Fans of the Soulslike genre are finding a lot to love in The First Berserker: Khazan. This game strikes a balance between delivering the intense combat and grandiose boss fights that players crave, while also tipping its hat to the classics from FromSoftware, known for pioneering this style. It’s not just about paying homage; Khazan brings fresh ideas to the table, all the while respecting the design philosophies from as far back as 2009 with Demon’s Souls. One couldn’t discuss this without touching on its homage to one of FromSoftware’s most famous tropes: the poison swamp.
Throughout the Soulsborne universe, poison swamps are either a dreaded obstacle or a nod to the original games, fondly drawing players back to the genre. Inevitably, they have become staple features in any Soulslike, and The First Berserker: Khazan doesn’t stray from this tradition. In the game, Skoffa Cave stands out as an early challenge, putting players through their paces. It’s a divisive area that can be seen as either a standout moment or a frustrating hurdle, depending on one’s perspective.
Venturing into Khazan’s poison swamp kicks off during the fifth main mission called Strange Stench. Before players even set foot into the swampy depths, the journey through Skoffa Cave is fraught with peril, presenting challenges that might even make the swamp seem like a breather. The cave’s upper levels are teeming with threats such as spiders, bats, and the newly introduced undead creatures—each posing a unique threat that tests players’ tenacity and strategy.
The real trial lies in coping with the game’s first encounter with enemies that cause the Plague status. Paired with poison-inflicting spiders, players have to be on their toes, as these conditions can quickly lead to dire consequences. Navigating Skoffa Cave is not just about survival; it’s about collecting valuable rewards that make the risk worthwhile.
Bested the swamps? Congratulations! You’re rewarded with an epic encounter against the imposing Aratra, a boss that exemplifies The First Berserker: Khazan’s signature creature battles. Victory here isn’t just about bragging rights; it unlocks the Blacksmith in The Crevice, giving players more control over their equipment—a game-changer in itself. But the journey through Skoffa Cave isn’t just about battling foes. It’s about the lessons learned, like how crucial it is to defend against status ailments, a theme introduced by the boss fight with Volbaino.
As with the best of Soulslike games, it’s through enduring these challenges that the game conveys its deeper lessons. Understanding the importance of overcoming debilitating conditions is an insight that players will carry forward as the game ramps up in complexity and difficulty. The notorious poison swamp isn’t just a callback to its influences but a stepping stone, preparing players for what’s yet to come.
