The First Berserker: Khazanis finally here, marking the newest cannon installment of theDungeon & Fighteruniverse. Except, unlike pastDungeon & Fightergames,The First Berserker: Khazancomes with the twistof being an Action RPG Soulslike, set in an alternate timeline within the franchise.
Either through explicit references or subtle use of similar game mechanics, it’s inevitable for Soulslike games to bear influence to FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games that created this subgenre of Action RPGs, hence the subgenre being called Soulslikes. In the case ofThe First Berserker: Khazan, this new Soulsike bears some rather obvious influences from the Soulsborne games. Especially regarding its references to FromSoftware’s latest Soulsborne game,Elden Ring,The First Berserker: Khazanpays its respects to the studio that pioneered this subgenre by wearing itsElden Ringinfluence proudly.
The First Berserker: Khazan’s Elden Ring Influence Is a Sweet Treat for Soulsborne Fans
Whether it be as obvious as includingFromSoftware’s love of those pesky poison swampsor a checkpoint system reminiscent of theDark Soulsgames’ bonfires, FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games have become a vast source of inspiration throughout Action RPGs. Of all the subtle ways that Soulslike games naturally bear influence to FromSoftware’s iconic Soulsborne IPs,The First Berserker: Khazan’s Jarlings come off as the most obvious homage toElden Ring’s beloved Living Jar NPCs.
First Berserker’s Jarling Collectibles Are Reminiscent of Elden Ring’s Living Jar NPCs
After completing the Jar Enthusiast optional quest inThe First Berserker: Khazan, players will then be able to find a new type of collectible throughout the game: Danjin’s Jarlings. These cute little collectibles will be hiding in destructible jars and will reveal themselves once players smash open the jar. Due to the popularity of NPCs inElden Ringlike Iron Fist Alexander, Jar Bairn, and the Jar outside the Caelid Colosseum, it’s admittedly hard not to consider these Jarlingcollectibles inThe First Berserker: Khazana nod toElden Ring’s fan-favorite Living Jars, based on their appearance.
The Jar Enthusiast quest becomes available after players defeat theVolbaino boss in the Phraugh Village region.
However, for players who aren’t yet convinced thatThe First Berserker: Khazan’s Jarling collectibles are a reference toElden Ring, there’s more to the items that indicate their familiar appearance is no mere coincidence. The rewards that players can earn from collecting these Jarlings are also reminiscent ofElden Ring, presumably referencing the iconic fashion choices of thefamousElden Ringplayer ‘Let Me Solo Her,’who has become a pop-culture icon.
First Berserker’s Jar Helmets Have Big ‘Let Me Solo Her’ Vibes
Every so many Jarlings players collect, new helmets will become available for purchase from Danjin at the Crevice. These helmets take the shape of decorated jars, and they are generally considered some of the best armor inThe First Berserker: Khazanthanks to their powerful stats. Between their appearance and the superior buffs that they provide, these Jar helmets arguably channel major ‘Let Me Solo Her’ energy, reminiscent of the famousElden Ringplayer who wore nothing but a Jar helmet while helping to beat one of the game’s hardest bosses with ease. So, whether players are looking to upgrade their armor, cosplay as Let Me Solo Her, or both,The First Berserker: Khazanhas them covered.
No matter how hard modern Action RPGs attempt to hide it, the legacy and influence of FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games is seemingly inevitable. In the case ofThe First Berserker: Khazan, though, this new Soulslike wears its Soulsborne influence proudly throughout, and it pays special respect toElden Ringwith the addition of some of the best armor and collectibles resembling some ofElden Ring’s most beloved figures.
