The Intriguing Allure of a Soulslike Demo Ahead of Steam Next Fest

Developer Neople and publisher Nexon have steered clear of the label Soulslike in formal advertising and marketing discussions, yet The First Berserker: Khazan has been generating excitement among enthusiasts of FromSoftware‘s style of action RPG. Positioned as a prequel narrative within the Dungeon Fighter Online universe and set to launch on March 27, The First Berserker: Khazan promises “hardcore” combat and narrative boss encounters, and its Steam demo is impressively updated.

Prior to Steam Next Fest‘s demo celebration, I had a chance to experience the Khazan demo – which boasts an impressive 3,436 Steam reviews that many larger games would envy, alongside a 90% approval rate – and I was quickly captivated. Some familiar Souls mechanics emerge right away – recognizable UI and in-game substitutes for bonfires, Estus flasks, and souls serving as XP – but many differences become evident within the first few moments, and I’m not solely referring to the stunning cel-shaded visuals drenched in blood.

This game is significantly faster-paced than titles like Elden Ring or even Bloodborne, emphasizing precise dodges and blocks amid rapid combos that can lead to finishing moves when you break an enemy’s stance. The precise parry mechanics and slow-motion effects stimulate the mind just right, and heavy strikes complement light attacks effectively. Our protagonist, Khazan, closes gaps swiftly, allowing you to pursue enemies while unleashing strikes with the initial dual-wielded sword and axe. It feels less about positioning and more about overwhelming force. The core defense mechanism embodies a fitting offense.

Managing stamina remains crucial, but combat feels decidedly less burdensome compared to traditional Soulslike games. The experience is closer to something like Black Fantasy: Wukong – infused with Soulslike elements, yet not constrained by them. If the developers prefer not to label this as a Soulslike, even though Steam tags certainly might, let’s classify it as a post-Souls game.

The action-rich environment is enhanced by stealth kills and aerial assaults that elevate the gameplay experience, especially as enemies ambush you creatively. Open the equipment menu, which within 20 minutes fills with intriguing items dropped by the soldiers and monsters of the chilly demo area, and you’ll also discover bonuses that begin to incorporate RPG elements. The character interface is somewhat streamlined, with only 5 stats to invest in, but there appears to be ample opportunity to specialize across the melee focus. Neople promises exciting abilities and weapons for greater personalization, with Khazan able to wield any weapon seamlessly.

At first glance, The First Berserker: Khazan is more appealing than AI Limit, the standout Soulslike from last October’s Steam Next Fest (which I also appreciated). I haven’t seen enough to truly fall in love with it, but what is present here is very promising. It runs smoothly, looks sharp, and immediately feels responsive in your hands, devoid of the sluggishness or delay that often disrupts gameplay.