This review was written based on the demo version of the game.
Nexon’s newest game dives into the universe of their 2005 title Dungeon Fighter Online, following Khazan, a once-revered general who is falsely accused of treason and exiled from his empire.
From there, he takes on an anime-like journey of revenge and rediscovery, as he sets out to uncover the empire’s secrets. The demo’s cinematic introduction sets the tone of what fans can expect from the full game, offering a glimpse into the world’s lore and foreshadowing key events.
The first thing I noticed was how fast, fluid, and aggressive the combat in this game is, emphasizing quick movement, precise dodging, and perfect blocking or counterattacks. Unlike traditional Souls-likes that rely on slow, methodical combat, Khazan rewards well-timed parries and counters, making battles feel strategic instead of being just a typical hack-and-slash.
A key mechanic in Khazan is its stamina system, which applies to both the player and their enemies. Depleting an enemy’s stamina opens them up to devastating attacks, adding a layer of strategy to these encounters. Players must also manage their own stamina carefully, ensuring they have enough left for blocking, dodging, or launching counter-offensives.
The game also features various weapons and gear, allowing players to customize their playstyle. While the demo doesn’t showcase the full range of abilities, it does hint at deep customization options in the final release.
While Khazan shares its DNA with Souls-likes like Elden Ring and Lies of P, it distinguishes itself through its aggressive combat system. The tight parry windows make encounters feel skill-based, rewarding players who master the mechanics.
Though I enjoyed the combat mechanics myself, I have also seen some players say that using weapons feels less impactful compared to their parry and dodge abilities, which seems to indicate that combat leans heavier on defensive mechanics rather than weapon variety. Depending on your preferred playstyle, this could heavily skew your enjoyment of the game.
Visually, the game has a distinct anime-inspired look, reminiscent of something like Darksiders. The stylized presentation, combined with the exciting cutscenes, really enhanced my immersion while playing through the demo.
However, unlike Darksiders, which balances its stylized visuals with vibrant backdrops, Khazan maintains a monotone aesthetic throughout. If you prefer your cel-shaded games to be more on the vibrant side, this game may not appeal to you, but I found that the muted colours worked well to set the dark tone of the story.
Finally, I also liked how well the game integrated the lore from Dungeon Fighter Online (DNF), specifically the story of Khazan and Ozma. But even if you aren’t familiar with DNF, the narrative feels self-contained and engaging enough to be accessible to newcomers.
Verdict
With its engaging combat, rich storytelling, and unique visual style, it’s easy to see why this demo has impressed many. I’d recommend giving this one a try.
Wishlist or buy Khazan: The First Berserker on Steam, and top up your Steam Wallet on Codashop for bonus rewards.
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