The First Berserker: Khazan has emerged as a highly acclaimed entry in the souls-like genre, captivating both critics and gamers with its distinct visual style. This title merges cel-shaded, anime-inspired graphics with richly detailed, high-fidelity environments, prompting players to question whether its aesthetic is influenced by any particular anime.
Distinct Worlds: The First Berserker: Khazan and Berserk
While The First Berserker: Khazan shares a thematic tone with the iconic Berserk anime—stemming from the legendary manga by Kentaro Miura—the two lack a direct narrative connection. Berserk chronicles the harrowing journey of Guts, a lone warrior navigating a grim medieval fantasy world. Tragically, Miura’s passing left the series unfinished, leaving fans yearning for closure.
In contrast, The First Berserker: Khazan is set in the expansive Dungeon Fighter Online (DFO) universe, which debuted with the original DFO title. This latest installment takes place 800 years prior to the events depicted in DFO, allowing players to immerse themselves in its lore without needing prior knowledge of the series. The plot centers around Great General Khazan, who is unjustly labeled a traitor and subject to torture. The narrative follows his narrow escape from death and subsequent quest for vengeance, ultimately showcasing his transformation into the universe’s inaugural berserker.
Berserk’s Subtle Footprints on Khazan
Despite the absence of a direct link, it is undeniable that Berserk has played an influential role in shaping the world of Khazan. The dark themes and nuanced storytelling that Miura’s manga popularized have inspired countless forms of media, including the acclaimed Souls series from FromSoftware. The studio’s President and Game Director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, has long incorporated elements reminiscent of Berserk in his games, showcasing dark fantasy motifs and character dynamics that resonate with Miura’s vision.
The early successes of Demon Souls and Dark Souls propelled FromSoftware into the limelight and solidified their reputation within the gaming community. This success gave rise to the souls-like genre, characterized by challenging gameplay mechanics and intricate storytelling, which has inspired titles like The First Berserker: Khazan. This new game draws from the rich heritage of FromSoftware’s titles while embedding its unique twists and nods to the legendary manga, carrying forward the legacy that began with Berserk.