Review · Action · PC · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One
The Surge
Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026
PC · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One
Focus Home Interactive · 2017
Ludograph rating
B
Good
61 /100
The Surge is an action RPG that enhances problem solving and spatial awareness through demanding combat, suitable for older teens due to mature themes.
Growth (BDS)
44
Risk (RIS)
3
Daily limit
–
Age guidance
17+
Developmental benefits
| B1 | Cognitive | 0.66 | |
| B2 | Social-emotional | 0.00 | |
| B3 | Motor | 0.55 | |
The Surge offers a challenging action RPG experience that can significantly enhance strategic thinking, problem-solving, and motor skills through its demanding combat and character progression systems.
Design risks
| R1 | Compulsion-loop pressure | 0.07 | |
| R2 | Monetization | 0.00 | |
| R3 | Social risk | 0.00 | |
The primary risks in The Surge relate to its mature content, specifically high levels of visceral violence and potentially intense, fear-inducing themes. The game exhibits minimal to no compulsion-loop design, monetization pressure, or social risks.
Content (not in risk score)
| R4.1 | Violence Level | 1.00 | |
| R4.2 | Sexual Content | 0.00 | |
| R4.3 | Language | 0.67 | |
| R4.4 | Substance References | 0.00 | |
| R4.5 | Fear / Horror | 0.67 | |
Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.
Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·GDPR-K — Assessed: meets criteria·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria
- DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
- GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
- ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.
These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.