The Surge

 PC
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 285 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 146 out of 285
  2. Mixed: 74 out of 285
  3. Negative: 65 out of 285

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Mandulum
    Jun 2, 2017
    10
    Five Word Review: Great Souls-like, love this game.
    Favorite Thing: The combat, it feels great. Body part targeting and being armored or unarmored adds a nice dimension.
    Least Favorite Thing: I wish the world felt more like a single entity. Instead it's a bunch of disjointed zones. Date Completed: 2017-06-02 Playtime: ~ 40h (100% completion, 2 playthroughs) Enjoyment: 10/10    Five Word Review: Great Souls-like, love this game.
    Favorite Thing: The combat, it feels great. Body part targeting and being armored or unarmored adds a nice dimension.
    Least Favorite Thing: I wish the world felt more like a single entity. Instead it's a bunch of disjointed zones.

    Date Completed: 2017-06-02
    Playtime: ~ 40h (100% completion, 2 playthroughs)
    Enjoyment: 10/10
    Recommendation: Yes, I wish I were playing it right now.    … Expand
  2. abowman
    May 18, 2017
    8
    Really enjoying the hell out of this game. I wish there was a bit more diversity in the level design and enemy types, but in general its very enjoyable to play. The combat feels fluid and fair, the weapon types are great, and the theme is refreshing. If you're a Darksouls / Bloodborne fan, you'll probably really enjoy this game.
  3. GamesXtreme
    May 18, 2017
    9
    The Surge is a refreshing take on the *Souls formula, it joins Nioh in that regard and forges its own path towards something quite unique and extremely interesting -- it's a definite must-own game for *Souls fans and could entice new players with its gritty sci-fi setting.
  4. SwissCheeese
    May 24, 2017
    9
    Updated. For me it's a VERY good surprise. Graphics are above average (quite goods). Runs really well average 89 Fps. It could be more polished, sure (Deck 13 must not have the workforce of From, nor the ressources) and it lacks multiplayer support. Controls are good (playing with Xbox one elite controller). It's a bit weird to respawn (in Dark Souls it made sens) but the added counter toUpdated. For me it's a VERY good surprise. Graphics are above average (quite goods). Runs really well average 89 Fps. It could be more polished, sure (Deck 13 must not have the workforce of From, nor the ressources) and it lacks multiplayer support. Controls are good (playing with Xbox one elite controller). It's a bit weird to respawn (in Dark Souls it made sens) but the added counter to retrieve your scraps add a good pressure. It could be a major game and a step to a new fun and excitng IP. It's better than many recent released games (DOW 3 still a big disappointment to me, uninstalled it and gone back to COH2). Hope that it does well and that we can have a second iteration and what the hell, some DLC for this one. I'm not done with it yet, and at 40 hours, i still have to finish the main story (i've took my time to experiment different weapons, armor, upgrades, implants .... This is a must buy for people who love scifi, DS, rewards after difficulty ... The only downside, it could have used a bit mope diversity (some area are real mazes and it's hard to go back since it kind of all looks the same, but also making a real coherent universe). Well done Deck 13 !… Expand
  5. colers25
    May 19, 2017
    10
    Should you buy this game?

    Yeah, if you are a souls fan, buy it. If only to experience the beauty that is the level design of this game. I am not talking about beautiful visual setpieces, or breathtaking panoramas. No, I am literally talking about the design, and how much thought went into it. You think DS1 had beautifully interconnected level design? You consider that the peak of    Should you buy this game?

    Yeah, if you are a souls fan, buy it. If only to experience the beauty that is the level design of this game. I am not talking about beautiful visual setpieces, or breathtaking panoramas. No, I am literally talking about the design, and how much thought went into it.

    You think DS1 had beautifully interconnected level design? You consider that the peak of clever map design?

    Think again, because this game makes DS1 level design look like its **** amateur hour. There are, as far as I can tell, only 6-7 respawn points IN THE ENTIRE GAME. And its a big **** game, trust me. And it will never, ever bother you, because the entire map is interconnected. It feels like an actual superfactory made by an actual master architect designed for fast navigation. The second map literally has something north of 15 shortcuts, and ever last one of them meaningful and effective.

    On to the gameplay: The gamedesign is tight. Narrative and gameplay are perfectly intertwined. Everything in the game makes sense within the gameworld, especially the way progression works. Combat feels good. Its sharp, impactful and fair. Stamina system could be better; it functionality seems out of place; and with that I mean how the more stamina you use, the bigger the delay will be before it recharges. Very. ****. Annoying.

