The First Berserker: Khazan demo has just been released, offering players a first-hand look at its gameplay and mechanics. From the gritty opening moments to the intense boss battles, this game pulled me into its dark world and didn’t let go. Let’s go through what stood out to me and why this game might be one to keep an eye on.
Setting the Stage
Right from the start, the game establishes a brutal and foreboding atmosphere. The art style is striking—I couldn’t help but notice how blood drips from Khazan’s arms and leaves trails of bloody footprints as he walks. It’s a small detail, but it sets the tone perfectly. The narrator’s voice, gritty and full of emotion, hooks you immediately and makes me feel like I am stepping into a world full of danger and mystery.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
The First Berserker: Khazan incorporates mechanics familiar to fans of the Souls-like genre, with unique twists that set it apart:
- Battered Blade Nexus: Acting as the game’s version of a “bonfire,” this hub is where you respawn after death and upgrade your character stats. Managing health and stamina bars is crucial, as they function similarly to traditional Souls games.
- Damage Numbers and Feedback: Each attack displays damage numbers, making tracking improvements when changing or upgrading weapons easy. The impact sounds and hit reactions enhance the satisfaction of combat.
- Health and Stamina Management: Like in other games of the genre, it is essential to carefully balance your dodges and attacks to avoid running out of stamina at the worst possible moment.
Weapons, Gear, and Combat
Combat is one of the standout features of the demo, with multiple weapon types offering varied playstyles:
- Weapon Types:
- Spear: Quick, long-reaching attacks.
- Two-Handed Sword: Heavy damage but slower swings.
- Sword and Axe Combo: A balanced option with a mix of speed and power.
- Skill Progression: Each weapon had its own skill tree, and unlocking new combos felt incredibly rewarding.
- Loot and Gear: Chests and defeated enemies drop loot, including weapons and armor. Equipping new armor changed Khazan’s appearance, and the attention to detail in the visuals—even seeing Khazan look more injured as his health dropped—added a layer of immersion I really appreciated.
- Combat Strategies: Light and heavy attacks, charged strikes, and guard breaks provide tactical options in battle. Environmental kills add variety, though you must remain cautious of hazards yourself.
Character Progression
The game’s RPG elements include detailed progression systems:
- Skill Tree: Weapons and abilities can be upgraded, with new unlock promising deeper customization in the full game.
- Stat Upgrades: Allocate points to attributes like Vitality, Endurance, Strength, Willpower, and Proficiency. You earn Lacrimal from defeated enemies to invest in these stats.
- Resistances: Seven resistance types hint at diverse elemental damage mechanics in the full game.
- Resource Management: Be cautious—dying before returning to the Blade Nexus means losing all accumulated Lacrimal.
Level Design and Exploration
There were environmental hazards and shortcuts, such as ladders or broken carts, to help you bypass enemies and signal upcoming boss fights.
Boss Fights
The demo offers a taste of boss battles, which are both visually and mechanically engaging. Strategies like blocking and countering are highly effective, though some bosses force you to rely on dodging to avoid devastating grab attacks. The visual damage system, where bosses display wounds as you fight, adds an extra layer of immersion.
Other Mechanics and Items
- Mana Lantern: Equip it on your hip to light and dark areas, an essential tool for navigating low-light environments.
- Consumables: Use temporary buffs to increase damage, stamina recovery, or elemental effects.
- Materials: Collect crafting resources like ores from chests or scattered throughout the map.
Demo Highlights
The demo ended with three weapon trials, ending with a tantalizing cutscene that left me wanting more. The First Berserker: Khazan has all the hallmarks of a great action RPG: immersive storytelling, challenging combat, and a dark, atmospheric world. If the demo is anything to go by, this game is shaping up to be something special.
Have you tried the demo? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts on how it felt to play and what you’re most excited about!