The First Berserker: Khazan — Everything You Should Know Pre-Launch

The gaming community is eagerly anticipating the release of The First Berserker: Khazan, a hardcore action RPG developed by Nexon and Neople, set within the expansive universe of the popular Dungeon Fighter Online (DNF) franchise. This highly anticipated title has already captured significant attention prior to its official launch, becoming one of the most talked-about releases in the action RPG genre.

In this detailed overview, we've compiled all essential information about the game: its compelling narrative, innovative gameplay mechanics, technical system requirements and critics reviews.

Critics' Reviews

Image: youtube.comEarly critical assessments have been overwhelmingly positive. At the time of writing, The First Berserker: Khazan maintains an impressive average score of 80 points across both Metacritic and OpenCritic platforms, with a remarkable 77% of reviewers actively recommending the title to players.

Journalists and industry experts have particularly praised several key aspects of the game:

However, some criticisms have emerged regarding:

The Plot of The First Berserker: Khazan

Image: youtube.comThe events of The First Berserker: Khazan unfold on the continent of Arad, 800 years before the timeline of Dungeon Fighter Online. The protagonist, Khazan, is a legendary general of the Pell Los Empire, renowned as the first berserker and the ancestor of all Assassins in the DNF universe. Together with another hero, Ozma, Khazan earned fame by defeating the berserk dragon Hizmar and his legion, thereby saving the empire. However, his story takes a darker turn.

In the 89th year of the Pell Los Empire, Khazan is falsely accused of treason. He is betrayed, subjected to brutal torture, and subsequently exiled to the snow-covered mountains, where he is left to perish. Miraculously, Khazan survives and is now driven by a thirst for vengeance. His goal is to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy that led to his downfall, exact revenge on his enemies, and reclaim the honor he has lost. The plot embodies a classic tale of betrayal, survival, and redemption, steeped in a somber atmosphere and bloody events.

The First Berserker: Khazan: Philosophy of Difficulty and Game Balance

Image: imdb.comThe First Berserker: Khazan introduces a unique difficulty system that avoids the extremes of many modern "souls-likes." The game is built around the concept of meaningful challenge, where every victory feels rewarding while the process of overcoming obstacles remains engaging. The difficulty scales progressively as players master game mechanics, maintaining a careful equilibrium between demanding gameplay and genuine sense of accomplishment.

 The project implements several innovative solutions regarding difficulty:

A key feature is the principle of fair challenge - the game encourages player growth rather than simply punishing mistakes. After numerous attempts, players naturally improve at recognizing enemy patterns, leading to well-earned victories. The option to adjust difficulty preserves accessibility for broader audiences without compromising gameplay depth, striking a delicate balance between hardcore appeal and inclusive design. This thoughtful approach to difficulty creates an experience that's challenging yet never frustrating, rewarding player skill development while respecting individual play preferences.

Combat System in The First Berserker: Khazan

The fundamental principle of the game, which emphasizes hardcore combat, revolves around the concept of "see and react." Each battle adheres to a consistent scenario: the monster makes its move first, followed by Khazan's counterattack.

While encounters with regular enemies can often be avoided, bosses are unavoidable challenges. Here, the developers recommend initiating combat with a preemptive strike. A powerful attack from behind allows players to start a combo chain and gain an advantage. Players in The First Berserker: Khazan will heavily rely on stamina, which does not regenerate instantly. Of course, bosses will have weak points, and targeting them will deal increased damage.

Regarding weaponry, Nexon and Neople have promised significant differences in the effectiveness of each type. For instance, a spear may lack raw power but excels in maintaining distance and executing long combos. Conversely, using a sword reduces attack speed but delivers much stronger strikes.

System Requirements

Image: ensigame.comMinimum (1080p, low settings, 30 FPS):

Recommended (1080p, high settings, 60 FPS):

Release Date of The First Berserker: Khazan

Image: youtube.comThe action-packed game The First Berserker: Khazan will be available for purchase on March 27 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Owners of the Deluxe Edition can begin playing early. They will also receive a set of weapons and armor for their character, a digital artbook, and various other bonuses.

Also, the developers have released a free demo version, allowing players to experience the mechanics and make an informed decision about purchasing the full game.

Main image: youtube.com