The First Berserker: Khazan Closed Beta Hands-On Preview – Setting Up For Greatness

During Gamescom 2024, I had the chance to get a first taste of The First Berserker: Khazan's experience and, despite the limited time and a testing environment that was far from being ideal for a challenging action role-playing game inspired by FromSoftware's Souls series, I couldn't help but notice how the game is shaping up as a solid title with a personable, distinct feel that is sure to set it apart from similar games released in the past few years. So much so that I thought it was among the best games I played during the show alongside Monster Hunter Wilds and Phantom Blade Zero.

Last week, I had the chance to try out The First Berserker: Khazan Technical Closed Beta Test before its debut on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S later this month. My four hours or so with it not only confirmed my positive opinion about the game but also improved it a bit, as I was able to see more of the beginning of the game, test out the skill system, and gain a better understanding of the flow of combat.

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The First Berserker: Khazan Technical Closed Beta Test build features the game's first three missions - Heinmach, Stormpass, and Embars. In the first one, former general Khazan is released from imprisonment, obtaining a mysterious power that allows him to survive the harsh environment and defeat the many enemies on his way. In the Stormpass mission, the long-haired warrior visits one of the sacred sites of Bantu, revered since ancient times, where he gains a better understanding of his powers. The journey continues in Embars, with more enemies that bar his way and more information on his backstory and how he ended up where he is. The three missions may be a little light on story compared to other role-playing games, but I feel they set the experience up rather well, making the Dungeon and Fighter universe interesting right from the get-go, even for those with