This Chic Soulslike is a Must-Play Action RPG

In recent years, fans of “Soulslike” action RPGs have been treated to a feast of impressive games, ranging from FromSoftware’s acclaimed Elden Ring and its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion to notable titles like Lies of P and the revamped Lords of the Fallen. As March wraps up, another promising game is about to make its debut: The First Berserker: Khazan. This Dungeon Fighter action RPG, first revealed at The Game Awards in 2023, is set to make its grand entrance on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5 on March 27.

With the launch just around the corner, reviews for this dark fantasy Soulslike are streaming in, painting an overall positive picture. At present, it holds a “Generally Favorable” average score of around 81/100 on Metacritic and an 80/100 on OpenCritic, based on 51 evaluations across all platforms. Let’s delve into some specific review highlights to capture the spectrum of opinions:

Screen Rant raves with a perfect score of 100/100, saying, “The First Berserker: Khazan doesn’t just aim to replicate the essence of Souls. Instead, it crafts a dark fantasy anime saga with a clear beginning, middle, and end, featuring bosses worthy of standing alongside the greats in the genre. Even if you found Elden Ring’s scale daunting, make time and save up to experience what Neople has brought to life with The First Berserker: Khazan — it’s among the best of its kind.”

Wccftech gives it a commendable 90/100, highlighting the game’s exceptional combat system, captivating level and enemy designs, and an absorbing narrative. They note, “Although the influence from FromSoftware and Team NINJA’s latest games is apparent — along with occasional PC performance hiccups — the saga of Great General Khazan offers a gripping adventure that serves as an excellent gateway into the Dungeon Fighter Online universe.”

VG247 rates it 80/100, describing Khazan as a game whose combined elements create something greater than the sum of its parts. “While it does reuse many elements, the core gameplay is so engaging and enjoyable that you overlook the familiarity. It’s compellingly addictive, barring the challenge that characterizes this genre. For those who struggle with its difficulty, it might be a less inviting introduction to the Dungeon Fighter universe.”

GameSpot also scores it 80/100, acknowledging that despite a somewhat forgettable storyline and restrictive level design, its outstanding combat more than compensates for these drawbacks. They say, “It’s challenging, engaging, and consistently satisfying, with a diverse array of active foes and a flexible progression system that transcends the usual XP model. Though it occasionally feels derivative, The First Berserker’s blend of ideas renders it a thrilling standout in a crowded genre.”

Digital Trends gives a 70/100, indicating the game truly tested their patience, more so than other Soulslikes. “Despite the infuriating moments and some questionable design disruptions, the combat system kept pulling me back in. I found myself hooked, despite shaky mission structures and erratic stamina management. Khazan may be the inaugural Berserker, but I nearly became one myself playing through its gauntlet.”

Finally, Push Square awards it 60/100, summarizing that while The First Berserker: Khazan offers a good time, it falls short of its potential. “Its unique aesthetic sets it apart from similar ARPG Soulslikes, and the boss battles are enticing enough to keep players moving forward. However, a lackluster story and muddled mechanics prevent it from being as polished as it could have been.”

The majority of feedback scores The First Berserker: Khazan at 80/100 or above, but there are notable outliers landing in the 70s and 60s. Critics shower the game with praise for its impressive control and combat mechanics, drawing influence from Dark Souls, Nioh, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The game’s stylized cel-shaded graphics, inspired by the Berserk series, also garnered significant attention for their unique flair.

Yet, amidst the acclaim, some critiques mention less impressive level designs, a plot that’s hard to remember, and challenging early-game difficulty. Ultimately, if compelling storytelling and standout level design are deal-breakers for you, Khazan might leave you wanting. But if you can overlook those aspects, you’ll find an addictive combat system full of visual spectacle, diverse enemies, and thrilling boss fights to enjoy.

I’ve been eagerly anticipating this game ever since it was featured at the Xbox Partner Preview in October 2024. Despite the narrative shortfalls, which can greatly enhance an experience, I’m keen to dive into mastering The First Berserker’s vivid, demanding combat and take on its towering bosses.

In summary, The First Berserker: Khazan seems poised to be a standout entry for Xbox and PC gamers in 2025, especially for those who relish Soulslike experiences. While the standard edition is priced at $59.99, savvy shoppers can snag the PC version for $46.79 through a pre-order deal at CDKeys. Alternatively, the $69.99 Deluxe Edition, which offers Early Access and additional cosmetics, is available for $53.29 at CDKeys — perfect for early birds wanting those extra perks.