    Now, the enemy design; there are 2 types of enemies; the humans, and the robots. Both of these require a radically different approach and you will find yourself being smashed on by the robots often early game due to how different they fight from the humans. The humans fight like you; they will try to work on reactions if they are still thinking and just try to thrash you if they are brain fried. You just try to chain combos and use your reflexes to dodge their strikes. They are very souls-ish, and if you played souls, they will feel familiar.

    The robot enemies, and by extension 80% of the bosses, are a completely different case: Their attacks are brutally abrupt, and it is impossible to trade with them. If you try to fight the bots like you fight humans; with the git-gud philosophy of dark souls, well, prepared to get smashed several hundred times. I see many **** about the boss design, but there is nothing wrong with them;

    To win over robots, you must exploit their AI; it is designed to be extremely predictable. You can basically make the enemy do whatever move you like if you get to grasp the AI, and then abuse the end-lag of their attacks to sneak a hit in before setting up the next bait. Bosses are the same. The second boss for example; it has this fast leg smash attack with one of his 6 legs that can very quickly chip you down if you keep getting hit. The trick? The AI trigger happens the moment you step in range, but it doesn't track nor adapt, so if you dodge immediately to the leg next to it, the bot will just smash where you were half a second ago and you get to punish the hell into it. Its great design, not bad design, and is designed specifically to require even the most ruthless of soul vets to do it over multiple times.

    The main downside of the game is that weapon progression basically stops being a thing a quarter into the game. Now, all weapon catagories feel amazing, have great animations, and it really just allows you to play your style. But, there is always a clearly better weapon in each catagory; internal variety is non-existant. They all have the same movesets, all do comparable damage, and the real difference between them is their impact, their skill income and their energy gain, and between these there always tends to be one that wins at all of them anyway. Then you also have the drone system which feels completely useless to me because in a game like this, energy is much better spent on executions and energy heals.

    Compare this with no multiplayer, completely fluid character progression that can be completely redone at will, and the ability to grind every upgrade currency basically at will, and you do end up with a regretable lack of replayability.

    nevertheless, its an amazing experience, and I am giving it a 10 just because, must like the souls games "It is a diamond despite its flaws".    … Expand
  6. MisterClemens
    Aug 11, 2017
    9
    Incredible game, and strangely underrated. I almost didn't buy it because of the reviews, but I'm glad I listened to my instincts (sci-fi Dark Souls? yes please!). I just finished it after 31 hours of play (I play slow and methodically). Combat is insanely fun and rich - I spent hours grinding for tech scrap to level up and had a blast the whole time.

    The game is good in ways it doesn't    Incredible game, and strangely underrated. I almost didn't buy it because of the reviews, but I'm glad I listened to my instincts (sci-fi Dark Souls? yes please!). I just finished it after 31 hours of play (I play slow and methodically). Combat is insanely fun and rich - I spent hours grinding for tech scrap to level up and had a blast the whole time.

    The game is good in ways it doesn't even need to be - audiologs, NPCs, all with really good voice acting - and the story is appropriately interesting and grim. It also has fantastic level design. There's only one checkpoint per area and as you progress you open up new shortcuts to get back to it.

    I really hope this sells enough to warrant a sequel, because this is one of the best games I've played in years. Can't wait to dive into NG+.    … Expand
  7. dypsomaniart
    Jun 30, 2017
    10
    Just finished first playthrough, just over 50 hours. I love this game.
    I have been a gamer for 30 years and this game ranks right up there for a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying experience. I almost didnt buy it due to the comparisons with dark souls (which I didnt enjoy) but I was pleasantly surprised and have been solidly addicted since.
    I loved the level design and the enemy    Just finished first playthrough, just over 50 hours. I love this game.
    I have been a gamer for 30 years and this game ranks right up there for a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying experience. I almost didnt buy it due to the comparisons with dark souls (which I didnt enjoy) but I was pleasantly surprised and have been solidly addicted since.
    I loved the level design and the enemy attacks, learning the layout of each level and every enemy's attack patterns and weaknesses was very satisfying. The first time you encounter a new enemy they seemed impossible, but as you learned their moves they all got easier, to the point where I was clearing out whole levels without returning to medbay by the end.
    Tag a limb, block, parry first attack, jump back to dodge next attack, then dash forward into high low high combo, to finisher. Next victim.
    Then, just when you get comfortable and cocky destroying those enemies, you move on to the next level and have to learn a whole new set of moves and remember a new map layout.
    I loved nearly every minute of it (I nearly rage quit on the fourth boss fight, had to use google's help to get me through that one}.
    Seriously, I see all these bad reviews and it just obviously didn't click with some people.
    If you are good at memorizing complex patterns- like learning a new song on a musical instrument- and you are a focused and detail oriented sort of person like me, this game is a gem. If you need the GPS in your car to get to the milkbar and back, and you think the only way to beat an enemy is go back with a bigger gun, maybe look elsewhere.
    I'm off to start new game plus!    … Expand
  8. Engobbaz
    May 18, 2017
    10
    Cutting to the chase this game stands out on it's own, even compared to the obvious Dark Souls. The combat is unforgiving but extremely rewarding to master, fast paced but methodical and fluidity is all there providing a truly visceral experience. the setting is part Dead Space and part Deus Ex. A must have for any Sci-Fi fan and especially fans of games that do not hold your hand.Cutting to the chase this game stands out on it's own, even compared to the obvious Dark Souls. The combat is unforgiving but extremely rewarding to master, fast paced but methodical and fluidity is all there providing a truly visceral experience. the setting is part Dead Space and part Deus Ex. A must have for any Sci-Fi fan and especially fans of games that do not hold your hand.

