The First Berserk: Khazan – Gameplay and Overview

Conquering the dark fantasy world of Arad stands the next hardcore action RPG by Neople, The First Berserker: Khazan. Due out March 27, 2025, the game delves into the origins of Khazan, a celebrated avatar in the Dungeon Fighter Online (DnF) mythos. Set to release on Shona and also on Xbox, PC, and Microsoft Windows, Khazan is promising an endurance test be the berserker lead of the story, alongside fast-paced art styles akin to those of anime.

Story and Setting

Set 800 years prior to events of Dungeon Fighter Online, The First Berserker: Khazan depicts the tale of Khazan, the general once praised by the empire he serves only to later be betrayed and wrongfully accused of treason. After sustaining a near-fatal wound, Khazan is rescued by the Blade Phantom — a supernatural being that’s made up of vengeful warriors’ spirits from the afterlife. Possessed by the Blade Phantom, Khazan descends into a brutal vendetta against his enemies to unearth the truth of his betrayal and restore his honor.

Arad, a dark and immersive underbelly rife with corruption and political intrigue. Khazan goes on to face a myriad of decaying foes and formidable bosses, while dealing with the external enemies and the Flame Phantom’s sickening hold on him. This internal tension enriches the plot, with Khazan fighting amidst his humanity as he wields the dark powers bestowed by the Phantom.

Gameplay and Combat

Khazan, The First Berserker has a hard-core combat system that requires precision, timing, and strategy. Inspired by games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Dark Souls, the gameplay includes parrying, dodging, and counterattacking. Success in combat is dependent on your understanding of these mechanics, with the enemies not being forgiving and every encounter requiring a tactical approach.

Combat centers around Khazan’s duality — his human form and the essence of the Blade Phantom. Players will be able to unleash devastating Phantom abilities, but overusing these powers risks losing control and succumbing to the Phantom’s will. Feel free to drop-down as needed, but the balance of these abilities is where the survival and maximum damage output comes into play during assassinations.

The level-based progression of the game comes with all manner of enemy types and boss fights, each with their own patterns and weaknesses to exploit. Many bosses have new gameplay mechanics that players must learn and exploit in order to overcome a powerful foe. This adds tension and makes every victory satisfying due to the high stakes of combat.

Visuals and Art Style

The First Berserker: Khazan sports gorgeous 3D cel-shaded graphics, lending an unusual anime-esque aesthetic to the game. Character designs as well as the dark, moody areas of Arad are brought to life with detailed character designs, dynamic lighting and fluid combat animations. Khazan’s human shape stands in stark contrast to the ghostly Phantom’s dark energy, embodying the game’s theme of an inwardly conflicted entity.

The game’s art direction contrasts traditional fantasy imagery with a modern, gritty aesthetic. Khazan’s brutal personality is reflected in the character designs, all of which feature intricate armor and weapons that evolve along with the story. The visual presentation adds to the atmosphere, as players find themselves surrounded by danger and dark sorcery.

What to Expect

The First Berserker: Khazan is a challenging action RPG made for players who aren’t afraid of skill-based combat, a story that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster and earworms. Fans of the soulslike genre will appreciate its intricate storytelling, brutal boss fights, and strategic gameplay elements. A blend of frenetic action and tactical depth make the game stand out in the RPG genre, offering an experience that’ll be rewarding for players who learn to master its combat.

With gripping storytelling, punishing combat, and bold imagery, The First Berserker: Khazan is well on its way to being one of most hotly anticipated RPG titles in 2025. Saddle up to take on your demons and become one with the power of the Blade Phantom when the game is available on March 27, 2025.