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 March 27, as this is when the game will hit the shelves. To build anticipation, the developers have released an eight-minute gameplay trailer that dives deep into the game's intricate combat system.
The trailer highlights three core principles of battle in The First Berserker: Khazan: attacking, dodging, and defending. Defense, while consuming significantly more stamina than dodging, offers a strategic advantage. Perfectly timed blocks not only reduce stamina drain but also minimize stun effects, making it a crucial skill for players to master. On the flip side, dodging uses less stamina but demands precise timing and quick reflexes to maximize invulnerability frames during evasive maneuvers. As with most soulslike games, success in The First Berserker: Khazan hinges on how effectively players manage their stamina throughout combat.
If stamina runs out, Khazan enters a state of exhaustion, leaving him completely vulnerable to enemy attacks. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy, as players can exploit it against enemies with stamina bars by depleting their foes' stamina before delivering powerful strikes. For enemies without stamina bars, their resilience can still be worn down through persistent attacks. These battles demand patience, precise positioning, and impeccable timing, though they are balanced by the fact that monster stamina does not regenerate over time.