Neople, a subsidiary of the renowned South Korean gaming giant Nexon, is poised to launch its much-anticipated hardcore RPG slasher, The First Berserker: Khazan, across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series platforms. Mark your calendars for the release on March 27, but until then, dive into the recently released eight-minute gameplay trailer that highlights the game's intricate combat system.
The trailer focuses on the three core principles of battle: attacking, dodging, and defending. While defense consumes a significant amount of stamina, perfectly timed blocks not only reduce stamina drain but also mitigate stun effects. Dodging, conversely, uses less stamina but demands precise timing and quick reflexes to fully utilize the invulnerability frames during evasive maneuvers. As is typical with soulslike games, mastering stamina management is crucial for success in The First Berserker: Khazan.
Should Khazan's stamina be depleted, he enters a state of exhaustion, rendering him completely vulnerable to enemy attacks. This mechanic can be strategically used against enemies with stamina bars—players can exhaust their foes' stamina before unleashing powerful strikes. For enemies without stamina bars, relentless attacks can gradually erode their resilience. These encounters require patience, strategic positioning, and impeccable timing, yet they are balanced by the fact that monster stamina does not regenerate over time.