It’s no secret—souls-like games have a reputation for knocking us flat and daring us to stand back up. Whether you’ve spent hours perfecting parries in Dark Souls or simply watched clips of epic boss takedowns with awe, you know the feeling: low health, one last swipe, and either sweet victory… or a controller-throwing defeat. But what if someone promised you that sense of accomplishment without making you want to rage-quit after every setback? That’s what this First Berserker Khazan review explores.
- The game offers three distinct endings based on player choices, each revealing different facets of the narrative.
First Berserker Khazan Review: Can Souls-Likes Finally Welcome Everyone?
First Berserker Khazan asks a bold question: Can a souls-like game be both nail-bitingly thrilling and still respect your time (and patience)? It’s built for that sweet spot—where challenge meets kindness. For anyone just stepping into this genre, or longtime fans wondering if this really is the “accessible souls-like” everyone’s talking about, we’re here to walk you through every detail that matters.
1. The Rise of Accessible Souls-Like in Gaming
We’ve seen “souls-like” become a badge of honor in gaming circles—think tough-as-nails bosses, intricate worlds, and stories told as much through environment as dialogue. But these games were rarely easy to approach.
Enter Khazan: aiming not to be a clone, but a fresh blueprint, tweaking those classic ingredients so that more players can savor that victory rush.
- Players can wield dual weapons, greatswords, or spears, each offering unique combat styles and skill trees
A big question hangs over First Berserker Khazan: does it still feel satisfying when it’s not always punishing? That’s what we set out to discover.
2. Game Premise and Setting: Enter the World of Khazan
From the moment we first loaded in, Khazan’s world felt familiar but just a little bit “off”—in a good way. Instead of dark, endless catacombs, you’re thrown into wild storm-lit battlefields and ancient citadels that drip with a mythic vibe reminiscent of Korean folklore (think of it as Dark Souls with a distinctly Eastern twist).
In our First Berserker Khazan review, we noticed that Lore is everywhere: ancient tablets, story-shrouded weapons, and crumbling temples whispering hints at Khazan’s cursed past. Even if you’re not big on in-game reading, the world design subtly pulls you into its story, giving you reasons to keep digging deeper.
3. Gameplay Mechanics: A Souls-Like That Won’t Break You
What truly surprised us was how Khazan respected our time. Where classic souls-likes punish every mistake with lost “souls” or hours of retracing footsteps, Khazan sets down safety nets—smart checkpointing, easily retrievable “essence,” and tutorials that teach without hand-holding.
- Set in the Pell Los Empire, the game explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the supernatural.
Deaths still sting, but they feel… fair, less like a punishment and more like a nudge to try again, smarter. Even on a bad streak, you’re usually right back at the action, not stuck grinding mindlessly. For those of us who remember getting lost for an hour after one bad jump in Dark Souls II, this is a breath of fresh air.
4. Combat, Boss Fights & Progression: Mastery Without Misery
Combat is where Khazan flexes its creative muscles—every weapon has bite, weight, and distinct combos. Blocking, dodging, and timing still matter, but everything feels more responsive and less clunky than older Souls-like games.
Our First Berserker Khazan review found that boss fights are the real highlights. Each major foe (numbered here for context) is memorable for unique attack patterns but always signals their deadliest moves, so you won’t lose just because you missed a blink-and-you ’ll-miss-it tell:
- The game’s art style combines 3D cel animation with dark fantasy aesthetics reminiscent of Berserk.
1. Bellerain – A dark elf mage casting fire, earth, and lightning-based spells, summoning undead enemies to assist her.
2. Viper – A dragonkin boss with two phases, featuring whirlwind attacks and vision-obscuring moves.
3. Maluca – A dual-blade user who switches to a curved katana in the second phase, inflicting the Chaos ailment.
4. Skalpel – A berserker gaining power every time he cuts his opponents, using coffins to drain stamina.
Best of all, each weapon unlock you earn opens new styles without destroying the accessibility. Whether you want to master heavy axes, elegant spears, or even hybrid spell-swords, Khazan ensures the learning curve feels rewarding, not overwhelming. The variety in build options means you’re never boxed into a single playstyle—even on your first run—and each new weapon genuinely changes your approach. That replay value? It’s real: we found ourselves wondering, “What if we tried that last fight with something completely different?”
- The narrative delves into the consequences of forbidden magic and its impact on the world.
5. Accessibility and Player-Friendly Design
One of the key takeaways from this First Berserker Khazan review is how many gentle hands Khazan extends to newcomers. A few standouts:
- Frequent, forgiving checkpoints — You’ll rarely trek back through a gauntlet of enemies just to retry a boss, which sidesteps a major frustration common in the genre.
- Clear, simple tutorials — Instead of vague lore or obtuse mechanics, Khazan’s intro and UI actually explain the basics; no wiki necessary.