    10/10 for me.    … Expand
  9. RedCrow
    May 16, 2017
    8
    This game is decent

    Pros: Decent Graphics a 4k Runs great Smooth it a good mix of Darks Souls and Lords of the Fallen with a touch of The Technomancer. It has a slight learning curve but not nearly as hard as Dark Souls. You will get used to it fast. Using Xbox Controller and very comfortable with it. Combat is great if you like Dark Souls kind of feel but a little easier. Menu    This game is decent

    Pros: Decent Graphics a 4k
    Runs great
    Smooth
    it a good mix of Darks Souls and Lords of the Fallen with a touch of The Technomancer.
    It has a slight learning curve but not nearly as hard as Dark Souls. You will get used to it fast.
    Using Xbox Controller and very comfortable with it.
    Combat is great if you like Dark Souls kind of feel but a little easier.
    Menu is simple

    Cons:
    Audio Voices seems a little low
    Story could be more developing but still good.
    There could be some more graphics menu options
    FOV especially and Controller isn't slow but could use a sensitivity adjuster, but there is a Camera Adjuster to clarify.

    Worth $60 for sure.    … Expand
  10. IcarusV
    May 16, 2017
    10
    -awesome graphics
    -Sci-Fi industrial setting
    -intriguing story
    -epic crafting system and upgrades to the exoskeletons
    -keyboard controls are fantastic
    -I love the combat.
    Also, I love the epic soundtrack!
  11. EROCKQ
    Oct 16, 2019
    10
    Criminally underrated game. It's really too bad how cancerous the community on this site has become. This game is perfect for fans of the genre. Hardcore action RPG game with lots of spectacular hidden mechanics, lore, real estate and gear to uncover. Not a game for everyone but those who appreciate the genre will love it. Helps if you have experience with dark souls. If not check out aCriminally underrated game. It's really too bad how cancerous the community on this site has become. This game is perfect for fans of the genre. Hardcore action RPG game with lots of spectacular hidden mechanics, lore, real estate and gear to uncover. Not a game for everyone but those who appreciate the genre will love it. Helps if you have experience with dark souls. If not check out a primer on the combat mechanucs.… Expand
  12. ChikatiloZ
    May 16, 2017
    10
    First off, the intro is worth at least $10. Without spoiling it, you start the game confused because you're a handicapped dude, not some superhero. Then you're treated to a scene that can only be described as the wolverine creation scene on steroids. The intro was very immersive.

    Runs wel on max settings (3570K RX480 average system) the mechanics are cool, the fighting is cool, unlike    First off, the intro is worth at least $10. Without spoiling it, you start the game confused because you're a handicapped dude, not some superhero. Then you're treated to a scene that can only be described as the wolverine creation scene on steroids. The intro was very immersive.

    Runs wel on max settings (3570K RX480 average system) the mechanics are cool, the fighting is cool, unlike just about every console port action rpg released in the last 10 years it doesn't hold your hand.

    The game isn't perfect, but it's a load of fun and i'm giving it 10/10 simply because it's so refreshing to have a dev respect their audience, it's not dumbed down to thesame level as witcher 3, batman games or just about every other action rpg console port, in this the AI actually puts up a fight, unlike the witcher 3 or batman you CAN and WILL die if you screw up.

    just about every other action RPG you can chew on your mouse, roll your face over your keyboard and your guy will beat the enemy with all kinds of crazy moves, you don't make those moves, you aren't playing, games play themselves these days.

