Neople, a subsidiary of the renowned 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 release date on March 27th. In the lead-up to the launch, the developers have released an exciting eight-minute gameplay trailer that dives deep into the game's intricate combat system.
The trailer highlights the three core principles of battle: attacking, dodging, and defending. Each of these mechanics plays a crucial role in mastering the game's combat. While defending consumes significantly more stamina than dodging, perfectly timed blocks can dramatically reduce stamina drain and minimize stun effects, giving players an edge in battle. On the flip side, dodging uses less stamina but demands precise timing and quick reflexes to maximize the invulnerability frames during evasive maneuvers. As with many soulslike games, the key to success in *The First Berserker: Khazan* lies in how effectively players manage their stamina throughout combat.
Running out of stamina can be a game-changer, as Khazan will enter a state of exhaustion, leaving him completely vulnerable to enemy attacks. This mechanic adds a strategic layer to the game, allowing players to exploit the stamina bars of their foes by depleting them before landing powerful strikes. For enemies without stamina bars, their resilience can still be worn down through persistent attacks. These battles require patience, precise positioning, and impeccable timing, but they are balanced by the fact that monster stamina does not regenerate over time, making it possible for players to outlast their opponents with the right strategy.
