Overview it to FromSoftware all you need, however the devs on this extraordinarily promising hardcore action RPG assert they’re making “better than correct a Soulslike”

Soulslikes are indeed a significant phenomenon – 15 years after Demon’s Souls brought the genre to prominence – to the extent that its appeal has effectively overshadowed the traditional action game. Just like how the grand title Wars: The Power Unleashed featured God of War-inspired combat; swiftly forward 10 years, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order resembles a less intense iteration of Sekiro. Video games that strongly emanate from the Devil May Cry / Platinum Games territory, such as Stellar Blade, also find themselves in this classification. Following this is The First Berserker: Khazan, which, despite feeling very much like a soulslike during the Steam Next Fest demo, the game’s creative director, Junho Lee, claims it offers something beyond that.

In a conversation with GamesRadar+, Lee explained, “Khazan is often labeled as a soulslike, but we perceive it as more than just that. It embodies a unique hardcore action RPG imbued with the essence of Dungeon & Fighter.” For those who may not know, Dungeon & Fighter is an extremely popular MMO that debuted in 2005 and has recently begun branching out into new genres, like the 2022 fighting game DNF Duel.

Yet, despite their insistence on it being distinct, Lee acknowledged, “It’s true that Khazan shares certain elements with soulslike games, such as precise pattern recognition, strategic combat, and a gratifying sense of challenge and accomplishment.” He also added that it distinguishes itself as “It merges fast-paced, thrilling action with a unique skill system, providing a combat experience that is distinctly its own.” I can certainly relate; while playing the demo, the closest comparison I found was actually Team Ninja’s Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, rather than a FromSoftware title, due to its skill trees and combat rhythm.

That said, Lee doesn’t seem to be offended by the Soulslike label, stating, “Soulslike is a powerful term that immediately evokes challenging combat and intricate game design for many players. From that view, it is a highly effective descriptor.” He further mentioned, “In the case of Khazan, when players compare it to soulslike games, they’re not merely referencing mechanical similarities. The quest for challenge and achievement, along with immersive and complex game design, are fundamental pillars of our strategy. We believe these comparisons emerge because players connect with these very aspects that Khazan aims to deliver.”

Lee also shared additional insights about The First Bers