    This one, you play, just for that it's brilliant, devs don't do that anymore, they think we want cutscenes and games that play themselves.

    So thank you guys for making a game and not a movie with some minor interactions.

    Screw you batman, witcher 3, mass effect andromeda, if i want to watch a movie, i'll take my wife to the movies. The surge beats all 3 of you because it lets ME play.    … Expand
  13. Brickthegrim
    May 16, 2017
    10
    Honestly this company has finally hit its stride. I knew they were capable of something great and this game is it. I am not even half way through and I sincerely hope there are sequels and dlcs to come.

    Combat takes a well known and tested formula of Dark Souls and makes it, its own. It flows clean and feels so right. Graphics and visuals are two things. Unique and beautiful to say the    Honestly this company has finally hit its stride. I knew they were capable of something great and this game is it. I am not even half way through and I sincerely hope there are sequels and dlcs to come.

    Combat takes a well known and tested formula of Dark Souls and makes it, its own. It flows clean and feels so right.
    Graphics and visuals are two things. Unique and beautiful to say the world they created is something truly special is an understatement.
    Story honestly like I said I am not far enough in to truly say much but so far I've found it extremely captivating and the intro sucks you in so hard and never lets go.

    I truly hope this company is just hitting its first home run and I hope they turn into the next big name in gaming. (Although let's hope they go the CD project red route and stay true to themselves in the process)    … Expand
  14. X2S_Robert
    Jan 6, 2021
    10
    It is NOT Dark Souls.
    Some "reviewers" here are saying that Uninstalled the game after playing "half" of it...maybe because it was a bit hard to keep going ahead,or maybe because there was no "demon" to deal with,or a fat mage that keep spaming spells against you.
    This is not a useful review but it is my opinion,i finished The Surge and The Surge 2 in New Game+ and it never felt    It is NOT Dark Souls.
    Some "reviewers" here are saying that Uninstalled the game after playing "half" of it...maybe because it was a bit hard to keep going ahead,or maybe because there was no "demon" to deal with,or a fat mage that keep spaming spells against you.
    This is not a useful review but it is my opinion,i finished The Surge and The Surge 2 in New Game+ and it never felt repetitive or boring to me,because it is not Dark Souls bs.    … Expand
  15. Ylsirg
    May 26, 2017
    8
    For me who don´t like the Souls games , this one catched me . There is room for much improvements. But looking forward to a DLC or 2. part . People say the story isn´t good , i must disagree . It could be presented better . Maybe it´s because that there is a possibility that this can really happen with a bit of bad luck , i dont know. Great Game Deck 13.
  16. Diepferd
    Jul 9, 2017
    10
    This is a git gud game hard difficulty, lots of weapons and different kinds of armor, though only a few of them are really worth having, Heavy armor could use a buff and staffs a nerf, but other than that great game.
  17. Wueble
    Aug 18, 2018
    8
    Im late to the Party I guess so I might have missed bugs, difficulty spikes and optimization issues, but let me tell you, if you suffer from what I call "Dark Souls fatigue" this game might be what you need.

    Instead of the same scenaries the fourth game in a row, you get a Sci-Fi/Industrial environment, some places dark some places bright. Instead of outdated graphics, where you can    Im late to the Party I guess so I might have missed bugs, difficulty spikes and optimization issues, but let me tell you, if you suffer from what I call "Dark Souls fatigue" this game might be what you need.

    Instead of the same scenaries the fourth game in a row, you get a Sci-Fi/Industrial environment, some places dark some places bright.
    Instead of outdated graphics, where you can find PS2 looking textures if you look down at the right spots, you get a good looking and well performing game.

    The surge offers fast paced and rewarding combat were every enemy can easily kill, but you can also obliterate them if you choose to attack weak spots and use the stagger mechanic.
    After the first level, an upgrade can be found that actually shows the "stagger bar" of the enemy allowing you to know when to attack further and when to back out.
    There is a finisher mechanic and a drone with special abilities, both using energy which is gathered by beating up enemies.

    The game itself feels very Dark Soulish, if you die, you lose you xp, and it has a very open and loose quest design.The conversations are more interesting and you can actually store gathered scrap (xp/souls) if you don't have enough to level up and it offers switchable "implants" as an upgrade system.

    Grinding is needed if you are not good enough, but it is not mandatory. Grinding itself however, is very fast (if you know what you are doing), you won't need to grind more than half an hour to get strong enough to be able to beat the next boss without major trouble.

    The level design is good, but often very linear, there are no "multiple next levels" to choose from. A big pro for me is that the levels are very confusing and surprising the first visit, but very memorable, so there is no problem navigating through already visited areas.
    A downside is that a lot of the enemies are just humans with different weapons which can be boring and I did not notice any interesting enough piece of music in this game.

