“Khazan has fallen!”
Upon seeing these words repeatedly flash on my screen, I clenched my teeth in frustration as I prepared for yet another challenging encounter with a boss in The First Berserker: Khazan, an upcoming action RPG from Neople and Nexon.
Having a background in Soulslike games, I eagerly delved into a demo of Khazan during the Tokyo Game Show. It quickly became clear that this action RPG was designed to push die-hard genre fans to their limits. However, for Neople, the real challenge lies in transitioning a popular free-to-play series into a premium game.
Exploring the World of DNF
The First Berserker: Khazan is a spinoff of Neople’s long-standing free-to-play hack-and-slash game, Dungeon & Fighter (DNF), which has been a staple since 2005. The game has gained immense popularity in regions like South Korea, Japan, and China.
According to CEO Myeongjin Yun, while Neople has worked on ambitious projects in the past, Khazan is unique as it marks the studio’s first venture into a “package game” – a single-player or paid game that deviates from their usual free-to-play offerings. The game also aims to introduce the DNF universe and lore to a global audience.
Khazan, a significant character in DNF lore, serves as the focal point of the game. From his connection to the Slayers class to the unique Khazan Syndrome, his story is central to the DNF universe. The First Berserker: Khazan delves into Khazan’s origins as a heroic general turned outcast seeking vengeance.
Influences and Gameplay
Stepping into The First Berserker: Khazan, I immediately recognized the Soulslike influences in the gameplay. Exploring snowy mountains and dark tunnels, engaging in combat, and managing resources felt familiar yet exhilarating. With fast attacks, heavy blows, and strategic parrying, the combat mechanics mirrored those of traditional Soulslike games.
Boss battles in Khazan posed significant challenges, requiring precise timing and strategic approaches. Encountering foes like Volbaino and Rangkus tested my skills and adaptability, showcasing the game’s depth and difficulty.
Creative Director Junho Lee highlighted the game’s inspirations from titles like Bloodborne and Nioh, emphasizing fluid combat animations and unique ability mechanics. The game’s fast-paced combat and diverse equipment options added layers of complexity to the gameplay.
Fueled by Vengeance
Reflecting on my conversation with Neople, I pondered the game’s approachability to both DNF fans and newcomers. With a vision to expand the DNF universe to a wider audience, Neople faced the challenge of balancing accessibility and depth in The First Berserker: Khazan.
The team debated difficulty options and player strategies, aiming to provide a challenging yet rewarding experience for all players. By immersing players in the DNF lore through Khazan’s story, the game seeks to bridge the gap between seasoned fans and newcomers.
Neople’s decision to delve into premium game development with a DNF spinoff showcases their commitment to exploring new avenues while building on established lore and characters. With The First Berserker: Khazan set to release in 2025, it promises to blend the intricate gameplay of a Soulslike with the rich storytelling of the DNF universe.
The First Berserker: Khazan is poised to make its mark on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S platforms, offering players a challenging and immersive RPG experience.
