The Surge Review: A Dismemberment Worth Dying For

The Surge from Deck 13, developers of Lords of the Fallen, appears to be a pretty promising experience from what’s been seen so far. But now is the moment of truth to where CREO is up and functioning, but is the overall experience?

CREO (Project Resolve) was a brand and concept made to create and help enhance those in need; but at the same, it’s so much more. Choosing the option of Heavy Operator or Field Technician, Warren goes through his surgery supposedly sedated, however he’s not, well aware and feeling every screw and implant drilled into his body; ultimately, considered an Exo-reject. However all isn’t lost as someone sees you as a sign of fate and reaches out for your assistance as you discover and unravel the dark secrets with the organization.

Gameplay seems a bit simplistic in the beginning as you attempt to take down drones and enemy rigs, but be mindful of the damage you take as in most cases it doesn’t take much for you to die. It’s similar to Dark Souls as well with enemies re-spawning every time you return back to various points. It can be considered an advantage at times as you’re able to perform certain executions by locking on and targeting limbs until you’re prompted, earning you upgradable add-ons for your rig as you dismember enemies.

There are three key indicators: health, stamina and mods. Each section is available for upgrade at the medbay.

When dying you can potentially lose your collected scraps, and it’s here where I managed to out maneuver every enemy back to where I’d left off without swinging once at the robotic defects. It also presented there’s no need to force a fight with every wave of enemies; only those that may block a path or stop you from interacting with and/or overcharging switches.

Shortcuts are available through the campaign which proves to be very helpful after spawning back and looking to catch up where you may have left off or pushing to recollect scraps.

Warren can earn implants, rig updates and more by going back under for the repair and upgrades at various medical stations by acquiring tech scrap, collected by destroying enemies and scavenging throughout each map. You can also continue beating other Rigs into a pulp to upgrade your weapons.

Rigs can also be crafted and upgraded as well by collecting gear vouchers, allowing you to adjust the damage that can be taken in your exo-suit. Just know upgrades aren’t cheap, costing quite a bit of Tech Scrap. However, consuming enough scraps through combat can help upgrade items, becoming self-rewarding; especially as The Surge opens up a huge opportunity for rig customization.