    All in all this game feels refreshing and original enough to entertain me.
    If you like Dark Souls, but want some actual change, you should give it a try.    … Expand
  18. allenxz1
    May 30, 2017
    10
    un juego genial no entiendo que le ven de malo llevo como 20 horas jugando el combate es muy similar a la saga souls pero aun asi es muy bueno y rapido
  19. FabioFisher
    Nov 16, 2020
    9
    It`s amazing game. A authentic souls like. Good combat, good upgrade, good arsenal. Maybe could be more development the history.
  20. MusclePig
    Dec 29, 2018
    10
    I've tried Dark Souls. Hated it. This however is properly paced, awesome feel to the different weapons, and oh so polished. Haven't seen a single bug 32 hours in. Don't get this for the story, though. It's all about the gameplay.
    Edit: Second playthrough now, and boy is it still good! I'm upping it from 9 to 10. I think this is on my all time top 3.
    Edit #2: On my third playthrough and    I've tried Dark Souls. Hated it. This however is properly paced, awesome feel to the different weapons, and oh so polished. Haven't seen a single bug 32 hours in. Don't get this for the story, though. It's all about the gameplay.
    Edit: Second playthrough now, and boy is it still good! I'm upping it from 9 to 10. I think this is on my all time top 3.
    Edit #2: On my third playthrough and I'm retracting my story statement - the story is really cool if you pay attention to it!    … Expand
  21. halgir
    Jun 11, 2017
    8
    The Surge After I don't expect much because this is the game half the team (Deck 13),
    who created the Lords of the Fallen.The LotF was OK, but nothing special.
    The Surge surprised me very positively, it's souls-like but it also has its ideas and new mechanics. Although the climate sci-fi isn't what I like most, but in this game isn't a problem for me. Level design is great and is    The Surge After I don't expect much because this is the game half the team (Deck 13),
    who created the Lords of the Fallen.The LotF was OK, but nothing special.
    The Surge surprised me very positively, it's souls-like but it also has its ideas
    and new mechanics. Although the climate sci-fi isn't what I like most, but
    in this game isn't a problem for me.
    Level design is great and is comparable to Dark Souls 1 or Bloodborne (great shortcuts).
    And the level of difficulty is appropriate after the disappointing level of difficulty
    in Dark Souls 3.
    I recommend this game because I'm having fun.    … Expand
  22. Scymon
    Aug 20, 2017
    9
    So this game is a little similar to Dark Souls, but Dark Souls didn't coin stamina based hack and slash games. If you're gonna go into this game, let alone rate/review it, I feel you need to go into it from an unbiased point of view; an open mind per say. Depending on your play style, combat can be a challenge to relatively simple; with a variety of different weapons you can switch amongSo this game is a little similar to Dark Souls, but Dark Souls didn't coin stamina based hack and slash games. If you're gonna go into this game, let alone rate/review it, I feel you need to go into it from an unbiased point of view; an open mind per say. Depending on your play style, combat can be a challenge to relatively simple; with a variety of different weapons you can switch among on the spot, whether you enjoy swinging a big hunk of metal around, or the quick style of poke in get out. It has so much to offer for however you want to play.
    Sure some enemies are difficult, and you may die to them several times, but that's how it is with so many games. You encounter a new enemy and you take your time fighting it; studying it's moves and what its weaknesses are. If you just rush right in expecting to beat it easily, then you have the wrong mind set. As with any game, your first time playing is going to be slower and more methodical because you're getting used to how it plays. Once you've mastered enemies' moves and weaknesses, then it becomes a bit easier on future playthroughs.
    Of course, this game isn't perfect; the one major case for me was that I got shot with a large projectile and it went through geometry it shouldn't have; and that was only once. Other than that, any time I felt cheated, I reevaluated how I went about certain encounters. Multiple enemies, try bringing them out one at a time; one enemy can two hit you to death; try again with different equipment and/or be more careful about how to fight them. No graphical glitches or anything like that, but even then, not every game is always gonna be perfect.
    If you're looking for a game that plays like Dark Souls/Bloodborne, then don't play this game; but if you're willing to go into this with unbiased eyes and give it a genuine try because you're interested in it, then get it and play it for all it's worth.

    So from a majority of the lower ratings that I've seen, so many people are hard comparing this to Dark Souls. You've probably also done the same with Lords of the Fallen and Nioh. The problem is, these games are nothing like Dark Souls, so of course you're going to be disappointed when playing them. In my opinion, you have to look at the game(s) as a standalone rather than comparing.
    WARNING, below this I call out multiple reviews for giving poor reasons as to why they gave a low rating, and I counter their reasons with my own logic, facts, and experiences.

