When I first got my hands on the early demo of The First Berserker: Khazan, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. As a long-time fan of action RPGs, especially those that harken back to the PS2 era, I was curious to see how this game would carve its niche. What I found was a compelling blend of straightforward action and deep combat mechanics that kept me engaged throughout my playtime.
A Familiar Yet Fresh Hero’s Journey
The First Berserker: Khazan places you in the shoes of Khazan, a once-revered hero turned outcast. Falsely accused of treason after saving the Pell Los Empire from Hismar the Berserk Dragon and the Dragon Legion, Khazan is subjected to brutal torture and condemned to exile. The narrative sets a gritty tone right from the start, thrusting you into a world where survival is paramount and redemption is a distant dream.
What struck me was how the story doesn’t bog you down with unnecessary exposition. It provides just enough context to make Khazan’s plight compelling while allowing the gameplay to take center stage. The themes of betrayal, survival, and reclamation are woven seamlessly into the experience, making every encounter feel meaningful. However, this does affect some of the early pacing in the game. What is meant to act as a tutorial does slow down the early action, but after that, the gloves come off, and I was faced with some challenging yet responsive moments of gameplay.
Combat That Rewards Skill and Strategy
The combat system is where The First Berserker: Khazan truly shines. On the surface, it offers a straightforward action approach reminiscent of classic titles like God of War. But beneath that lies a depth that I only began to scratch during my demo time.
The ability system is robust, giving you access to a variety of skills that cater to different playstyles. Whether you prefer heavy-hitting attacks or swift, agile maneuvers, the game accommodates. Experimenting with different abilities and seeing how they synergize adds a layer of strategy to the otherwise fast-paced combat.
Further, parrying enemy attacks is not just a defensive maneuver but a satisfying gameplay mechanic that opens up counter-attack opportunities. Timing is crucial, and the game rewards you for mastering it. There’s a learning curve here, but it’s one that feels rewarding rather than punishing.
Boss Battles That Steal the Show
If the regular combat encounters are the appetizer, the boss battles are the main course. Each boss I faced seemed to be meticulously designed, both in appearance and combat style. They present unique challenges that require you to adapt and utilize all the tools at your disposal.
One icy boss, in particular, had me on the edge of my seat. The fight demanded precise timing, not just in parrying but also in exploiting openings. The visual and auditory feedback during these battles enhances the experience, making victories feel earned and losses a lesson in strategy refinement.
A Modern Homage to Classic Action RPGs
Playing The First Berserker: Khazan felt like revisiting the classic God of War series but with a modern twist. The game captures that quintessential hack-and-slash essence while integrating contemporary gameplay mechanics that keep it from feeling dated.
The environments are detailed but not enough to detract from the on-screen action, and while the demo didn’t allow for full exploration, what I did see was enough to justify some exploration. However, when I say this game is all about the action, I mean it. The anime visuals lend themselves so well to the game’s style, and I’m glad that the developers focused on making combat rewarding first and foremost.
Room for Growth and Customization
I was also able to experiment with upgrading abilities and different equipment configurations, and I found that this provided a sense of progression that complements the action. The game encourages you to find a playstyle that suits you, and the variety of perks and gear available ensures that there’s ample room for customization.
I found myself frequently returning to the equipment menu, tweaking my setup to better handle the challenges ahead. This level of personalization means that many players may have a different approach to specific situations, or ones that make some encounters easier.
Final Thoughts
While my time with the demo was limited, The First Berserker: Khazan left a strong impression. Its blend of straightforward action and deep combat mechanics offers something for both newcomers and veterans of the genre. The boss battles alone will likely hold me off until the full release.
For those craving a game that balances intense action with meaningful progression, The First Berserker: Khazan is one to keep on your radar. I, for one, am eager to dive back in and explore the depths of its combat system and see where Khazan’s journey ultimately leads. Oh, I also know very little about the DNF universe, but I settled into this story pretty easily.