- Difficulty modes and assist options — For the first time in a souls-like, you can tailor the challenge. Want the classic, brutal experience? Go for it. Prefer a journey focused on story and atmosphere? That’s there too.
- Accessibility features — Subtitles, colorblind modes, and button remapping make the game playable for many who might otherwise feel excluded.
Even the devs have openly said (in recent interviews) they wanted to “take the stress out” of loving a genre known for stress. It shows—and it works.
- The game includes a hub area where players can interact with NPCs, upgrade equipment, and accept quests
6. Visuals & Audio: Immersion Through Style and Sound
We can’t talk about First Berserker Khazan without pausing to appreciate its unique visuals. There’s a painterly quality to the landscapes—craggy mountains veiled in storm mist, ancient city streets lined with spectral lanterns, and forests where the leaves seem to smolder with eerie light. Instead of opting for photorealism, Khazan goes for style: bold contrasts, intricate armor details, and smooth animations that feel like storytelling in motion.
In our First Berserker Khazan review, we observed that character models are distinct (it’s hard not to admire the ornate designs of both allies and monstrous foes), and subtle environmental touches—swaying grass, distant thunder, the glint of embers—add to a sense of place. Even the user interface avoids clutter, blending naturally into the world. We found ourselves taking screenshots just to savor where we’d been (one misty dawn in the Jade Valley springs to mind).
On the audio side, every clang of blade or distant howl of a beast helps immerse you. Select locations have signature musical cues—a tranquil melody in the Traveler’s Sanctuary or an adrenaline-spiking chorus during boss battles. If you play with headphones, you’ll catch all sorts of little details, from rain dappling stone to the mutter of forgotten spirits. It all combines for a deeply atmospheric journey.
- Khazan’s journey is influenced by player decisions, leading to multiple narrative paths and outcomes.
7. The Story: Legends, Loss, and the Berserker’s Quest
You take on the role of General Khazan, once celebrated as a hero of the Pell Los Empire, famous for his bravery in defeating the Berserk Dragon, Hismar, alongside Archmage Ozma. Unfortunately, due to the jealousy and deceit of those around him, Khazan is wrongfully accused of treason. As a result, his tendons are severed, and he’s cast out to the snowy mountains, left for dead.
As this First Berserker Khazan review details, while in exile, Khazan becomes possessed by the Blade Phantom, a ghostly being made up of fallen warriors. This possession bestows him with incredible powers but also brings the weight of the Phantom’s own motives. Khazan sets off on a quest for both vengeance and redemption, determined to uncover the truth behind his betrayal and confront those who betrayed him.
Key Narrative Elements:
- Quest for Redemption: Khazan’s journey isn’t just about getting revenge; it’s also a chance for him to regain his honor and make amends for the injustices he’s faced.
- Memorable Supporting Cast: Along the way, Khazan meets some intriguing allies, including Tristan, a former soldier; Elamein, a fierce shield maiden; Qazumaka, a skilled blacksmith; and Naphrona, a messenger hailing from the Netherworld. Each of these characters adds depth to the story and plays a role in helping Khazan achieve his goals.
- Branching Moments: The game offers multiple endings, shaped by the player’s choices, especially during the intense climax with Ozma. The decisions players make throughout the game impact how things turn out, leading to a variety of endings, some focused on revenge and others that lean towards more reflective resolutions.
- Environmental Storytelling: The game’s world is filled with rich lore, conveyed through details in the environment, artifacts, and interactions between characters. This allows players to discover the history and motivations of the inhabitants as they explore.
As our First Berserker Khazan review highlights, Khazan’s story is both accessible and affecting—easy to follow at first, but with hidden depths for those who seek them out. There’s a persistent melancholy, but also hope. It’s there in the small reunions and sacrifices that play out along your journey.
- Khazan’s alliance with the Blade Phantom adds depth to the storyline, exploring themes of duality and inner conflict.
8. Comparisons to Dark Souls & the Souls-like Genre
The First Berserker: Khazan keeps the essential elements of the Souls-like genre—challenging boss battles, complex world design, and rich lore. But it also brings some great quality-of-life tweaks that really make it stand out:
Streamlined Progression: The game cuts down on the annoying need to repeatedly run back to your corpse by adding more checkpoints. This makes it easier for players to jump back into tough sections without having to backtrack too much.
Clear Tutorials: Unlike many Souls-like games that can be cryptic with their item descriptions, Khazan provides clear tutorials that actually help players grasp the core mechanics without needing to look up guides.
Adjustable Difficulty: Recent updates have included the option to switch between Easy and Normal difficulty modes while playing, giving players the chance to customize their experience based on what they enjoy.
These features make Khazan a fantastic starting point for newcomers to the genre, while still delivering enough depth and challenge for seasoned players.
