The First Berserker: Khazan is the latest action RPG developed by Neople, released in March 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Set in the Dungeon Fighter Online universe, the game stands out for its demanding combat, dark atmosphere, and deep narrative, positioning itself among the top titles in the Soulslike genre.
What is The First Berserker: Khazan?
This is a single-player, story-driven action game that prioritizes intense battles and skill-based progression. Although set in the same universe as Dungeon Fighter Online, Khazan offers a very different experience: a cinematic, solo journey tailored to fans of challenging gameplay.
Developed with 3D cel-shaded graphics and a distinctive artistic direction, the game follows the epic journey of Khazan, a fallen hero seeking revenge against the empire that betrayed him.
Storyline: Revenge, Disgrace, and Redemption
Khazan was once a legendary warrior, falsely accused of treason and exiled by those who once praised him as a hero. Consumed by a relentless desire for justice, he returns to confront those responsible for his downfall. The narrative is deeply layered, with visual and symbolic elements that blend seamlessly into the gameplay, offering an immersive storytelling experience beyond dialogue.
Gameplay Mechanics and Soulslike Elements
The First Berserker: Khazan draws clear inspiration from titles like Sekiro, Lies of P, and Nioh. The combat system demands precision, timing, and pattern recognition. Boss fights are challenging and serve as true skill tests, especially appealing to players who enjoy high-difficulty gameplay.
Key gameplay features include:
- Technical combat focused on dodging, counterattacks, and heavy combos
- Trial-and-error progression that rewards patience and learning
- Enemies and environments that convey lore through design rather than exposition
Art Direction and World Design
The cel-shaded visual style gives the game a stylized and ominous look. Environments range from crumbling ruins to forgotten temples and decaying fortresses, building a dark fantasy atmosphere with strong emotional and visual impact.
Lighting, shadows, and sound design contribute to a tense and oppressive tone, reinforcing the protagonist’s isolation and inner turmoil.
Critical and Community Reception
The game has received positive feedback from critics, with praise directed at its balance between challenge and reward, visual identity, and compelling narrative. The gaming community has compared it favorably to major Soulslike titles, highlighting its potential as a new genre benchmark.
Streamers and content creators have helped amplify its visibility, praising the game’s steep difficulty curve and intense emotional tone.
Is It Worth Playing?
The First Berserker: Khazan is highly recommended for experienced gamers, Soulslike fans, and players who appreciate dark, character-driven narratives. It delivers a solid experience with significant challenges, memorable visuals, and deep storytelling. While it may not be ideal for newcomers to the genre, it is an excellent choice for those seeking a technically demanding and emotionally rich action RPG.
