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The Surge

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2017

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Quick resume

Welcome to CREO, the megacorporation saving the world! A catastrophic event has knocked you out during the first day on the job… you wake up equipped with a heavy-grade exoskeleton, in a destroyed section of the complex.

Global score

75/100

Genres

Action, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure

Pros

  • Challenging and rewarding combat
  • Unique limb targeting and dismemberment system
  • Deep customization with implants and gear
  • Immersive dystopian sci-fi setting
  • Well designed interconnected maps with shortcuts

Cons

  • Lack of multiplayer or co-op
  • Confusing and maze-like level design
  • Limited enemy and boss variety
  • Story is minimal and requires effort to uncover
  • Some frustrating difficulty spikes and bugs

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to choose weapons, armor parts, implants, and playstyles, with ability to switch builds at medbay; combat and exploration allow personal decision making."

  • Competence
    4

    "Challenging combat requiring skill, timing, and learning enemy patterns; progression through upgrades and mastery of weapon proficiency."

  • Competition
    -3

    "No multiplayer or PvP modes; focus is on single-player experience without direct comparison or competition with others."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players engage in repeated playthroughs (NG+), grinding, and exploring to improve gear and skills, showing attachment and habitual play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player with no cooperative gameplay or multiplayer interaction."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players create and customize their character's gear by choosing armor parts and implants; weapon and armor crafting based on enemy limb targeting."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; gameplay is individual and cooperative or competitive domination is absent."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Dystopian sci-fi setting and challenging gameplay provide immersive escape from real life stresses."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in souls-like games and sci-fi themes; no obligation or external pressure noted."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with different weapons, combos, implants, and armor sets to find preferred playstyle and optimize builds."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Large interconnected maps with many shortcuts, secrets, and hidden items encourage curiosity-driven exploration."

  • Expression
    3

    "Character customization through armor sets and implants allows self-expression in appearance and playstyle."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Futuristic sci-fi setting with robotic enemies and exoskeletons offers imaginative fiction distinct from realistic scenarios."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; gameplay is solitary without meaningful social connection."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn enemy patterns, improve skills, and develop character builds through upgrades and implant choices."

  • Health
    -4

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity; players spend long hours in challenging combat without physical engagement."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires constant attention and focus due to difficulty and punishing enemies; not suitable for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No close relationships or emotional social interactions; minimal NPC engagement limited to quest giving."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; gameplay is individual without guiding or directing others."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong emphasis on accumulating and upgrading weapons, armor, and implants; leveling core power to enhance capabilities."

  • Relaxation
    -3

    "Sustained tension and challenge dominate experience; players must maintain focus and deal with frustration."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Visual and auditory effects, including gore and finishing moves, provide sensory stimulation and excitement."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social recognition or multiplayer status; achievements are personal and not publicly ranked."

  • Story
    1

    "Story is present but minimal and often requires player effort to uncover; narrative is secondary to gameplay."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Combat and build customization require planning, timing, and tactical decision making to succeed."

  • Thrill
    4

    "High stakes combat with risk of losing progress and punishing enemies creates suspense and thrill."

  • Value
    3

    "Good value for fans of the genre, especially with DLC included; some complaints about content length but overall rewarding."

  • Violence
    4

    "Enjoyment of combat and brutal dismemberment mechanics; gore and destruction are core elements."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must manage health, stamina, and resources to survive challenging enemies and environments."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026