The First Berserker: Khazan Review - A Deep Dive into Bold Action and Recurring Encounters

At Gaming News, we’ve eagerly awaited the arrival of The First Berserker: Khazan. Having spent considerable time immersed in its world, mastering its combat, and exploring its intricate narrative, we’re ready to deliver a comprehensive review that delves into every aspect of this highly anticipated action RPG. Many were surprised that the Dungeon Fighter universe, a property with a deep and established fanbase, would receive such a significant expansion into new genres in 2025. But The First Berserker: Khazan seeks to prove that the choice was not only justified but also incredibly inspired.

A Narrative Forged in Betrayal and Revenge: Unraveling Khazan’s Story

The First Berserker: Khazan isn’t merely a game about slashing through hordes of enemies; it’s a compelling story of betrayal, loss, and the relentless pursuit of revenge. You embody Khazan, a legendary hero framed for treason and exiled after a devastating defeat that cost him everything. Stripped of his honor and haunted by the ghosts of his past, Khazan embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth, expose the conspirators who orchestrated his downfall, and reclaim his rightful place.

The narrative’s strength lies in its intricate plot twists, morally grey characters, and the emotional weight of Khazan’s personal struggles. Every encounter, every dialogue choice, and every flashback contributes to a deeper understanding of his motivations and the complex web of relationships that define his world. The game masterfully weaves together political intrigue, personal tragedy, and supernatural elements, creating a narrative tapestry that keeps you invested from beginning to end.

The Weight of Choices and Consequences

The game emphasizes player agency by offering impactful choices that influence the story’s progression and shape Khazan’s character. These choices extend beyond simple good or evil decisions, often presenting difficult dilemmas with unforeseen consequences. The decisions you make can affect your relationships with other characters, alter the course of key events, and ultimately determine Khazan’s fate. This level of player agency adds significant replay value, encouraging multiple playthroughs to explore different narrative paths and witness the ripple effects of your decisions.

A World Rich in Lore and Detail

The world of The First Berserker: Khazan is meticulously crafted, brimming with lore, history, and compelling backstories. From the bustling cities to the desolate wastelands, every location feels lived-in and contributes to the overall atmosphere. Discovering hidden secrets, uncovering ancient ruins, and interacting with the diverse inhabitants of the world further enriches the narrative experience and deepens your connection to the setting. The game’s environmental storytelling is particularly noteworthy, using visual cues and subtle details to convey information about the world’s past and the events that have shaped it.

Combat That Rewards Skill and Aggression: Mastering the Berserker’s Fury

The combat system in The First Berserker: Khazan is a visceral and exhilarating experience that demands both skill and aggression. As Khazan, you wield a variety of weapons, each with its unique moveset and combat style. From swift swords and powerful axes to devastating magic abilities, you have the freedom to tailor your fighting style to your preferences and adapt to different enemy encounters.

The game emphasizes precise timing, strategic positioning, and skillful execution. Mastering the art of dodging, parrying, and chaining together combos is crucial for survival, especially against the game’s challenging bosses. The combat flow is fast-paced and responsive, allowing you to seamlessly transition between attacks, dodges, and special abilities.

Unleashing the Berserker Within

True to its title, The First Berserker: Khazan allows you to tap into the Berserker’s inner rage, transforming Khazan into a whirlwind of destruction. Activating the Berserker mode grants access to powerful new abilities, increased attack power, and enhanced movement speed. However, this power comes at a cost, as the Berserker mode consumes Khazan’s health and requires careful management. Mastering the Berserker mode is essential for overcoming the game’s toughest challenges and unleashing your full potential.

Boss Battles That Test Your Mettle

The boss battles in The First Berserker: Khazan are a true highlight, showcasing the game’s combat system at its finest. Each boss is uniquely designed, with its own set of attacks, weaknesses, and strategies. Overcoming these formidable foes requires careful observation, precise timing, and a deep understanding of Khazan’s abilities. While some may find the re-use of certain boss characters to be a drawback, the remixed encounters and new challenges they present often breathe fresh life into familiar battles.

A World to Explore: Level Design and Exploration

The First Berserker: Khazan features a semi-open world that encourages exploration and rewards curiosity. While the game is not a fully open-world experience, it offers a vast and interconnected world to traverse, filled with hidden areas, challenging platforming sections, and valuable loot.

The level design is intricate and varied, ranging from sprawling forests and treacherous mountains to labyrinthine dungeons and imposing fortresses. Each location is visually distinct and offers unique gameplay challenges. Discovering secret passages, solving environmental puzzles, and overcoming platforming obstacles are all integral parts of the exploration experience.

The Value of Side Quests and Activities

Beyond the main storyline, The First Berserker: Khazan offers a wealth of side quests and activities that further enrich the world and provide valuable rewards. Completing side quests can unlock new gear, reveal hidden lore, and deepen your understanding of the game’s characters and factions. Participating in optional challenges, such as arena battles and timed trials, can test your skills and earn you valuable resources. The side content is well-integrated into the world and often provides compelling reasons to stray from the main path.

Visuals and Sound: A Feast for the Senses

The First Berserker: Khazan boasts stunning visuals and a captivating soundtrack that enhance the overall immersive experience. The character models are highly detailed, the environments are richly textured, and the special effects are visually impressive. The game’s art style blends elements of fantasy and realism, creating a unique and visually appealing aesthetic.

The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a mix of orchestral scores, electronic music, and traditional instruments that perfectly complement the game’s atmosphere. The sound design is also noteworthy, with realistic weapon sounds, impactful enemy roars, and immersive environmental effects. The combined effect of the visuals and sound creates a truly captivating and memorable experience.

A Critical Look: Addressing the Criticisms

While The First Berserker: Khazan excels in many areas, it is not without its flaws. One common criticism is the aforementioned re-use of certain boss characters. While these encounters are often remixed with new mechanics and challenges, some players may find the repetition to be uninspired. Another point of contention is the game’s difficulty, which can be unforgiving at times. While the challenge is rewarding for some, others may find it frustrating, especially in the early hours of the game. However, the game does offer a range of difficulty options to cater to different skill levels.

Conclusion: A Bold Step Forward for the Dungeon Fighter Universe

Despite its minor shortcomings, The First Berserker: Khazan is a triumph. It successfully blends a compelling narrative, visceral combat, and a richly detailed world to create a truly unforgettable action RPG experience. The game’s bold action, challenging boss battles, and intricate story make it a must-play for fans of the genre. While the re-use of some bosses may raise eyebrows, the overall quality of the game far outweighs its flaws. The First Berserker: Khazan is not just a good game; it’s a testament to the potential of the Dungeon Fighter universe and a shining example of what can be achieved when developers take risks and push boundaries. We at Gaming News highly recommend it. It earns a solid 9/10 from our team. The risk to transition the Dungeon Fighter universe to this new genre has really paid off!