Infernax (2022)

Infernax is a challenging retro-inspired action-adventure that thrusts players into the role of a great knight returning to a homeland ravaged by unholy magic. Tasked with eradicating the source of this corruption, players will navigate treacherous castle-dungeons, confront hordes of ruthless, bloodthirsty monsters, and engage in epic boss battles. The game features a robust level-up system allowing customization of life, mana, or damage, alongside opportunities to acquire new items and unlock powerful skills. A dangerous open world, teeming with secret areas, awaits exploration, where every moral decision—from slaying enemies to aiding villagers—carries significant weight, leading to multiple unique endings. Adding to the brutal experience, the "Deux or Die" update introduces local co-op, allowing players to team up with the trusty squire Cervul, or hot-swap between characters in a rebalanced version of the gory adventure. Infernax stands as a crowning achievement for Berzerk Studio, expertly encapsulating their signature blend of challenging gameplay, striking pixel art, and darkly humorous, often gory, aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from classic 8-bit action-RPGs like *Castlevania II*, the game elevates the studio's established style with its expansive, interconnected world and a nuanced moral choice system that genuinely impacts the narrative and available quests. Its commitment to a high-difficulty, satisfying combat loop, combined with deep player agency and a distinct visual identity, has cemented its place as one of Berzerk's most ambitious and critically acclaimed titles. The "Deux or Die" update further exemplifies their dedication to evolving the experience, proving Infernax to be a definitive showcase of Berzerk Studio's creative vision and development prowess.