The Surge is a science-fiction action RPG from Deck13 set inside the factory complex of a vast mega-corporation. A wheelchair-bound protagonist gains the ability to walk through an exo-rig procedure, but a catastrophic event soon turns the workforce hostile.
Combat centres on targeting individual body parts, with dismembered limbs yielding weapon schematics, armour materials and crafting components. The risk-reward loop turns every fight into a small decision about which piece of gear to pursue, and executions finish the job with brutal kill cams.
The souls-like structure is familiar, with med bays acting as checkpoints and tech scrap lost on death, though banking currency at a med bay keeps it safe. Implants, weapon proficiency and core power levels give the build plenty of room to grow.
The base game is compact, with only five bosses across the campaign, and the two expansions add an amusement-park area and a western-themed arena mode. The arena expansion’s nine episodes repeat just three locations and bosses, which undercuts the variety its structure promises.
The lock-on system is the main mechanical frustration, with targeting the body and legs proving finicky in the heat of combat. Two crashes interrupted the run, including one during the closing boss fight, though frequent checkpoints cushioned the losses.
The western arena expansion doubles as an excellent source of upgrade materials, and both expansions hold up well on their own. The forced returns to the main campaign to unlock further DLC progress remain the expansions’ most awkward design choice.
Overall, the dismemberment combat remains the draw, rewarding targeted play with tangible equipment rewards. The game has aged well, and the compact campaign, strong core mechanic and generous expansions make the whole package well worth playing.