Neople, a subsidiary of the South Korean gaming giant Nexon, is set to launch the much-anticipated hardcore RPG slasher, The First Berserker: Khazan, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series. Mark your calendars for March 27, as this thrilling game promises to deliver an intense gaming experience. To give fans a taste of what's to come, the developers have released an eight-minute gameplay trailer that dives deep into the game's intricate combat system.
The gameplay video highlights the three core principles of battle in The First Berserker: Khazan: attacking, dodging, and defending. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for mastering the game. Defense, while consuming significantly more stamina than dodging, can be highly rewarding. Perfectly timed blocks not only reduce stamina drain but also minimize the stun effects that enemies can inflict. On the flip side, dodging uses less stamina, but it demands precise timing and quick reflexes to make the most of the invulnerability frames during these evasive maneuvers. As is typical in soulslike games, managing stamina effectively throughout combat is key to success in The First Berserker: Khazan.
Running out of stamina in the game results in Khazan entering a state of exhaustion, making him completely vulnerable to enemy attacks. Savvy players can use this mechanic to their advantage by depleting their foes' stamina before unleashing powerful strikes. For enemies without stamina bars, continuous attacks can still wear down their resilience. These encounters require patience, precise positioning, and impeccable timing. Importantly, the game's design ensures that monster stamina does not regenerate over time, adding a strategic layer to combat.