The First Berserker: Khazan

 Xbox Series X
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. TheXboxHub
    Mar 24, 2025
    100
    The First Berserker: Khazan is a stupendous game. The combat is fast, flowing and very smooth, and while it is undeniably hard, it never feels unfair. Even the camera, which is traditionally a weak point with these affairs, is rock solid and helpful.
  2. SomosXbox
    Apr 6, 2025
    88
    The First Berserker: Khazan proves that Neople Studios has perfectly grasped the essence of the Soulslike genre, delivering an experience that honors FromSoftware’s legacy while introducing fresh, dynamic mechanics. With deep, customizable combat, an immersive narrative, and flawless technical execution, the game stands out in a market oversaturated with imitations. Its balance between challenge and accessibility—paired with its dark anime aesthetic and memorable soundtrack—makes it a must-play for genre fans. While it’s too early to discuss awards, The First Berserker: Khazan is shaping up to be one of the year’s most solid and thrilling action titles.
  3. XboxEra
    Mar 24, 2025
    87
    The First Berserker: Khazan wears its inspiration on its sleeve and lives up to those past titles. It’s a gorgeous, brutal action-focused Soulslike that brings the DFO universe into an incredibly dark place. At least at launch, this is one of the hardest games I have played recently. I blasted through Elden Ring and its DLC with far less of an issue than I did here. It’s Sekiro levels of ‘git gud’ and god damn if it isn’t fun doing so.
  5. Jeuxvideo.com
    Mar 24, 2025
    85
    For a hardcore action RPG, The First Berserker Khazan doesn't lie about the goods. But, beyond a very high - and almost caricatured - difficulty, the Neople studio demonstrates very impressive know-how (especially for its first project of the genre), and this throughout the 60-70 hours that the adventure lasts. Frankly, despite a structure already seen and a slight lack on the technical and artistic direction side, it's difficult to expect more from a demanding action role-playing game. The fights are top-notch, the bosses too, there are even little "twists" that constantly punctuate the progression. What do you say again? Oh yes... first attempt, masterstroke!
  6. Invader
    Jul 23, 2025
    84
    An excellent PC port of a game that thrives on action. The story is less fleshed out than the main character, but the fast-paced combat is even more immersive on PC.
  7. IGN
    Mar 31, 2025
    80
    The First Beserker: Khazan is a brutal but impressive soulslike that makes pushing through its devastating bosses worth the effort.
  8. Game Rant
    Mar 24, 2025
    80
    First Berserker: Khazan isn't exactly overflowing with originality, but it offers an exciting, rewarding Soulslike experience with weighty combat and challenging bosses. Fans of the genre shouldn't hesitate to pick it up, but those turned off by the high difficulty in Soulslikes hoping that Easy mode would be their way in may want to try the demo first.
  9. ZTGD
    Apr 2, 2025
    70
    The boss fights were a real highlight, it’s a shame the narrative didn’t shine as brightly; but if you are a fan of Dungeon Fighter Online you may enjoy it more than a noob like me.
  10. Digital Trends
    Mar 24, 2025
    70
    The First Berserker: Khazan will frustrate you to no end, but it's still worth its weight in broken controllers.
  11. But Why Tho?
    Mar 24, 2025
    70
    There is plenty to enjoy about The First Berserker: Khazan, but it requires you to commit to overcoming its challenges in a way most other games do not.
  12. Gamereactor UK
    Mar 24, 2025
    60
    On the one hand, there's a simple charm in this and all the elements, however unoriginal, work just fine. But Khazan's journey also feels very monotonous. Despite the new elements that are introduced during the game, it feels mostly without finesse and never anything more than just okay. Now, The First Berserker: Khazan does capture the very essence of an action role-playing game and doesn't try to be much more than that. For me it's a bit too simple but if that's what you're looking for and have been longing for, there are definitely reasons to give it a chance.
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  1. Xboxygen
    Mar 24, 2025
    The First Berserker Khazan is an ambitious and absolutely charming souls-like game with its dark universe and rich gameplay. Its dynamic combat system, combining mechanics from hack'n slash and RPG, offers a dense and varied experience. Unfortunately, clumsy narration and poorly balanced difficulty tarnish the whole picture. While the confrontations are demanding and rewarding at the beginning, frustrating peaks of difficulty, especially against the main bosses, end up detracting from the enjoyment of the game. Despite a solid foundation and undeniable potential, the title struggles to maintain its interest over time, leaving a mixed impression of challenge, frustration and weariness.