Category: Games

Exploring the Stunning Cel-Shaded Art Style of The First Berserker: Khazan

Jimbo Kim, Brand Manager, Nexon America

Summary

The First Berserker: Khazan is now available for Xbox Series X|S.
This hardcore ARPG, set in the Dungeon & Fighter universe, features immersive 3D cel-shaded animation and unforgettable boss encounters.
Born to rage –embark on Khazan’s journey of revenge to become the first berserker.

With today’s worldwide release of hardcore ARPG The First Berserker: Khazan, set in the iconic Dungeon and Fighter (DNF) universe, we want to highlight one of the game’s standout features — its breathtaking 3D cel-shaded art style. This visually striking direction combines cinematic realism with stylized animation, offering players a completely new and immersive experience within the DNF universe.

A Fusion of Realism and Stylization

The art direction for The First Berserker: Khazan introduces a powerful combination of photorealistic textures and 3D cel shading, giving the game a look that is both immersive and visually striking. The photorealistic textures create depth and grounding in the world, while the cel-shading technique brings a vibrant, animated quality that ensures the game retains the dynamic, expressive appeal of the DNFuniverse.

For those not familiar with the universe, it is a dynamic and action-packed world where ancient legends clash with dark forces in a fight for survival. Known for its fast-paced, combo-driven combat and deep character customization, the game immerses players in a realm steeped in rich lore and myth, making each battle feel like a piece of a larger, epic narrative.

This innovative fusion of styles is designed to appeal not only to long-time fans of the series but also to newcomers, who will find the art style instantly engaging. It maintains the visual identity of DNF while pushing boundaries to create something that feels both modern and timeless.

Immersive Boss Encounters

Boss encounters in The First Berserker: Khazan are elevated by the game’s art style, with each boss meticulously designed to reflect its power, personality, and role within the story. These larger-than-life characters are not just imposing figures; they are key components of the narrative, with their designs serving to enhance their storytelling impact.

The stylized visuals play a crucial role in making each boss battle, such as Blade Phantom, feel like a cinematic event. The game’s use of 3D cel-shading enhances the visual drama by emphasizing the bold outlines, vibrant colors, and high contrast, which help bring the bosses to life in a striking and exaggerated way. The detailed design of Blade Phantom, with his fluid movement and imposing presence, is crafted to heighten the intensity and emotional weight of the fight. These visuals ensure that each encounter feels like a significant, high-stakes moment, where the player can feel the gravity of the battle through both the gameplay and the stunning visual presentation

The visual design of the bosses is central to their role in the game, making each fatal encounter more than just a challenge, but an unforgettable moment in the story.

The Power of Cel-Shading

The decision to use 3D cel-shading helps create a visually striking art style that complements the narrative and emotional tone of the game. The bold outlines and vibrant colors, characteristic of cel-shading, bring out the dramatic aspects of the world and its characters.

The high contrast visuals amplify the emotional weight of key scenes, helping players immerse themselves more fully in the story and feel a deeper connection to the game’s events. This visual approach not only enhances the game’s aesthetics but also supports the storytelling by making it more engaging and expressive.

Baca Juga

This art style allowed the team to play with intensity in ways that wouldn’t be possible with traditional approaches. The result is a game that visually communicates the high stakes and drama of Khazan’s story, making each moment feel alive and powerful.

For more information, visit the official homepage for The First Berserker: Khazan.

The First Berserker: Khazan Deluxe Edition

Nexon Korea Corporation

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$69.99

Get it now

[DELUXE EDITION Bonus] The First Berserker: Khazan DELUXE EDITION includes the following content: 1. The First Berserker: Khazan (main game) 2. Hero's Weapon Set ・ Hero's Dual Wield ・ Hero's Spear ・ Hero's Greatsword 3. Hero's Armor Set ・ Hero's Helm ・ Hero's Wristguards ・ Hero's Pauldrons ・ Hero's Leggings ・ Hero's Combat Boots 4. Digital Artbook ・ The digital artbook features concept art from The First Berserker: Khazan. It can be accessed from the in-game main menu screen. * The Hero's Weapon and Armor Sets are The First Berserker: Khazan DELUXE EDITION exclusive items and cannot be obtained through alternative means at a later date. * The Hero's Weapon and Armor Sets can be used cosmetically. These sets can also be upgraded and/or have their options adjusted, allowing for continued usage. * Clear Mission 2 and open the reward barrel in the Crevice to obtain the Hero's Weapon and Armor Sets. * Updating to the latest version of the game may be required to access this content. [About This Game] Experience the brutal action of The First Berserker: Khazan, a hardcore Action RPG adventure set 800 years before the events of the Dungeon Fighter Online (DNF) Universe. You will experience the vast universe and journey to the continent of Arad and discover the untold story of General Khazan. Master deep and immersive combat mechanics while you engage in strategic battles against a diverse array of foes and bosses. Will you embrace the path of the First Berserker and embark on Khazan's path of revenge? THE FIRST BERSERKER The Great General Khazan is falsely branded a traitor and mercilessly tortured. After narrowly escaping death, Khazan forms an unlikely alliance with the ghostly entity Blade Phantom, gaining otherworldly powers. Witness Khazan’s journey for revenge and learn his path to becoming the first berserker in the DNF Universe. BATTLE-HARDENED GENERAL Khazan is a master of combat, wielding an arsenal of dual-wield weapons, spears, and great-swords with unmatched prowess. Collect, upgrade, and combine these weapons with various armor sets to create your own unique combat style. Develop Khazan's abilities through multiple in-depth skill trees, allowing players to customize their playstyle and specialize in different combat techniques. While challenging for hardcore gamers, the two difficulty settings and variety of combat and skill mechanics make the game approachable for players of all skill levels. LEGENDARY BOSSES Khazan engages in unforgettable boss battles, where each foe presents distinct attack patterns, exploitable weaknesses, and unique abilities. These battles require strategic thinking, precise timing, and a deep understanding of the combat system, encouraging players to adapt and learn quickly. By mastering Khazan's versatile weapons and skills, players can effectively customize their tactics to conquer various boss types and navigate diverse combat scenarios. ANIME MEETS AAA The First Berserker: Khazan’s striking 3D cel-shaded graphics bring the world of Arad to life with the vibrant look of animated films. The essence of the Dungeon and Fighter Universe is captured and reimagined with a unique blend of bold, cel-shaded art and realistic textures, creating an immersive visual experience.

