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First Berserker: Kazan, Growing the 'DNF Universe'
Nexon and Neople's new project 'First Berserker: Khazan' held its second FGT from the 15th to the 19th. Nexon revealed a trailer at The Game Awards in 2023, and has been preparing for the official release by conducting two FGTs, the first and second.
'First Berserker: Khazan' is a hardcore action RPG based on the Dungeon&Fighter universe. It features the story of 'Khazan', a great general of the Phelos Empire who was framed for treason and survived, uncovering the events that led to his downfall with 3D cel animation style and immersive action.
Of particular note in this title is the appearance of the 'DNF Universe', a multiverse setting. In First Berserker: Khazan, a completely different episode will unfold while maintaining the same vein as the existing Dungeon&Fighter story. Neople aims to showcase a compelling narrative as the first step in expanding the IP in earnest, and expressed its ambition to target action RPG users worldwide with Khazan's revenge drama and unique hardcore action, as Khazan is a key figure in the DNF Universe and the 'first Berserker'.
To be more immersed in the title 'First Berserker: Khazan', you need to know about 'Berserker', the representative character of the Dungeon Fighter IP. Berserker is one of the characters symbolizing Dungeon Fighter, and is the root of all roots, provided as a playable character from the start. The etymology can be found in the ancient Norse word 'Berserkr', which means bear skin, and it originates from the image of Viking warriors fighting wearing bear skins, and is still used today to mean 'brave warrior' or 'berserker'.
In the initial character design, Neople focused on the Berserker's overwhelming combat power and combat action that evokes high immersion. The Berserker appearing in 'Dungeon Fighter' combined concise and fast-paced motions and high-attack skills to reinforce the unique belligerent image, and thus implemented the original warrior concept.
The core keyword of Berserker in the Dungeon Fighter IP can be said to be 'Khazan Syndrome'. Khazan Syndrome is a curse created by 'Khazan', the great general of the Phelos Empire, and the swordsman who is cursed with this curse gains powerful power and is swept up in strong emotions such as anger and reborn as a Berserker. The relationship between Ozma, who appears as Khazan's friend, and the Phelos Emperor is intertwined in the background of Khazan's curse. The story that Khazan and Ozma, heroes who led the empire to victory, fell out of favor with the emperor and then lost everything and fell, can be said to be the root of 'Khazan Syndrome'.
The story of 'Khazan', who became the first Berserker by spreading the curse throughout Arad, along with 'Ozma', who was cast out with him and later awakened as an Apostle, was a topic of great interest to Dungeon Fighter users. The revenge narrative of the two fallen heroes heightened the immersion of the original Dungeon Fighter story, and led to interest in the 'Chaos Ozma Raid' composed of the story.
It seems that 'Khazan' was able to be selected as the protagonist of the standalone title among the many Dungeon Fighter characters because of this background. Neople predicted that a deep narrative like Khazan's story can draw user empathy and provide immersion, and that this will lead to the expansion of the 'DNF Universe'.
'First Berserker: Khazan' is based on the original setting, but as it is part of the 'DNF Universe', a multiverse, new episodes that have not been seen before will appear. Unlike the original, the story unfolds from the point where he barely escapes due to an avalanche that struck during his exile, and the player will be able to experience fierce battles and revenge dramas as Khazan, who is reborn as a Berserker by borrowing the power of the ghost 'Blade Phantom'.
It is expected that the well-written story, as well as the highly complete hardcore action, will add to the fun of the battle. Neople said that they have implemented heavy yet dynamic movements so that players can feel the action befitting the concept of Berserker, and that they have completed the original game by adding Dungeon Fighter's unique controls and 3D cel animation-style graphics.
Yoon Myung-jin, the PD who is currently leading the development of 'First Berserker: Khazan', said, "We are building a solid storyline that allows you to become more immersed in the world with 'Khazan', a character with a clear and deep narrative," and added, "Please look forward to the great story that the first Berserker will present."
Meanwhile, 'First Berserker: Khazan' received a rating of 'Not allowed for youth' from the Game Rating and Administration Committee last April due to 'excessive violence'. The game is scheduled to be released on PC, Xbox, and PS5 platforms, and detailed release date information has not yet been released.
웹진 인벤박광석 기자
2024-05-28