In thisSurge 2article we’re going to take a look at some differences between the first game, and the sequel coming out on September 24th. Much of the gameplay remains the same, which is great because that was the best part of the Sci-fiaction-RPG, but there are some improvements and changes you may not have heard about. Without further ado, let’s jump into them.
The Surge 2: 10 Changes From the Prequel
Perhaps the biggest thing on our list, and one players have been clamoring for sinceLords of the Fallen, will come as no surprise. And that is Character Creation. People simply like to make their own avatar, and play with their unique character, and Deck 13 has finally delivered here.
10. Character Creation
At the very start of the game players will get to choose from a variety of options to make their avatar, including male or female. While not the most robust Character Creator I’ve ever seen, especially compared to something likeCode Veinwhich we played recently, it is definitely an upgrade overWarren. And, in addition to choosing the features of your character, you can also choose some background information about him or her. I have no idea if this actually effects the gameplay mechanics in anyway, but I strongly suspect it does, as the game has much more dialogue than the prequel.
9. Ranged Combat (Drone)
InThe Surgeranged combat was not really a thing. Very few enemies had any sort of “gun”, but that is much different inThe Surge 2.Lots of enemies possess firearms, unloading into you as you face off against their melee colleagues. However, you can fight back with yourDrone. A new feature that allows for a limited amount of ranged combat that is particularly useful in fights with multiple enemies or in situations where you might be ambushed. You can outfit yourDronewith various kits, so that it does different things, further increasing customization. Ammo is scarce though, so you will have to use it wisely.
8. Set Bonus Changes
Set Bonuses themselves are not a new concept to The Surge, but they are handled a bit differently in The Surge 2. Players will now gain bonuses for wearing 3 and 6 pieces of anArmor Set, allowing them to pair two Sets together for different combinations. This will result in larger Build variety, and players will now have some incentive to complete at least 3 pieces of a Set as quickly as possible. Now, I just have to figure out the fashion of it…
7. Directional Parry
One feature added toThe Surge 2is the implementation of Directional Parries. Directional Parries allow the player to deflect incoming attacks, and create a huge opening for counter attack. They are performed by holding block and pressing the right stick in the direction of the incoming attack right before it lands. You even get an Implant that shows you on screen which direction this is to make this even easier. It takes some practice to pull off, but once you get the hang of it, it’s oh so sweet.
6. Attribute Points
Players will now gain 2 Attribute Points each time they increase their Core Power (level up), that they can place them into Health, Stamina or your Battery Efficiency. This allows them to control just exactly how they want their character to play, and provides for separation between playerBuilds. Do you crank Stamina so that you can attack and dodge like a champ? Or do you pump Batter Efficiency so that you can useImplantsat will?
5. Upgrade Implants
Another new feature in The Surge 2 is the ability to upgradeImplants. This allows you to take your favorite ones and improve them to be even more effective, and this works much like upgradingWeaponsorArmor. Players will need to farm Implants they already have in order to gain parts. If you enjoyed farming gear in the first title, and I know I did, then you’ll have even more to do in the sequel.
4. Online Elements
One thing I’d really love to see in Deck 13 games is Cooperative play. Unfortunately The Surge 2 does not have this feature, however, they have implemented asynchronous features like online messaging and another interesting one that you probably haven’t heard about. Players can now place a copy of their character somewhere in the game, and it will spawn a clone in other players' game worlds. And not only that, players will gain rewards for doing so, and even more if they are well hidden. It’s sort of like a making yourself a collectible…kinda…
3. Merchants/Vendors
The Surge 2 has many moreNPCsthan its predecessor, and this includes vendors or merchants. Players will now be able to purchase Weapons, Armor, Implants and more from select NPCs in the game, and kudos to Deck 13 here, they have done a great job of making the game feel more alive. It’s ironic really, because of the setting, but it all has a bit of aCyberpunk/Falloutfeel to it that I really like.
2. Weapon Proficiency
Weapon Proficiency was a bit of a sore point for many players in the first title, because it didn’t allow you to pick up later gameWeaponsand try them out immediately, as you had to grind up your Proficiency in order for it to be worth it. Well I’m happy to tell you that Weapon Proficiency will not make a return in The Surge 2, and players can now just pick up and use anything they find, and you’ll want to too. Trust me.
1. Varied Environment
Last on our list is Varied Environments. While I really enjoyed The Surge, I always felt like I was in the same place, looking at the same scenery and there wasn’t much change. The Surge 2 rectifies this to a certain extent by giving you different locales that look and feel mostly different. I say mostly, because the post apocalyptic feel is present in all of them, and it’s something that ties them all together, and there’s no real getting around that here. That said, if this was a gripe for you in the first title, I think you’ll be more satisfied this time around.
Stay tuned for moreThe Surge 2coverage as we inch ever closer to launch on September 24th. We’ll be streaming the game this weekend, so be sure to drop by ourTwitch channeland ask questions and check out the game if you want to know more. And be sure to bookmark theOfficial The Surge 2 Wiki, as we’ll be updating it a bit closer to launch.
