The Surge Reviews
The Surge feels like the kind of game many within the genre have been awaiting, bridging the gap between a more feature-filled roleplaying title and a stalwart Soulsborne style game, taking inspiration from both genres to form a uniquely new niche creation. Whilst the storytelling is a little lacking - this is something fans have become accustomed to within the genre - what may be a dealbreaker for some is the poor level design within The Surge, offering a cluster of corridors that could well be clones of one another - a step back from what some gamers are accustomed to. But The Surge more than makes up for it within its gameplay, offering new, innovative combat mechanics with a limb targeting system and gory finishers with a crafting and upgrade system that will constantly keep you engaged even having already completed it. Whether you're a hardcore Souls aficionado wanting more or someone wishing to see what the genre may involve, then The Surge offers gamers the perfect chance to dip their toes and see what all the fuss is about.
Deck13 really stepped up their development game since Lords of the Fallen. They have managed to address most of the complaints consumers had about that game, namely the slow combat mechanics, and delivered an enjoyable experience through and through.
The Surge is an impressive title from Deck 13 and Focus Home Interactive. The context provided by the story, solid visuals, and gameplay advancements are exciting for how this new kind of ARPG will progress into the future. However, slight mishaps in the graphical department with a lack of separation and an occasional lack of mystery hold The Surge back from being truly excellent.
The Surge struggles to present a compelling campaign, but delivers a fun new take on a familiar genre.
An interesting addition to the souls-linke genre. It doesn't reach the greatness of the big ones, but the combat system and, especially, the dismemberments, make it a pretty fun experience.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The Surge is a very good surprise because it is more than just a futuristic Dark Souls clon, it's a challenging and fun action RPG with interesting variations on its combat system and a satisfying campaign.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The Surge is a remarkably solid action-RPG that uses its premise to wedge a number of interesting design quirks into a familiar formula. Not terribly deep, but a wrench-swinging, robot-pulverizing good time nonetheless.
Between Lords of the Fallen and now The Surge, it has become increasingly clear that Deck 13 has both the talent and know-how to make a fantastic RPG, but for some reason keeps falling just short of a homerun. While The Surge is a good game, and definitely one of the best currently available in it's genre, things like lack of character creation, no multiplayer or any multiplayer interaction of any kind, and very little in terms of unique elements that only their game possesses are holding them back from being at the top of their class. The gaming industry has raised the standard of Action RPGs since Lords of the Fallen, and although Deck 13 has raised theirs as well, The Surge is likely to struggle in a market with games like: Nioh, Nier: Automata, Bloodborne, Horizon Zero Dawn and Witcher 3. If you don't already own those games, it will be harder to justify the 59.99 price tag for this game, especially when you can get any of those above for much less. If, however, you have already played those games, then The Surge is the next step in your RPG journey.
There is no digging through your inventory for that extra elixir or bomb; if you can't figure out an enemy's pattern or weakness, you are dead.
The Surge is not Dark Souls little brother, nor it wants to be. It's definitely a souls-like, but with its own personality, some nice level design ideas, and a storyline that won't disappoint you.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Deck 13 serves up a fun alternative to Dark Souls in the Surge, featuring the same type of deliberate combat and punishing difficulty in a more sci-fi package. It's a bit short and could use more diversity in its foes and environs. If you're looking for a different take on the Souls-like genre, however, this one's worth taking a stab, hack, slice or bludgeoning blow at.
The promising story, reminiscent of every damn 70s sci-fi movie and one which drew me in almost immediately, really does take a backseat until the latter half of the game.
The Surge is a far better game than Deck13's first effort, but there's still room for improvement.
The Surge won't be greatest game of this year, but you can consider buying it even at full price, if you are a fan of sci-fi and soulslike games. There are few problems which sometimes can be annoying, nonetheless - the game is fun to play.
Review in Polish | Read full review
A good Souls-like with an entertaining battle system, interesting crafting elements, but no original soul.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The Surge is a well-made hardcore RPG, but sadly, creators weren't able to avoid some mistakes. It could haved been even better, however, if you're looking for something harder than most of the current videogames, this is your choice.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
If you’re looking for the brutality of a Dark Souls in a sci-fi setting, then The Surge is probably up your alley.
The Surge is brutal, but in a good way, if you're a fan of the Souls formula for kicking your ass but making you enjoy it, then you will more than likely enjoy Deck13's sci-fi spin on it.
Fast-paced combat, limb-specific attacks, easy to understand crafting, and flexible levelling is what sets The Surge apart from its peers and, at times, puts it ahead of the Souls series. The bulk of the gameplay, and indeed much of the narrative pacing, is lifted straight from Lords of the Fallen and should be familiar to fans of the genre.
The Surge is an action based sci-fi that follows the story of Warren, a protagonist who dreams of being able to walk again by signing up to work for the suspiciously altruistic company CREO. After a rather upsetting process, Warren awakens being hauled to an uncertain fate by a robot that really thinks he is garbage. Fortunately, his newly acquired exoskeleton rig has given him the ability to walk again, and as he stumbles through his first steps, we too join him in stumbling through the game.