Shawn Rubidoux

Admittedly I played the first Surge game and while I liked the concept behind it, it never seemed to stick with me. The narrow corridors, the same bland looking areas, the combat felt a little off. The Surge 2 keeps going on sale, and after finishing Bloodborne I had an itch for another SoulsBorne game. So I decided to spend $12 and try it out. This game scratched that itch and then some. Bigger areas, wide open spaces, varied sections and great graphics this game looks great. The combat is so fast and you really feel like you’re in control of your character no matter how hectic it gets. Most players who played the first Surge can expect improvements in just about every category. Those who haven’t but like the gameplay of a SoulsBorne can really sink their teeth into this game. There’s some lore and a decent story, but it’s the combat we’re all here for. So many different enemy types, weapons, and patterns to memorize. You can switch weapons on the fly to adjust in the heat of a fight, you have a drone that can help with ranged enemies, and a fun regenerate system which is similar to Bloodborne in that it encourages a more offensive playstyle. There’s so many combos to learn, and like I said you really have control over the fight. The loot system is addicting and constantly pushing you to keep going forward. Tons of customization options, gear, upgrades, passive traits, there’s a lot to experiment with. It’s Bloodborne mixed with some Monster Hunter and for as much as this game goes on sale it’s totally worth it. Like that weapon the enemy is using? Or need to upgrade a specific body part equipment? Then just focus on that limb and chop it off to snag the needed loot. Enemies have patterns you can memorize but every once in a while you have enemies who will feint or throw off your timing just a tiny bit to sneak in an attack. I died a lot, and yes it’s frustrating I hardly died thinking I was cheated or it was out of my control. The camera work is good and doesn’t get caught up in walls too much. If you love SoulsBorne games, you’ll find something in this game to hook you in. If you never cared for that type of gameplay this game won’t do much to change your mind. I had a lot of fun with it.

Grabbed this game on launch for the PS4, because I previously seen it played on Twitch when it was only for PC. The concept looked interesting so I figured why not and man it was well worth it. For only $40 brand new is a great deal, for the hours of fun you’ll put into it. Evolve and Dead By Deadlight come to mind as similar games for console players. You and 11 other players drop into the map at random spawn points and must search for clues to find the “boss” monster. Meanwhile there’s plenty of PvE enemies lurking the map. Zombies, hell hounds, a guy who uses leeches to sense you, a lady who screams killer bees at you, among others. Oh yeah, and the other hunters (players) with the same mission as you but will kill you if you get in their way. You can team up with up to 2 other players or just go solo. Honestly I’ve played mostly solo and it’s not as difficult as you’d think taking on squads. Sound is HUGE in this game, and while it’s good for a few jump scares it also gives you hints as to where other players may be. You can hear the footsteps sloshing through water, breaking twigs, stepping on glass. Plus the map has tells which indicate players presence such as barking dogs or dying horses. You can one shot players with shotguns but you’ll need to get the jump on them. Or headshot them with a rifle. Going in guns blazing isn’t always the best choice, this game is about waiting in the shadows until you see an opportunity to strike. Hunting the boss is only half the battle. Once you kill it, you must then banish it which starts a timer and you must now defend your position from other hunters until it runs out. Where a lot of the fun begins. So few games give you as much tension as this one. As frustrating as dying may be (you’ll die a lot) you’ll just wanna jump right back into another game because it hooks you in. It’s not perfect. The gun controls are a little rigid, not all weapons are viable, and so far only one map and a handful of unique enemies. Hopefully this game picks up steam and the devs can release more maps and enemy characters to keep it from getting stale. But so far it’s a great game and unique experience already. As a console player you must get this game because there’s nothing else like it. And at $40 to jump on the bandwagon you can’t beat that.

Great -true- RPG. This game doesn’t hold your hand at all, you literally start the game as a nobody and must learn and practice everything you do in this game. The first 10 hours or so can be real rough but the game slowly begins to open up to you and once you start learning everything the game offers to you it all pays off. Great story, deep immersion, frustrating yet fun mechanics and gameplay and really all around good game. There’s a few minor bugs/glitches, and some annoying camera angles but nothing game breaking. It’s not for everyone but that’s okay. What it offers to a certain group of gamers is everything you could ask for in a RPG. Don’t go into it thinking it’s another Skyrim, because you’ll be slapped pretty hard in the opening hours with a reality check. If you got the time to sink in and the patience this game will reward you greatly.