The First Berserker: Khazan

Lore & Background

The game's plot centers on General Khazan, a former hero of the Pell Los Empire who, along with his friend Ozma, was branded a traitor. Khazan's tendons were severed, and he was exiled. While being escorted through Mount Heinmach, a ghost seeking a mortal host—the Blade Phantom, an aggregation of warriors who died in combat—possesses Khazan. After an avalanche frees him, Khazan struggles for control of his body. He is found by Quimuk, an elderly shaman of the Bantu Tribe, who takes him to an ancient warrior's trial. Khazan defeats the Blade Phantom but offers a truce: the Phantom's powers in exchange for helping the warriors restore balance to the mortal world, as an imbalance of souls entering the Netherworld has occurred. Khazan agrees, seeking revenge against the Emperor and all who betrayed him.

Reader's Guide

The First Berserker: Khazan represents a significant entry in the action role-playing genre, particularly for its integration of stamina management as a core mechanic. Players must strategically manage stamina to dodge, block, and attack, while adopting an aggressive approach to prevent enemies from recovering their own stamina. The game features three weapons—dual-wield axe and short-sword, great sword, and spear—each with distinct playstyles. Equipment upgrades are found through random drops, and a central hub called The Crevice provides access to missions and side quests. The game's multiple endings, determined by player choices and side mission completion, add replayability. Its connection to the Dungeon & Fighter universe and cel-shaded art style distinguish it within the Soulslike subgenre, while the Lacrima currency system and death mechanics echo classic Soulslike design.

Did You Know?

• The game was released early for deluxe edition buyers on March 24, 2025, three days before the regular release on March 27.
• Players lose all unspent Lacrima upon death but can recover it by returning to the death point without dying again.
• The Blade Phantom is an aggregation of warriors who died in combat, serving their master Charon.
• The game features three different endings based on player dialogue choices and completion of specific side missions.