You might find it interesting to learn that The First Berserker: Khazan belongs to a larger gaming world that includes the well-loved beat ’em up series Dungeon and Fighter, or DNF as it’s known. This game is just the beginning of a string of projects aimed at expanding this universe. Neople has invested heavily in the game’s localization and voice acting, pulling in some excellent talent. Fans of Final Fantasy 16 might recognize the voice of Khazan—it’s voiced by none other than Ben Starr, whose standout performance is one of the highlights of the game. Unlike many games in the Soulslike genre that lean toward environmental storytelling and obscure lore, The First Berserker: Khazan takes a more straightforward narrative path.
Soulslikes are known for their indirect methods of storytelling usually taken from FromSoftware’s classic style, but Khazan distinguishes itself with a direct narrative approach. Our protagonist, Khazan, comes with a rich backstory that goes beyond the typical revenge saga initially hinted at. Ben Starr brings Khazan’s character to life in a refreshing way, providing a voice that’s distinct from his role as Clive in Final Fantasy 16, showcasing his range and cementing his rising status in the industry.
Turning our attention to the voice cast, Khazan’s well-produced performances are evident right from the start and only get richer as new characters are introduced. A glance at the talent involved reveals seasoned voices. Besides Ben Starr, the game features a lineup of industry veterans who bring various characters to life:
– Holly Earl, known for her roles in Wuthering Waves and Stellar Blade
– Anthony Howell, with credits in Black Myth: Wukong and Elden Ring
– Joseph Capp from games like Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Baldur’s Gate 3
– Will Scolding, who appeared in Star Wars: Outlaws and Final Fantasy 16
Among the cast, Anthony Howell’s portrayal of the Blade Phantom stands out, complementing Starr’s Khazan in their dynamic partnership that evokes the chemistry found in older classics like 2007’s The Darkness.
Ben Starr’s leading performance elevates the already compelling narrative of The First Berserker: Khazan. Soulslike games often shy away from straightforward storytelling, focusing on leaving bits for players to uncover within the game environment. This makes Khazan’s storytelling approach all the more distinct and engaging. It avoids excessive exposition, offering fresh gameplay without sacrificing a well-constructed story.
Starr, known for his acclaimed portrayal of Clive Rosfield in Final Fantasy 16, where he was nominated for Best Performance at The Game Awards 2023, might find similar success with his role as Khazan. Alongside his participation in upcoming projects like Clair Obscure: Expedition 33, Starr is undoubtedly raising the bar for voice acting in Soulslikes. His work in The First Berserker: Khazan is a testament to the powerful impact quality voice acting can have on a game’s narrative experience.
