Neople, a subsidiary of the South Korean gaming giant Nexon, is set to launch its much-anticipated hardcore RPG slasher, The First Berserker: Khazan, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series. Mark your calendars for March 27, as this is when you'll get to dive into the action. But before the big day, the developers have treated fans to an eight-minute gameplay trailer that dives deep into the game's intricate combat system.
The trailer highlights three core combat principles: attacking, dodging, and defending. Defense in The First Berserker: Khazan consumes a significant amount of stamina, but perfectly timed blocks not only reduce this drain but also minimize stun effects, giving players a strategic edge. On the flip side, dodging uses less stamina but demands precise timing and quick reflexes to make the most of those crucial invulnerability frames during evasive maneuvers. As with many soulslike games, mastering stamina management is key to success in The First Berserker: Khazan.
Running out of stamina sends Khazan into a state of exhaustion, making him completely vulnerable to enemy attacks. This mechanic isn't just a challenge for players; it's also a tool they can use against enemies with stamina bars. By depleting an enemy's stamina, players can set up devastating strikes. For foes without stamina bars, relentless attacks can still wear down their resilience. These battles require patience, precise positioning, and impeccable timing, but they're balanced by the fact that monster stamina does not regenerate over time.
