approach? Let me know in the comments below, if you like!
By the way, we’ve already published “A Quick Look at the Most Anticipated Soulslike Games of 2025” – which might be another interesting article for you Soulslike fans to dive into. After checking out the technical beta I published another Khazan post titled “I played The First Berserker: Khazan – My First Impressions” worth a look.
Please note that this post was created using Perplexity AI, designed to provide you with insightful and engaging content.
Citations:
[1] https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-first-berserker-khazan-is-a-hack-and-slash-revival-that-pulls-no-punches/1100-6525596/
[2] https://gamerant.com/first-berserker-khazan-soulslike-mechanics-inspirations/
[3] https://www.pcgamebenchmark.com/the-first-berserker-khazan-system-requirements
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/1embcyi/the_first_berserker_khazan_first_15_minutes_of/
[5] https://www.gamescom.global/en/product/the-first-berserker-khazan
[6] https://www.gamescom.global/de/news/the-first-berserker-khazans-unique-art-style
[7] https://www.vodafone.de/featured/gaming/the-first-berserker-khazan-release-story-ps5-gameplay-action-rpg/
[8] https://steamcommunity.com/app/2680010
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