    -"I can't recall what the places or characters were called while I can recite every single zone and character from DS1 that I haven't played in over 8 months."
    -Vilquar
    That's such a poor comparison because you've most likely clocked in hours to days of gameplay in DS1, where this game you probably stopped playing after the first playthough.

    -"In this game, you've got a timer to get your **** back that can be very slightly refilled by killing targets, which is most likely just going to get you killed again, given the frankly heinous amount of damage enemies deal."
    -OberiousLocke
    Or you could just take the time to figure out the best way to defeat the enemies in your path so that they don't kill you so quickly. Also, as I've heard ENB say about Dark Souls (paraphrasing): don't worry about losing your souls, you can always get more. Plenty of times, on the way to recover your scraps in The Surge, you'll have collected the same amount you lost, doubling your scrap count. So there's no reason to rush to your death.

    -"Bosses with unclear mechanics and an exceptional amount of trial and error to finally beat them."
    -Caliburn89
    Are you just not invested in playing the game then? Out of the other games you play that take trial and error, how long does it take to figure out the bosses weakness, and then follow through on actually beating them? I'm not sure how you examine boss fights, but for me, the weaknesses were pretty straight forward, it just took time to get into a groove and then beat them. Any game that has good difficulty and is a challenge is going to take time to examine and beat. If you want bosses that lay out their weaknesses right in front of your face and are a breeze to defeat, then you're in the wrong place.

    -"...barely any armor sets and weapons. i had to delete this game half way through due to how boring it was..."
    -elitepredetor99
    I'm sorry, do you even know the mechanics of the game and how you get armor sets and weapons? I crafted all the armor sets and pretty sure got all the weapons; there is so much variety. As for "halfway through", how do you know you uninstalled halfway through if you didn't even finish the game? Also why are you rating/reviewing the game if you didn't finish? Wouldn't that mean your opinion is impartial since you don't know what "half" of the game still had in store?    … Expand
  23. roukillingtime
    Aug 28, 2017
    8
    Really good game, had a lot of fun. Looked pretty good, ran very stably. Difficulty was a bit spiky in places but after many hundreds of hours in similar games, I knew to push through it. I'm very glad I did, it was worth the time.

    Had a number of 'wtf next?' moments as the game doesn't always do a great job of explaining what to do next. A few NPCs appeared to just disappear, maybe I    Really good game, had a lot of fun. Looked pretty good, ran very stably. Difficulty was a bit spiky in places but after many hundreds of hours in similar games, I knew to push through it. I'm very glad I did, it was worth the time.

    Had a number of 'wtf next?' moments as the game doesn't always do a great job of explaining what to do next. A few NPCs appeared to just disappear, maybe I just missed their questlines.

    Not in any great rush to replay, as the enemies lacked variety towards the end, and it can be a little frustrating at times, especially the final area which is a maze. Still, an fun and different experience, all set up for substantial DLC or a sequel.    … Expand
  24. TropShop
    Mar 4, 2023
    8
    A super under-rated action RPG with satisfying combat and a unique limb dismemberment system. The story is a serviceable generic sci-fi plot but the main attraction is the stellar combat system. Seriously, kudos to the animators who created those amazing exicution animations. They make you feel so powerful and never get old. The boss encounters are okay but if you have grown use to theA super under-rated action RPG with satisfying combat and a unique limb dismemberment system. The story is a serviceable generic sci-fi plot but the main attraction is the stellar combat system. Seriously, kudos to the animators who created those amazing exicution animations. They make you feel so powerful and never get old. The boss encounters are okay but if you have grown use to the likes of from software they leave bit to be desired as far as moveset and challenge. Overall, this game is just a ton of fun, especially if you are a phycopath who enjoys severing limbs from your enemies.… Expand
  25. greenbey
    Jul 11, 2020
    8
    A-
    "A sci-fi dark souls" can be used to describe this game.
    Gameplay is good, different weapons has different move sets and this makes each weapon type unique with its reach, move set, speed and damage. Dismemberment system is interesting and fun. When you need to upgrade an equipment of yours you need parts from enemies for that type of equipment. Boss fights are not hard but some of    A-
    "A sci-fi dark souls" can be used to describe this game.
    Gameplay is good, different weapons has different move sets and this makes each weapon type unique with its reach, move set, speed and damage.
    Dismemberment system is interesting and fun.
    When you need to upgrade an equipment of yours you need parts from enemies for that type of equipment.
    Boss fights are not hard but some of them has ways you cannot find out immediately to beat them and this makes you think that game is broken or something but no you just missed something.
    Recommended for soulslike fans.    … Expand
  26. keens
    Jan 8, 2023
    8
    A great addition to the soul-like genre - 7.5/10
    I had a lot of fun with this game. While inspired by souls games, it add it's own twists to create a unique experience.
    The main unique mechanics: 1. Leveling - you don't level by increasing your attributes (str, dex, etc.) but instead you increase your "core" power, which allows you to use better/more implants. So your character is    A great addition to the soul-like genre - 7.5/10
    I had a lot of fun with this game. While inspired by souls games, it add it's own twists to create a unique experience.

