Neople, a subsidiary of the South Korean gaming giant Nexon, is set to launch its highly anticipated hardcore RPG slasher, The First Berserker: Khazan, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series. Mark your calendars for March 27! In the lead-up to the release, the developers have unveiled an eight-minute gameplay trailer that dives deep into the game's intricate combat system.
The video highlights three core principles of battle: attacking, dodging, and defending. While defense consumes significantly more stamina than dodging, perfectly timed blocks not only reduce stamina drain but also minimize stun effects. This makes mastering your defensive moves crucial for survival. On the flip side, dodging uses less stamina but demands precise timing and quick reflexes to maximize the invulnerability frames during evasive maneuvers. Like most soulslike games, your success in The First Berserker: Khazan will largely depend on how effectively you manage your stamina during combat.
If your stamina runs out, Khazan enters a state of exhaustion, leaving him completely vulnerable to enemy attacks. This mechanic isn't just a challenge for players; it's also an opportunity. You can exploit it against enemies with stamina bars by depleting their stamina before landing powerful strikes. For foes without stamina bars, their resilience can still be worn down through persistent attacks. These battles require patience, precise positioning, and impeccable timing, though they are balanced by the fact that monster stamina does not regenerate over time.