If you’re the kind of gamer who thrives on frustration, lives for the thrill of a perfect parry, and considers “you died” a motivational mantra, then buckle up because The First Berserker: Khazan might just be your next obsession.
This new contender in the soulslike arena comes out swinging, and after diving into the demo, I can confidently say it’s got the grit and polish to hold its ground among some of the genre’s heavyweights.
Khazan: The Ultimate Angry Exile
The premise is straightforward but oh-so-satisfying: You’re Khazan, a disgraced former general accused of treason and exiled from the empire. Predictably, he’s not taking this lying down.
Fueled by rage and powered by a mysterious spirit that channels his fury into a raw, destructive force, Khazan embarks on a bloody, vengeance-fueled journey. While the story of a wronged warrior defying the odds isn’t breaking any narrative moulds, the execution is where it shines.
Every cutscene and dialogue exchange drips with drama, setting the stage for a truly gripping tale. Think of it as comfort food for fans of revenge stories: familiar but undeniably satisfying.
A Demo That Feels Like a Full-Course Meal
The demo for The First Berserker: Khazan doesn’t just tease the game; it delivers a robust experience. Players can sink their teeth into two full missions with sprawling exploration, intense boss battles, and enough loot to make a hoarder’s heart sing.
And here’s the cherry on top: all progress carries over to the full game. No need to repeat those first two hours when the full release hits, a feature that should be standard practice for demos but often isn’t.
Combat: Painful, Rewarding, and Addictive
At its core, The First Berserker: Khazan is all about the combat, and oh boy, does it deliver. Brutal, demanding, and deeply rewarding, the gameplay leans heavily into the soulslike formula of stamina management, perfectly timed dodges, and that ever-present sense of impending doom.
To keep things fresh, the game introduces a unique guard meter mechanic that rewards careful aggression, adding an extra layer of strategy to every encounter. The thrill of breaking through an enemy’s guard and landing a devastating blow keeps you hooked, even as you die for the 50th time.
A Welcome Sight for Weary Souls
Visually, Khazan sets itself apart with a striking cel-shaded art style that’s more akin to Hades than Dark Souls. The demo’s frozen tundra is a breathtakingly harsh landscape, with icy cliffs and raging blizzards that feel alive and treacherous.
Easy Mode? In My Soulslike?
Yes, you read that right. The First Berserker: Khazan offers an easy mode for players who want to focus on the story without soul-crushing difficulty. Purists might scoff, but let’s be real: sometimes, you want to enjoy the journey without risking your controller’s lifespan.
It’s a welcome option that makes the game accessible to a broader audience while still offering the punishing challenge hardcore fans crave.
Dungeon Fighter Fans, This One’s for You
If you’re a fan of Dungeon Fighter Online, you’ll find plenty to love here, as Khazan ties directly into its lore.
But even if you’ve never touched DFO, the game stands tall on its own, delivering a narrative packed with betrayal, drama, and epic battles that’ll keep you hooked from start to finish.
Bottom Line:
The First Berserker: Khazan may not have FromSoftware’s name behind it, but it’s shaping up to be a serious contender in the soulslike genre.
The demo alone offers hours of content, challenging combat, and a stunning world that begs to be explored.
Whether you’re a seasoned soulslike veteran or a curious newcomer, Khazan promises an unforgettable journey, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.