    The main unique mechanics:
    1. Leveling - you don't level by increasing your attributes (str, dex, etc.) but instead you increase your "core" power, which allows you to use better/more implants. So your character is defined by the implants it uses, and they can be swapped easily at checkpoints. this give a lot of flexibility and versatility to you play style.
    2. Limb targeting system - when you locked on an enemy, you can target a specific limb (head, arms, etc.). reducing the enemy health and then perform a finisher on it with cut the limb and you will get the armor/weapon it was holding. this is the main way you get weapons, armors and crafting materials in this game. I find it very cool mechanic as you can get exactly what you need form an enemy instead of farming in hopes it will drop the correct item.
    3. Drones - while there is no "magic" in this game (this is a sci-fi game), you have different kind of drones that can fill this slot. the drones can ram or burn your enemies, apply shield on you and more. Unfortunately didn't find the drones useful enough to actually use them.

    Overall a decent game to play.    … Expand
  27. SilverOrlov
    May 4, 2021
    8
    I liked: Juicy fights(sounds and visual), pleasant musical solutions(like a calm measured sound in the open space of a factory, or classical music in the administrative sector). Visually, the game is good, albeit sharpy-made. Especially I liked the light and foliage in the mentioned administration, it's a very beautiful solution. Excellent optimization... I really liked the idea ofI liked: Juicy fights(sounds and visual), pleasant musical solutions(like a calm measured sound in the open space of a factory, or classical music in the administrative sector). Visually, the game is good, albeit sharpy-made. Especially I liked the light and foliage in the mentioned administration, it's a very beautiful solution. Excellent optimization... I really liked the idea of ​​bringing something new to the soul's genre(techno, not the Middle Ages). The bosses were very good, interesting and different.
    I liked the general plot of the game. Well, I will not say that it was something particularly exciting, but it was interesting.
    ...
    I disliked: I was wildly enraged by the music in the save zone. An extremely unfortunate choice for constant listening, in my opinion. I really did not like the impossibility to disassemble the weapon. There is no game map(screens are almost useless). A drone is almost useless junk. All energy is much more relevant to spend on other things. Only two drones were interesting: defensive and laser (to lure out the enemy without wasting energy). I will not say that I especially noticed the difference in armor - one, two punches from almost all enemies are sent you to your ancestors. So it is not the characteristics that matter in 90% of them, but what bonus is given for the full set.
    And lastly: I didn't like the way the authors finished the game. The ending itself was interesting, but disappointing with what happened during the subtitles, and wildly laughing at the appearance of a wheelchair... How the hell could it appear there?! ...What is this a cheap trick, c'mon?    … Expand
  28. RagnarCritic
    Jan 7, 2019
    8
    I'm not sure how to begin to approach my analysis of this game from a more or less fair and orderly point of view, so I'll start by saying something very direct, simple and visceral: The game has surprised me a lot, in a good way.

    Well, now let's try to go through its different facets. Let's start with the playable aspect. I know, we're all fed up with everything being compared to    I'm not sure how to begin to approach my analysis of this game from a more or less fair and orderly point of view, so I'll start by saying something very direct, simple and visceral: The game has surprised me a lot, in a good way.

    Well, now let's try to go through its different facets. Let's start with the playable aspect.

    I know, we're all fed up with everything being compared to Dark Souls (or his father Demons Souls), but the reality is that it's a game that consolidated a template of design of levels, progression and mechanics on which other games later have been based in a way difficult to ignore. That template to which I refer, from my point of view and superficially, would come to define mainly two things:
    - A labyrinthine design of levels/scenarios, with checkpoints very far from each other, in which you will have to go finding and unlocking shortcuts to be able to go advancing by a zone plagued by individually very hard enemies to finally face a final boss that unlocks the access to a new zone.
    - Your character will go up in level thanks to the points that will be getting with the death of each enemy or the obtaining of various items. These points can only be redeemed for experience in the different checkpoints, allowing you to level up your character. If you die, you will lose all your points, that you had not previously spent, and you will have to arrive at the zone where you died to recover them, if you die before obtaining them, these points will be lost definitively. If you decide to return to the checkpoint in order to redeem the points, all enemies in the area will reappear.

