Neople, a renowned 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 game's release on March 27. To build anticipation, the developers have unveiled an eight-minute gameplay trailer that dives deep into the game's sophisticated combat mechanics.
The trailer highlights three fundamental aspects of combat in The First Berserker: Khazan: attacking, dodging, and defending. Notably, defending consumes a significant amount of stamina compared to dodging. However, executing perfectly timed blocks can greatly reduce stamina consumption and mitigate stun effects. On the flip side, dodging is less demanding on stamina but demands precise timing and swift reflexes to make the most of the invulnerability frames during these evasive moves. As is typical in soulslike games, mastering stamina management is crucial for triumphing in The First Berserker: Khazan.
Running out of stamina in the game results in Khazan entering an exhaustion state, rendering him utterly defenseless against enemy onslaughts. This mechanic isn't just a challenge for players; it's a strategic tool that can be used to their advantage. Players can drain the stamina of enemies who have stamina bars, setting them up for devastating blows. For those foes without stamina bars, relentless attacks can gradually erode their resilience. These encounters require a blend of patience, strategic positioning, and perfect timing. However, the gameplay is balanced by the fact that the stamina of monsters does not regenerate over time, giving players a strategic edge.