The First Berserker: Khazan

Nexon Korea Corporation

☆☆☆☆☆ 133

★★★★★

$59.99

Get it now

[About This Game] Experience the brutal action of The First Berserker: Khazan, a hardcore Action RPG adventure set 800 years before the events of the Dungeon Fighter Online (DNF) Universe. You will experience the vast universe and journey to the continent of Arad and discover the untold story of General Khazan. Master deep and immersive combat mechanics while you engage in strategic battles against a diverse array of foes and bosses. Will you embrace the path of the First Berserker and embark on Khazan's path of revenge? THE FIRST BERSERKER The Great General Khazan is falsely branded a traitor and mercilessly tortured. After narrowly escaping death, Khazan forms an unlikely alliance with the ghostly entity Blade Phantom, gaining otherworldly powers. Witness Khazan’s journey for revenge and learn his path to becoming the first berserker in the DNF Universe. BATTLE-HARDENED GENERAL Khazan is a master of combat, wielding an arsenal of dual-wield weapons, spears, and great-swords with unmatched prowess. Collect, upgrade, and combine these weapons with various armor sets to create your own unique combat style. Develop Khazan's abilities through multiple in-depth skill trees, allowing players to customize their playstyle and specialize in different combat techniques. While challenging for hardcore gamers, the two difficulty settings and variety of combat and skill mechanics make the game approachable for players of all skill levels. LEGENDARY BOSSES Khazan engages in unforgettable boss battles, where each foe presents distinct attack patterns, exploitable weaknesses, and unique abilities. These battles require strategic thinking, precise timing, and a deep understanding of the combat system, encouraging players to adapt and learn quickly. By mastering Khazan's versatile weapons and skills, players can effectively customize their tactics to conquer various boss types and navigate diverse combat scenarios. ANIME MEETS AAA The First Berserker: Khazan’s striking 3D cel-shaded graphics bring the world of Arad to life with the vibrant look of animated films. The essence of the Dungeon and Fighter Universe is captured and reimagined with a unique blend of bold, cel-shaded art and realistic textures, creating an immersive visual experience.

The First Berserker: Khazan DEMO

Nexon Korea Corporation

☆☆☆☆☆ 233

★★★★★

Get it now

This is the demo version of The First Berserker: Khazan. The demo contains the first two missions from the game. Progress made in the demo can be carried over to the full game via your save file. Difficulty settings can be adjusted after clearing Mission 1. The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action RPG based on the Dungeon Fighter Online (DnF) universe, Nexon's flagship IP with more than 800 million players worldwide. Set 800 years before the events of DnF, the game unfolds on the continent of Arad and explores the untold story of Khazan, the first Berserker. Players will experience Khazan's legendary journey firsthand as they master intricate and engaging combat mechanics and strategic battles that bring his epic tale to life. [Game Overview] 1. Epic Boss Fights and Action-Packed Gameplay The First Berserker: Khazan captures the essence of Dungeon Fighter Online with its blend of flashy hack-and-slash combat and hardcore difficulty, delivering polished, high-impact action. Intense boss battles maximize tension, while hard-earned victories provide a deep sense of accomplishment, offering players a thrilling combat experience. 2. A Gripping Story of Revenge In the 89th year of the Pell Los Empire, the Great General Khazan is falsely accused of treason and banished to the snowy mountains. Having narrowly escaped death, Khazan embarks on a quest for vengeance. Witness his growth as he uncovers the conspiracies that led to his downfall, masters lost combat skills, and unveils the truth about the empire. 3. 3D Cel-Shaded Graphics Built with Unreal Engine, the game's 3D cel-shaded style captures the essence of animated films. The continent of Arad has been reimagined through a striking blend of bold, cel-shaded art and realistic textures, offering a vivid and immersive experience. [Game Features] 1. Dynamic Item Collection and Progression System Khazan wields a wide range of weapons with unmatched skill, including dual-wield weapons, spears, and greatswords. Collect and upgrade these weapons, along with various pieces of armor, and complete gear sets to develop your own distinct combat style. 2. Vast Skill Combinations Each weapon comes with a variety of skills that can be combined to create a combat style that's entirely your own. Go beyond simple attack and defense mechanics and experience gameplay that rewards strategy and creativity. The First Berserker: Khazan is the ultimate experience for players looking for a hardcore action RPG with an incredibly immersive story. Join Khazan as he overcomes the challenges that lie before him and becomes the legendary Berserker.

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source https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/03/27/exploring-the-stunning-cel-shaded-art-style-of-the-first-berserker-khazan/