    Let's talk now about the atmosphere, for me the strong point of The Surge, together with the combat, which we will talk about later. The Surge situates us in the facilities of a great technological company at the end of the 21st century, in which a mysterious incident has occurred in which a large part of the employees, equipped with robotic suits in a style that reminds us of films like Elysium or Chappie, have become aggressive. We will not only have to focus on these employees, but also on drones and different types of robots. We will have to make our way from the outermost areas of the company to the company's most internal and secret facilities and laboratories. Although these areas may be visually somewhat similar, it must be said that they manage to create a very authentic and immersive atmosphere.

    The story is presented to us, in a quite crumbled form, distributed between audio notes, videos broadcast by giant screens distributed by the facilities and through conversations with NPCs. The plot revolves around two mysterious projects (Resolve and Utopia) developed by this company, which supposedly aimed to save humanity from an advanced state of decadence and pollution in which it is submerged. As history progresses, it goes from having a more industrial touch to one more of science fiction.

    The combat system would come to be a mixture of Lords of The Fallen (game developed by the same studio), for the heaviness and forcefulness of their melee attacks, and Bloodborne, since this time we are going to have to focus on dodging in a quite agile way (and occasionally block with the same weapon we use to attack). But in addition The Surge incorporates here a new dynamic, that is the possibility of choosing which part of the body of the enemy we want to attack, centering this way our blows on this zone and having the possibility of realizing a final attack that cuts off this part. In this way, choosing the different parts of the body of our enemies, we can get new weapons and armor for personal use.

    The Surge is the opposite of a linear game, not only are the areas incredibly labyrinthine, but the adventure itself will force us to go back over previously completed areas to access new areas and continue with the adventure. The feeling of being lost and not knowing exactly where we have to go is present much of the time.

    And to finish saying that visually the game looks great, and both the characters and the scenarios are made in great detail. In my case, it has taken me about 25 hours to complete it, without guides or help, but more than a fool going around in all areas to find the right way to continue. Once completed, the game offers the possibility of New Game+, so you can say that it is a game easily replayable.

    And little more to say, I hope to have reflected in a more or less objective way my impressions and that has helped you to get an idea of what you can expect in The Surge.    … Expand
  29. Hoaaeinshrt98
    Apr 21, 2021
    10
    Excellent... Amazing...
    Awesome... MasterPiece...
    ❤️Thank You Deck 13❤️
  30. watchm824
    Dec 6, 2019
    10
    The surge was a pleasant surprise for me. Unusual and exciting character leveling system. Well-designed and interesting levels. And most importantly for me: the atmosphere of Sci-fi and cyberpunk.
  31. apokalipto
    Aug 28, 2023
    9
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  32. Tiziown
    May 22, 2021
    8
    Way better than Lords of the Fallen, too bad the bosses were just 5 and they kinda suck, but the rest is good.
  33. Zeneko90
    Jun 2, 2022
    8
    Nettes. Spiel es hat echt viel Spaß gemacht. Mehr davon! Nicht zu lang, nicht zu kurz. Genau richtig.
  34. napoxog
    Jul 12, 2022
    9
    I'm not a souls fan.
    But I like sci-fi setting.
    And this game suddenly keeps me playing....
    I like the story, I like gameplay, I like level design...
    I like even graphics which run and look awesome on my old rig in 2k.
    Hail to Deck13. Good work.
    I don't understand why this game is so underscored...

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Most Discussed PC Game of 2017
59
#59 Most Shared PC Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. IGN Japan
    Dec 14, 2017
    78
    Bringing a Dead Space-style SF horror atmosphere to a Dark Souls-inspired action game makes things interesting, and the speedy battle system, which includes cutting off body parts and crafting elements, is a success. However, the somewhat dull pace of the game results in the player dying a bit too often, leaving plenty of room for improvement when it comes to the game’s overall balance.
    Read full review
  2. Riot Pixels
    Jul 23, 2017
    55
    I wanted to say something about the story, but it is nothingburger… just like everything else in The Surge.
    Read full review
  3. PC PowerPlay
    Jun 30, 2017
    80
    Despite some pacing and story flaws, the thoughtful, tactical combat is always engrossing. [Issue#263, p.58]
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »