When diving into new game releases, it’s almost inevitable to draw comparisons, especially in the Soulslike genre, where FromSoftware has set a high bar with their challenging yet rewarding action RPGs. Enter Neople’s latest creation, The First Berserker: Khazan, which has quickly caught the attention of Soulslike enthusiasts. The game captures the essence of the genre with its strategic combat while introducing fresh concepts of its own. One aspect that really sets Khazan apart is how it handles weapon variety. The game offers fewer weapon types but balances this by providing a steady stream of loot, finding a nice niche between the carefully curated arsenal of Dark Souls and the more randomized approach of Team Ninja’s Nioh.
In the world of Dark Souls, players are familiar with a vast array of weapon types, diverse magic spells, and their specific tools, all resulting in a collection of gear curated to serve precise purposes. This extends even to purchaseable items, granting the gameplay a very selective, intentional feel. On the flip side, games like Nioh and its sequel shower players with gear, possibly to an overwhelming extent, requiring players to spend considerable time sifting through inventories to optimize their builds. Yet Khazan admirably finds the middle ground between these distinct methods.
Navigating the balance of providing enough gear without overwhelming the player is no small feat, but The First Berserker: Khazan skillfully manages it. With just three weapon types, players nevertheless find themselves rewarded at every turn, whether they’re seeking gear off the beaten path or simply progressing through the storyline. Not only do these gear drops often include useful weapon and armor upgrades, but they also subtly encourage players to tweak their play styles consistently, hunting for the perfect build. There’s an addictive thrill in tracking down items of varying rarity, knowing that each new piece could significantly enhance one’s combat capabilities.
Notably, Khazan’s gear drop system doesn’t just pile on endless equipment with little consequence. Instead, it actively promotes experimentation. Players find themselves frequently switching between armor weights and testing out new weapon combinations to tackle various challenges. The game simplifies character respecs, allowing for flexible adjustments, ensuring the regular influx of loot feels valuable rather than cumbersome. Players aren’t bogged down with endless, repetitive equipment but rather have enough freedom to shift tactics without feeling tied to one playstyle, unlike the more rigid Dark Souls structure.
One of the most exhilarating aspects of Khazan’s gear system is undoubtedly the set bonuses. These bonuses are not just superficial but have a real, transformative impact, essentially enhancing entire builds when the right gear pieces are collected. This chase for set bonuses adds depth and excitement, encouraging players to pursue gear that strategically boosts their combat prowess. Ideally, these bonuses fulfill what top-tier gear should always strive to achieve in action RPGs: turning the tide of battle in favor of the player.
Moreover, Khazan caters to the aesthetic appeal as well. Each armor set is designed with style in mind, appealing to the “Fashion Souls” enthusiasts out there. Whether you’re aiming to make your character the coolest or the fiercest, the loot system offers consistent, rewarding yields that keep players engaged and eager to explore. By maintaining this balance of stylish and functional gear, The First Berserker: Khazan ensures that its players are continually rewarded for their adventures in ways both tactical and visual.