9. What’s Next for Khazan and Its Developers?
One aspect we observed in our First Berserker Khazan review is that the team working on The First Berserker: Khazan is really dedicated to keeping the game alive and engaging with its community.
Regular Updates: On April 22, 2025, they rolled out a patch that included some important tweaks like balance changes, system updates, better UI/UX, and various quality-of-life improvements.
Community Feedback: The developers have been responsive to what players want, making adjustments like allowing players to switch difficulty levels and enhancing the visibility of hidden items in the game.
Future Content: While we haven’t seen any official announcements about upcoming DLC or expansions yet, there have been hints from the developers about ongoing updates and new content that will help keep the gaming experience exciting.
With the positive reception of the game and the developers’ hands-on approach, it looks like Khazan is set to keep evolving and might even raise the bar for accessibility in the Souls-like genre.
- Environmental storytelling and lore-rich locations enhance immersion in the game’s world.
10. Summing Up: Why First Berserker Khazan is the Accessible Souls-Like Fans Needed
In every way that matters, First Berserker Khazan shows us that “challenging” and “accessible” can coexist. It’s a souls-like game that invites both the uninitiated and the battle-hardened to find their groove and their grit. We loved the feeling of progress, the thoughtful ways the game encourages experimentation, and a genuine sense of discovery around every corner. If you’ve always wanted to understand the Souls-like magic but found the entry fee too high, Khazan finally opens the gate. And if you’re a veteran, don’t worry—there’s still plenty to test your skill and your patience. We’re curious—which boss or feature grabbed you most? Drop your favorite moments in the comments, and let’s share our tales from this unforgettable world. In conclusion, our First Berserker Khazan review suggests that if you’re ready for a challenge that won’t break your spirit, First Berserker Khazan just might be the souls-like you’ve been waiting for.
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FAQ: First Berserker Khazan Review
1. Is First Berserker Khazan a true open-world game, or is it more linear?
First Berserker Khazan offers interconnected, expansive zones rather than a fully open world. You’ll find freedom to backtrack, explore hidden paths, and uncover shortcuts, but it’s structured enough to guide new players without overwhelming them.
2. Are there co-op or multiplayer features in First Berserker Khazan?
Yes! Players can summon friends or use matchmaking to tackle tough bosses and areas together, making it less isolating than some Souls-like games. There are even special rewards for teamwork.
3. Does Khazan include mod support or custom content options?
Currently, official mod support isn’t available, but the developers have expressed interest in opening up creation tools in the future if there’s enough community demand.
4. How does the save system work—can I experiment freely without fear of losing progress?
Absolutely. Khazan features both traditional and auto-save options, letting players try different builds or approaches without fear of losing hours of progress after one mistake.
| Rating | Game title | Review published |
|---|---|---|
| 9/10 | Death Stranding 2 | July 15, 2025 |
| 9/10 | First Breserker Khazan | July 13, 2025 |
| 7/10 | Split Fiction | July 13, 2025 |
First Breserker Khazan: First Berserker Khazan strikes an impressive balance, delivering that signature souls-like tension and satisfaction without harsh barriers. Its accessibility innovations, player-friendly design, and atmospheric storytelling make it a perfect gateway for newcomers and a worthy, refreshing adventure for seasoned fans. Easily recommended—and proof that challenge and inclusivity don’t have to be opposites. – ShadowGlitch
Pros:
- Accessible for Newcomers: Smart checkpointing, clear tutorials, assist/difficulty modes, and a forgiving progression system make it an excellent entry point for souls-like beginners without diluting the challenge for veterans.
- Rewarding, Fair Combat: Responsive parry system (compared to Sekiro), stamina-based duels, and diverse weapon/playstyle choices ensure fights feel challenging but rarely unfair.
- Strong Story & Worldbuilding: Rich lore, environmental storytelling, a compelling protagonist with a quest for redemption, memorable allies, multiple endings, and meaningful player choices add depth and replay value.
- Player-Friendly Features: Wide accessibility options (colorblind mode, button remapping, subtitles, Arachnophobia Safe Mode), as well as co-op, allow more players to join and enjoy.
- Atmospheric Art & Audio: Gorgeous cel-shaded meets dark fantasy visuals, detailed environments, and moody, immersive sound design help the world come alive.
- Ongoing Dev Support: Regular updates, balancing, and community feedback integration show a dedicated team aiming to keep improving the experience.
Cons:
- Not Fully Open World: Large interconnected zones exist, but those wanting a true open-world may find structure a bit limiting.
- Combat May Feel Easier to Hardcore Fans: Veteran souls-like enthusiasts might find some mechanics or late-game encounters less punishing, potentially impacting replay for those craving maximum difficulty.
- Menu/UI Quirks: Despite quality-of-life improvements, there can still be some minor UI hiccups or learning curves for deeper systems.
- No Modding (Yet): As of now, there is no mod support, which could limit the creative/long-term community engagement for some players.
