Neople, a subsidiary of the South Korean gaming giant Nexon, is set to launch its eagerly awaited hardcore RPG slasher, The First Berserker: Khazan, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series. Mark your calendars for the release date on March 27. To give fans a taste of what's to come, the developers have unveiled an eight-minute gameplay trailer that dives deep into the game's intricate combat system.
The trailer highlights three core principles of combat: attacking, dodging, and defending. Defending in The First Berserker: Khazan consumes significantly more stamina than dodging. However, executing a perfectly timed block not only reduces stamina drain but also minimizes the stun effect, offering a strategic advantage. On the other hand, dodging requires less stamina but demands precise timing and quick reflexes to maximize the invulnerability frames during evasive maneuvers. As with many soulslike games, mastering stamina management is crucial for success in The First Berserker: Khazan.
If Khazan's stamina runs out, he enters a state of exhaustion, making him completely vulnerable to enemy attacks. This mechanic can be strategically used against enemies with stamina bars; players can deplete their foes' stamina before landing powerful strikes. For enemies without stamina bars, their resilience can still be worn down through relentless attacks. These battles require patience, precise positioning, and impeccable timing. Fortunately, the game is balanced by the fact that monster stamina does not regenerate over time, adding a layer of strategic depth to every encounter.