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Inspired by the legendary Souls series, countless games have attempted to capture its magic, but few have truly succeeded. Deck13 Interactive, with its two Souls-like franchises, stands out for its dedication to innovation within this challenging genre. Following the impressive but somewhat unrefined Lords of the Fallen and the innovative yet not quite groundbreaking The Surge, does The Surge 2 finally deliver on its predecessors’ potential? Let’s dive into the visceral world of Jericho City and find out.

Blood and Steel: A Unique Combat System

While the original The Surge (2017) didn’t make a massive splash, its brutal combat system offered a unique experience. Although categorized as a Souls-like, The Surge and its sequel carve their own identity with a combat style that demands both the cautious approach of Dark Souls and the dynamic mobility and decisive strikes needed to tear opponents apart, limb from limb.

The Surge introduced the concept of targeting specific body parts, not necessarily weaknesses, offering two distinct advantages. Targeting weaker points allows for swift executions, while attacking armored areas yields valuable rewards. Only by severing these armored parts can players acquire the attached equipment.

The Surge 2

This intriguing mechanic significantly enhances combat choices in The Surge 2. The focus isn’t solely on defeating enemies, but also on strategically acquiring specific equipment upgrades to tackle progressively tougher foes. Desire a particular helmet? Aim for the head. Envy an enemy’s sword? Target the right arm. The possibilities are numerous and engaging.

Furthermore, The Surge 2 rewards successful dismemberment with spectacular slow-motion finishers, allowing players to savor their brutal victories from various angles.

Improved animations and movement elevate The Surge 2‘s combat beyond its predecessor. Fluid dashes, stylish slides, and acrobatic weapon swings reminiscent of kung-fu films seamlessly blend into the fast-paced action, even during combo executions.

The Surge 2

Enemies are also more cunning, often attacking in packs rather than isolating themselves. Disturbing one can trigger a relentless pursuit, emphasizing the importance of stamina management. Souls veterans will find this dynamic familiar and challenging.

The energy-based healing system further intensifies combat. Without traditional health potions, players must fight to fill energy cells, which can then be converted into health or power implants. Every encounter demands careful planning, quick reflexes, and efficient resource management.

Implants, replacing traditional stat upgrades on equipment, offer unparalleled customization. Players can freely enhance desired attributes, tailoring their build to their preferred playstyle.

The Surge 2

Lastly, The Surge 2 introduces a drone companion, providing valuable assistance in both combat and puzzle-solving.

Extensive Customization: Armor and Upgrades

Beyond combat, The Surge 2 distinguishes itself with a deep and impressive equipment system. While The Surge suffered from visually unappealing armor designs, the sequel offers a diverse and stylish array, providing ample motivation for multiple playthroughs.

With a vast selection of armor sets and weapons (over 31 sets and 103 weapon types), players can experiment with different builds based on enemy types and personal preferences. Each set offers unique characteristics affecting stamina consumption, recovery, and resistance.

The Surge 2

Acquiring these items requires effort, involving both dismemberment and resource gathering for crafting and upgrading. However, the game streamlines this process by allowing the use of readily available materials, eliminating tedious grinding. Materials can also be easily converted to different tiers, further simplifying the upgrade process.

The Surge 2

While weapons can be used immediately after acquisition, most armor pieces require crafting at upgrade stations, where players can also enhance their character’s core stats: health, stamina, and energy.

Jericho City: A Complex and Interconnected World

One of the Souls series’ defining features is its intricate level design. Deck13 Interactive has remarkably captured this essence in The Surge 2, showcasing a level of design that rivals the Souls games.

Jericho City, divided into several districts and interconnected areas, is a masterclass in level design. Each path, despite its apparent complexity, ultimately converges, creating a sense of cohesion and exploration.

The Surge 2

Without a fast travel system, players must memorize the labyrinthine layout, shortcuts, and hidden paths. This encourages careful exploration and a deep understanding of the environment. The lack of a traditional map further reinforces this element, forcing players to rely on their memory and spatial awareness.

Falling Short of Greatness

Despite its significant improvements over its predecessor, The Surge 2 falls short of its full potential. The boss battles, often considered the highlight of Souls-like games, are a notable weakness. Many bosses are repetitive, lacking unique mechanics or challenging encounters. Even new players can often defeat them on their first attempt, diminishing the sense of accomplishment.

The Surge 2

The graphics and sound design also detract from the overall experience. The game’s visual style, characterized by heavy use of lighting effects and high contrast, can appear visually jarring and unpolished. Inconsistent textures further exacerbate this issue. The soundtrack, too, is largely forgettable, lacking memorable melodies or a strong sense of atmosphere.

Conclusion

The Surge 2 delivers a visceral and engaging combat experience with deep customization options and a surprisingly intricate world. However, its repetitive boss battles, underwhelming presentation, and somewhat underdeveloped story prevent it from reaching its full potential. While a significant step forward from the original, The Surge 2 remains a flawed but ultimately enjoyable experience for fans of challenging action RPGs.