The Surge gives a lousy first impression with its bland sci-fi setting and grab bag of obvious influences. If this is Deck 13's next step to building something truly great, it's a solid, if flawed one.

The Surge isn't interested in creating variation in its gameplay mechanics, or exploring more diverse settings or ideas, or creating compelling characters. It washes over you, but it's a refined wash, and the foundation for a great game to come. The Surge is a good thing, and I'm glad it exists as another answer to the Souls-esque games coming out – its dull, but refined sci-fi action makes the game feel like a first step, if only a step, in the right direction.

A whirlwind of action-RPG fun with a fast and frantic melee-focused combat system, addictive loot systems and an immersive sci-fi horror atmosphere.

Bugs and a weak narrative aside, The Surge is a much more confident take on the emerging Souls-like gameplay style. It's nice to see a developer give a gameplay style a second shot and Deck13 have almost nailed it here.

It's one of those games that shows a lot of promise but the experience itself just doesn't live up to its potential. You may have some fun within the first five hours or so... but everything after that slowly evolves into nothing more than a tedious grind.