Focusing primarily on exhilarating combat and breathtaking boss battles, The First Berserker: Khazan has captured the hearts of Soulslike enthusiasts and fans of classics from FromSoftware. What makes this game particularly intriguing is how it balances tribute with originality, bringing new elements to the Soulslike genre while respecting the blueprint set by Demon’s Souls back in 2009. Fans of the genre will not be surprised to find that the game even tips its hat to one of the most divisive features of FromSoftware’s offerings: the dreaded poison swamp.
Anyone familiar with FromSoftware’s games knows the infamous poison swamps. These areas are a staple, often viewed as either a nightmare or a nostalgic indication that you’re indeed playing a Souls game. Following suit, poison swamps recurrently appear in the Soulslike subgenre, and The First Berserker: Khazan doesn’t shy away from this tradition. Skoffa Cave, one of Khazan’s early formidable challenges, stands as a debated zone—potentially a pinnacle or pitfall depending on the player’s perspective.
Embarking on the game’s fifth major mission, titled Strange Stench, players must make their way through Skoffa Cave to reach Palemion. But before encountering the Poisoned Depths within the cave, they face hazards that make the swamp itself seem almost a welcome relief. Taking on the myriad challenges within Skoffa Cave truly sets the stage for what lies ahead.
As you venture through Skoffa Cave, you’ll face an array of dangers, from spiders to bats, and undead enemies. These threats make reaching the Poisoned Depths a feat in itself, let alone navigating them successfully. The undead here introduce the Plague status effect, and when combined with the spider-inflicted Poison damage, it creates a lethal combination that players must master to survive. This area marks the game’s first significant environmental test and ups the ante with rewards that make the challenges worthwhile.
Overcoming Skoffa Cave’s labyrinthine dangers and getting through its punishing poison swamps leads to a showdown with one of the game’s most impressive boss creatures—the giant spider, Aratra. Victory in this battle unlocks the services of the Blacksmith back at The Crevice, allowing players to have greater control over their gear—a change that can alter gameplay significantly. Yet, the true value lies in the lessons players learn from braving Skoffa Cave’s trials.
By the time you’ve made it through Skoffa Cave, you’ll have gained crucial insights into the importance of defending against status ailments in Khazan. This isn’t just a lesson in gameplay; it’s a survival strategy that becomes increasingly necessary as challenges mount. The game effectively communicates these lessons through the trials it presents, ensuring that players are well-equipped for the elevated challenges that await them following their arduous journey through the notorious poison swamp.
