The First Berserker: Khazan

Brutal, deliberate duels drive this anime-styled action RPG, where every missed dodge and greedy swing can end a hard-fought run. Set eight centuries before Dungeon Fighter Online, The First Berserker: Khazan follows a disgraced general tearing through the continent of Arad in pursuit of revenge. Its mood is grim and violent rather than playful, pairing political betrayal and monstrous enemies with striking cel-shaded visuals that give armor, ruined fortresses, and blood-soaked battlefields a vivid illustrated edge.

Combat revolves around reading attacks, managing stamina, and choosing exactly when to block, parry, dodge, or commit to a punishing combo. Khazan can specialize around different weapon types, including fast dual blades, heavy greatswords, and spears, while equipment, attributes, and sprawling skill options let players build toward aggressive berserker pressure, defensive counters, or a more measured reach-focused style. Skill Points are freely refundable, so experimenting does not permanently sabotage a character, and recovered Lacrima prevents death from becoming an exhausting grind. Boss encounters are the real test: each major opponent has distinct patterns, phases, and weaknesses that reward persistence, precise timing, and a willingness to change tactics instead of simply leveling up.

What separates Khazan from many Soulslike imitators is its blend of demanding, weighty combat and the expressive spectacle of an anime action game. The 3D cel-shaded presentation remains unusually sharp during close-range clashes, while the gear chase and flexible builds give repeat attempts a strong sense of progression. New Game+ extends the campaign, and the Great General’s Crucible and Berserker’s Bloodshed challenge modes reset key advantages for fresh advancement and boss-focused gauntlets. Fans of Nioh, Wo Long, or Lies of P who want tougher boss fights and deeper build tinkering should feel at home, though newcomers should expect a steep learning curve rather than an easy power fantasy.