Genre: Action, Hack-and-Slash, Dark Fantasy
Platform: PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PS Vita
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Release Date: February 21, 2017
Size: ~20 GB

Overview

BERSERK and the Band of the Hawk is a brutal hack-and-slash game based on Kentaro Miura’s legendary manga and anime series, Berserk. Players follow Guts, a lone mercenary, as he battles monstrous foes, demonic creatures, and corrupt rulers in his quest for vengeance. Combining the fast-paced action of Dynasty Warriors with the deep, dark storytelling of Berserk, the game immerses players in a bloody struggle for survival.

Experience intense battles, devastating combat techniques, and an emotionally charged narrative as you fight through hordes of enemies, reliving the most iconic moments from the Berserk series.

The Steam Edition offers improved performance, enhanced visuals, and full controller support for an optimized gameplay experience.

Key Features of BERSERK and the Band of the Hawk (Steam)

Part 1: Core Gameplay & Combat

1. Fast-Paced Hack-and-Slash Combat – Wield Guts’ massive Dragon Slayer sword and slice through waves of enemies.
2. Authentic Berserk Storyline – Experience key moments from the Golden Age Arc to the Hawk of the Millennium Empire Arc.
3. Iconic Characters – Play as Guts, Griffith, Casca, Zodd, and other legendary warriors.
4. Brutal Finishing Moves – Unleash devastating attacks to annihilate enemies in cinematic style.
5. Transformation System – Enter Berserk Mode to boost attack power and unleash unstoppable rage.
6. Dynamic Combat Styles – Switch between weapons and playstyles unique to each character.
7. Dark Fantasy Atmosphere – Stunning visuals capture the grim, violent world of Berserk.
8. Challenging Boss Fights – Face off against powerful Apostles, demons, and monstrous foes.
9. Horde Battles – Cut through massive enemy swarms in large-scale battlefields.
10. Fully Voiced Story Mode – Enjoy Japanese voice acting with English subtitles for an immersive experience.

Part 2: Game Mechanics & Extras

11. Playable Apostles – Control terrifying Apostles like Zodd and Wyald for unique combat experiences.
12. Equipment & Upgrades – Customize and enhance weapons, armor, and items.
13. Story & Free Mode – Play through the campaign or revisit battles in Free Mode.
14. Band of the Hawk System – Recruit and level up allies to strengthen your team.
15. Griffith’s Dream – Experience Griffith’s perspective and lead the Band of the Hawk.
16. Multiple Game Endings – Uncover different outcomes based on character progress.
17. Blood-Soaked Action – True to the manga, expect visceral and brutal combat.
18. Cinematic Cutscenes – Relive Berserk’s most iconic moments with high-quality scenes.
19. Gamepad & Keyboard Support – Fully optimized controls for both controller and keyboard.
20. Steam Achievements & Cloud Saves – Track progress and play across different devices.

FAQs: General Information

Part 1: Game Overview

1. What is BERSERK and the Band of the Hawk?
   It’s a hack-and-slash action game based on the Berserk manga and anime series.
2. Who developed the game?
   It was developed by Omega Force and published by Koei Tecmo.
3. What is the main objective?
   Players relive Guts’ journey, battling through hordes of enemies in a fast-paced action format.
4. Is the game open-world?
   No, it follows a mission-based structure with large battlefields.
5. Is the game single-player only?
   Yes, it is strictly a single-player experience.
6. How long is the game?
   The story mode takes approximately 10–15 hours, with additional content extending gameplay.
7. Can I replay the game with different characters?
   Yes, Free Mode allows players to use various characters.
8. Does the game cover the entire Berserk storyline?
   No, it covers arcs from the Golden Age to the Hawk of the Millennium Empire.
9. Is it necessary to know the Berserk story before playing?
   No, but fans of the series will appreciate the deeper lore and references.
10. Does the game have cutscenes from the anime?
    Yes, it features animated scenes from the Berserk movie trilogy.

Part 2: Gameplay Mechanics

11. How does combat work?
    It uses a fast-paced, combo-based hack-and-slash system similar to Dynasty Warriors.
12. Can I play as characters other than Guts?
    Yes, you can play as Griffith, Casca, Zodd, and others.
13. Are there different weapons?
    Yes, each character has a unique weapon and combat style.
14. Can I upgrade weapons?
    Yes, weapons and armor can be upgraded for better performance.
15. What is Berserk Mode?
    A temporary transformation that boosts attack power and speed.
16. Is there a leveling system?
    Yes, characters gain experience and level up through battles.
17. Are there side missions?
    Yes, optional missions provide extra rewards and character upgrades.
18. Is there a co-op or multiplayer mode?
    No, the game is strictly single-player.
19. Does the game have quick-time events (QTEs)?
    Yes, during certain combat sequences and boss fights.
20. Can I replay missions?
    Yes, missions can be replayed in Free Mode.

Part 3: Technical Aspects

21. What platforms is the game available on?
    PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PS Vita.
22. Does it support 4K resolution?
    No, but it supports high-definition visuals on PC.
23. Can I play with a controller on PC?
    Yes, it has full controller support.
24. Does the game run at 60 FPS?
    Yes, on high-end PCs and PlayStation 4.
25. Is there a photo mode?
    No, but cutscenes can be paused and screenshotted.
26. Does the game have cloud saves?
    Yes, via Steam Cloud.
27. Is there a modding community?
    No official support, but some mods exist.
28. Can I change the difficulty?
    Yes, difficulty settings can be adjusted.
29. Is there a demo available?
    No, there is no official demo.
30. Will there be a sequel?
    No official announcements, but fans hope for one.

Part 4: Story & Characters

31. Who is the main character?
    Guts, a mercenary-turned-revenge-seeker.
32. Does Griffith play a major role?
    Yes, Griffith’s story is central to the plot.
33. Are there character relationships?
    Yes, relationships between Guts, Casca, and Griffith are explored.
34. Does the game follow the manga exactly?
    It follows key arcs but omits some details.
35. Are there new story elements?
    No, it strictly follows Berserk’s existing storyline.

Part 5: Additional Content & Updates

36. Does the game have DLCs?
    No, there is no additional content.
37. Will there be future updates?
    No major updates are planned.
38. Does it include the Berserker Armor?
    Yes, later in the game.
39. Are there secret unlockables?
    Yes, including hidden characters and costumes.
40. Is there a New Game+ mode?
    No official New Game+ mode, but replay options exist.

Screenshots

System Requirements

Least:

1.  Operating system: Windows® 7, Windows® 8.1, Windows® 10
2.  Processor: Center i7 870 over
3.  Memory: 4 GB Smash
4.  Illustrations: NVIDIA Geforce GTS 450
5.  DirectX: Form 11
6.  Network: Broadband Web association
7.  Capacity: 20 GB accessible space
8.  Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c over
   Extra Notes: 640×480 pixel over, High Tone, VRAM 1GB over

Suggested:

1.  Operating system: Windows® 7, Windows® 8.1, Windows® 10
2.  Processor: Center i7 2600 over
3.  Memory: 8 GB Smash
4.  Illustrations: NVIDIA GeForce GTX980 (3840×2160)/GTX760 (1920×1080)
5.  DirectX: Form 11
6.  Network: Broadband Web association
7.  Capacity: 20 GB accessible space
8.  Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c over
   Extra Notes: 1920×1080 pixel over, Genuine nature, 4K viable

Conclusion

BERSERK and the Band of the Hawk is a thrilling action-packed game that delivers the intensity and depth of the Berserk series. With visceral combat, a gripping story, and fan-favorite characters, it’s a must-play for any Berserk enthusiast or hack-and-slash fan.