The Surge

 Xbox One
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
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  1. GamingTrend
    May 15, 2017
    90
    The Surge is the most badass game I’ve played all year, and a must-play title for any masochistic gamer who enjoys getting their ass handed to them regularly. Although the presentation and enemy variety are somewhat lacking, and technical issues occur occasionally, none of these issues come even close to putting a hamper on this thoroughly enjoyable experience. Play. This. Game.
  2. GameGrin
    May 15, 2017
    85
    The combat feels and plays great, and the change in setting is what the genre really needed.
  3. NZGamer
    May 24, 2017
    80
    Although not long by Dark Souls’ standards, The Surge’s sci-fi setting is a refreshing change from its contemporaries, and the developers have made their mark on the genre. The combat system is unique, and very rewarding. It might fly below most people's radar due to the slew of quality games in 2017, but don't overlook The Surge. It will surprise a lot of people.
  5. TrueAchievements
    May 16, 2017
    80
    If you're looking for a game like Dark Souls, you should absolutely buy this immediately. It may not convert those who didn't already love that style of gameplay, but it's giving more of that style of content with its own unique twists that make it a worthy entry in the genre.
  6. Windows Central
    May 16, 2017
    80
    While Lords of the Fallen and The Surge may have Dark Souls roots, the more I progressed in The Surge, the more I started to see Deck 13 shining. The shadows are falling away, The Surge is miles better than Lords of the Fallen, and some trademark mechanics are starting to creep into the light. Deck 13 has polished and primed The Surge, and it now feels like it's time to stop comparing it to others and let it be noticed for what it is. Calling anything a Dark Souls clone at this point is purely lazy and an insult to the many smaller ways in which they're no way alike.
  7. MondoXbox
    May 16, 2017
    80
    Deck13 reinterprets the Souls-like genre with a deep and original combat system and more gamer-friendly structure and story. This doesn't save The Surge from its dose of frustrating and repetitive action, though, but it's definitely a ride worth the effort.
  8. Xbox Achievements
    May 15, 2017
    80
    Every bit as infuriating, enjoyable and insanely gratifying as an action RPG of this type should be, The Surge is great fun, thanks in no small part to its unique limb-cutting loot system and some tight combat mechanics.
  9. TheXboxHub
    May 15, 2017
    80
    The Surge is a game that can be mentioned in the same breath as Dark Souls, something which is high praise indeed.
  10. Attack of the Fanboy
    May 15, 2017
    80
    The Surge’s unique spin on combat and customization coupled with some tried and true gameplay mechanics from the Souls series coalesce nicely for what feels like a familiar experience in an entirely new setting.
  11. IGN
    May 15, 2017
    79
    The Surge makes good use of its detailed sci-fi setting and provides an engaging experience throughout the 30 to 40-hour campaign, mostly thanks to its widely customizable inventory and wickedly fun combat system. It may struggle to keep the action moving and tell a strong story amid the chaos of battle, and its weapon progression plateaued early, but it offers some interesting ideas and delivers a solid new take on a familiar genre.
  12. SomosXbox
    May 16, 2017
    75
    The Surge offers an innovative combat and crafting system but it suffers ups and downs on its difficulty and also has a poor script. Even so the result is a worthy action RPG that will live on as an alternative to the Souls Saga.
  13. Generación Xbox
    May 16, 2017
    75
    The Lords of the Fallen guys, Deck13, have created a great quality title, but despite bringing new mechanics from their previous game, they have left aside other sections. Recommended for all those who like this style of game, but still being good at everything, is not outstanding at all.

Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Best Xbox One Game of 2017
47
#47 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2017
27
#27 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 89 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 89
  3. Negative: 18 out of 89
  1. bwh31
    May 16, 2017
    7
    This is a pretty fun game if you're a fan of hardcore action RPG's. The key is to look past the whole "but its not dark souls" mentality. No,This is a pretty fun game if you're a fan of hardcore action RPG's. The key is to look past the whole "but its not dark souls" mentality. No, it isn't as good as the souls series, but it is still a very well made game. Addictive combat (the new limb targeting system is pretty neat), pretty good loot system, and an interesting sci-fi setting make it an above average game in my opinion. The game is lacking in a deep narrative story, and level/enemy variety, but the good things about this game far outweigh the bad. If you are a fan of this genre, approach it with an open mind and you will find yourself with an overall very enjoyable play through.… Full Review »
  2. I69GrzzlyBears
    May 27, 2017
    8
    I can't recommend Surge enough for anyone who is a fan of Souls-Borne games. I have been spreading praise of this game like wildfire to any ofI can't recommend Surge enough for anyone who is a fan of Souls-Borne games. I have been spreading praise of this game like wildfire to any of my friends who enjoy From Software's titles. Deck13 Interactive's previous title, Lords of the Fallen, was a decent DS clone, but felt as though it was trying too hard to mimic Souls, instead of trying to be one in it's own. This is where The Surge shines. Giving us a tech wasteland filled with augmented humans who have been zombified, as well as monstrous machines that want to turn the player into scrap. Combat is fast and fluid with different weapons and armor styles to compliment the style the player choses to take. These are fairly limited as the game only offers two styles: Slow, high damage tank. Or a nimble, medium-frenzy damage dealing lynx. The combat is where the game shines, and dare I say trumps the likes of Dark Souls. Individual body parts are able to be targeted with the lock on feature that is present. This allows the player to assess the enemy. and manually target unarmored body parts for extra damage. There is incentive to target armored body parts as well, which leads to the most interesting part of The Surge's mechanics, the loot system. You see, instead of enemies randomly dropping armor or weapons, and instead of purchasing them, you have to earn your loot off the enemy by using the "cut" mechanic. If an enemy is holding a new weapon that you want to use, you take it. Target the body part that is holding the prize and hack away, if enough damage is dealt to the body part, and when the finisher prompt appears, the execution will remove the body part entirely, leaving the player to it's spoils. When this was introduced, I couldn't help but be impressed by it, as it added a new layer to the combat that makes it even more exciting, and has the necessary tools to make your life a little easier, which you definitely will need.

    This game is hard. Each area seems to have more and more enemies at the helm waiting to ambush, or gank the player to death. Like Souls, it's important to time your attacks and not just mash away at the attack buttons and hope for success. Boss battles shine as well, and offer us the classic pattern memorization, trial and error gameplay that make these games so popular. Every boss you take down leaves you with the sense of triumph that few games can emulate. There is no difficulty option, so if you keep getting mashed to death by the first boss, it's time to git gud. It's not all bad though, as the community for this game is growing rapidly and there are plenty of tips and tricks to help those who need it. Is it the hardest Souls-Borne game? No. I still think that belongs to Bloodborne, but don't expect a cake walk. Expect a barbwire and broken glass walk akin to the original Dark Souls. If you've played From's games in the past, and get over the minor tweaks to combat, I doubt you'll have much trouble.

    Ultimately The Surge offers us something special, and a very pleasant surprise to say the least. If you're aching for From's next title and looking something to fill the void, this is that filler that's able to stand on it's own merits and will definitely attract a cult following, if not several sequels. Either way it's a fantastic game that will keep you dying and happy for weeks to come.    … Full Review »
  3. TheTG
    May 17, 2017
    0
    Terrible game, does nothing new, full of bugs and glitches, only 5 boring and easy bosses, the environment is always the same, no creativity,Terrible game, does nothing new, full of bugs and glitches, only 5 boring and easy bosses, the environment is always the same, no creativity, 90% of the game mechanics are copied from Souls, shameless thieves. Don't waste your time on this garbage game.… Full Review »
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