The First Berserker: Khazan exceeded my expectations, offering an experience that captures the essence of acclaimed Soulslike titles. The game integrates many of the best elements from the genre, delivering an intense and demanding journey for players. While it may not introduce groundbreaking concepts, Khazan shines through its adept execution, blending familiar mechanics in a way that feels refreshingly new.
At first glance, The First Berserker: Khazan presents a cohesive gameplay experience. Its loot and crafting systems, boss dynamics, and essential combat skills encourage players to delve deeper into its mechanics while avoiding the frustrations often associated with similar games. What distinguishes Khazan from its peers are its innovative crafting and loot systems, enticing boss challenges, a more lenient “Souls”mechanic, and a commendable balance between challenge and progression—all elements inspired by successful predecessors.
Streamlined Crafting & Loot Mechanics
Simplified Crafting Sets Enhance Flexibility
Khazan refines the established concept of gear scavenging and upgrades, a staple of many Soulslike titles, by organizing equipment into streamlined sets and introducing a diverse array of crafting options. This encourages players to experiment and adapt their strategies with each of the three weapon types available. Unlike many similar games overloaded with crafting choices, Khazan’s approach simplifies the task of assembling your ideal loadout.
Players will accumulate a wealth of loot, which can be effectively utilized at the Blacksmith. By deconstructing surplus gear, you can forge new weapons or armor tailored to specific sets using blueprints. Each boss presents unique materials required for crafting, motivating players to revisit defeated foes to gather essential components for upgrading their gear. Mastery in Khazan centers around practice and understanding—the key to progressing and enhancing your combat effectiveness.
Daily Boss Challenges Encourage Engaging Replays
One hallmark of the Soulslike genre is the risk of losing XP upon death, and Khazan adheres to this tradition. However, it innovatively streamlines this process; unlike in games such as Elden Ring, where you’ve to retrieve your lost currency from the boss arena, Khazan allows players to collect their Lacrima—its XP currency—just outside the arena. This design choice alleviates the grind and ensures XP acquisition feels rewarding rather than laborious.
Interestingly, players don’t have to grind through minor enemies to level up. Khazan features a novel boss challenge system that provides XP and skill points merely by engaging with bosses and executing various combat maneuvers. This mechanic significantly enhances player engagement, allowing you to focus on refining your skills without the annoyance of unwarranted grinding.
Intense Yet Fair Boss Battles
Challenging Bosses Reward Skill and Strategy
Bosses in Soulslike games are notoriously challenging, and The First Berserker: Khazan maintains this tradition with its formidable foes. Players are expected to master each combat encounter, requiring precision and strategy to overcome obstacles. However, Khazan avoids overwhelming players with obscure mechanics; its bosses feature clear attack patterns that can be overcome with dedicated practice. Each challenger may seem insurmountable, but success comes once you grasp their mechanics.
Ultimately, what makes Khazan a joy to play is its ability to stay true to the genre’s beloved elements: formidable yet fair combat, intricate systems that reward exploration, and a consistent sense of player growth. It’s an experience that focuses not merely on survival but on achieving mastery within its world. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the Soulslike genre, The First Berserker: Khazan delivers a meticulously crafted adventure that pushes you to refine your skills with every encounter.