Developed by Neople and published by Nexon, The First Berserker: Khazan is an upcoming action RPG based in the Dungeon & Fighter universe and focused around Khazan, a character many thought dead in the OG lore.
Creative Director Junho Lee sat down with us to discuss the change in lore, the need for a new story, and how new and old players can enjoy the game together. Throughout a lengthy interview, they admitted three primary factors that distinguish the game from traditional Soulslikes.
The First Berserker: Khazan Is So More Than a Dark Souls Ripoff
When first announced, many immediately compared The First Berserker: Khazan as just another Soulslike game, but after a few gameplay trailers and a highly successful Beta playtest, the general consensus is thankfully and fairly changing. When asked how Neople is ensuring they’re standing on their own feet rather than simply retreading old Soulsborne ground, Junho Lee had this to say:
There are primarily three factors that distinguish The First Berserker: Khazan from other games. First and foremost, the story centered around the Great General Khazan, the ancestor of the representative class in the original Dungeon Fighter Online (DFO), ‘Slayer’. We’ve developed the plot to provide existing DFO players with a distinct experience within DNF Universe, while also presenting heartfelt moments for new players, leading them to become immersed in Khazan’s story.
Khazan was involved in the original story of the DNF Universe but met a grisly end early on. This has been reimagined and rewritten to allow a new story within the DNF Universe, and according to Lee, “We’ve developed the plot to provide existing DFO players with a distinct experience within DNF Universe, while also presenting heartfelt moments for new players”.
Lee continued, with the second factor being one that some have already experienced:
The combat system that evolves over time would also set The First Berserker: Khazan apart from others. Khazan, once a hero, is exiled from the empire after being falsely accused of treason. He barely survives and sets out on a journey of vengeance upon those who brought him ruin and solves the twisting conspiracy against him. The early stages of the game where Khazan unexpectedly survives are serious and weighty, with vivid and precise combat. Through Khazan’s transformation into a berserker, players will gradually experience the speed and thrilling action of the original DFO.
Having played The First Berserker: Khazan at Gamescom 2024, it’s easy to see what Junho Lee means. The combat isn’t like a traditional Soulsborne experience like Elden Ring or Dark Souls, but its own thing instead, and certainly closer to a traditional action RPG instead, with a clear path of growing stronger and outpacing/being too skilled for your opponents possible.
Lee finished the question with the third factor, something immediately obvious to any who have seen the trailer:
Finally, the art style blended with photorealism and cartoon styles. The realistic style, emphasized by dark-shaded colors and vivid shadows, effectively delivers both the game’s mood and Khazan’s complex confrontation. Anime-style visuals well depict Khazan’s movements and actions in a strong and smooth way, as well as the style of original Dungeon Fighter Online. With this anime style, we strived to convey the character’s rage and determination, evoking a sense of immersion and enhancing the action.
Only three primary factors may make it sound like The First Berserker: Khazan is close to any other Soulsborne, but after playing it, and talking to Junho Lee, it’s evident that this couldn’t be further from the truth. Add to that the thought, care, and love put into the game by the team at Neople, and we’re all in for a treat for sure.
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Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!
