The Surge 2

Our analysis

A Souls-like built around impactful, weighty combat and a layer of complex, interlocking mechanics that reward investment. The presentation is visually uneven and the early hours make for a slow start. Patience pays off as the systems open up and the combat clicks.

Our analysis

Played through on stream, this sequel comes across as a clear improvement over the original Souls-like, with better movement, level design and a more responsive, forgiving feel. The targeting and limb-cutting systems return, the parry adds satisfying flourishes once it clicks, and the healing system makes sustaining through fights far less punishing than the brutally squishy first game. Knocks include arbitrary invisible walls during exploration and too much open-ended freedom early on, with the overall take landing at good but not great.

Our analysis

A fan-wishlist sequel that delivers dense, distinct labyrinthine levels and the most rewarding exploration in the souls-like genre, anchored by excellent, expanded combat with a new parry system. It is held back by weak, reused bosses with horrendous camera issues and a more ham-fisted narrative than the original. Console performance, especially on PS4 Pro, is atrocious at times, but the overall package is a very worthwhile experience.

Our analysis

A massive improvement over its predecessor, with streamlined level design, a striking war-torn city, and standout dismemberment-based combat that lets you target and tear off enemy limbs to steal their gear. The story and choice-driven quests hold up well, but it is badly hampered by crashes, frequent FPS drops, and other technical problems. Even so, it is enjoyable enough to recommend once it gets patched.

Our analysis

A refined sequel that delivers more of the same satisfying, challenging combat, with the limb-targeting and severing system remaining its biggest strength alongside a great variety of weapons, enemies, and twisty, multi-layered environments. The expanded lore and chattier characters fall flat and the optional character creator feels meaningless. Fans of the first game should absolutely check it out.

Our analysis

A solid follow-up that builds on the original with tightly packed, distinct districts to explore and enjoyable, tough lock-on combat centered on severing enemy body parts to craft their gear. The story and many of the early boss encounters feel lacking and unmemorable. It never reaches grand heights, but it does well for what it is and is a fine pick for fans of the genre.