Released about three years ago now, this game was truly fun to play. It was like a cross between 3rd person adventures like Tomb Raider, combo fighting and special moves like Soul Calibre, and the most goriest movie you’ve ever seen. Played from a third person perspective, you would choose your character out of the four very different players, and go into world hacking and slicing your way to victory.
Severance was great in that this seemed the perfect cross between PC and console gaming. You had the combos and easy to pick-up-and-play feel that console games had, yet had all the graphics and intricacies of PC gaming.
The PC had seen similar games before and since Severance, all of which faired pretty badly in comparison. Maybe it was Severance’s unique physics engine that put it in front of the rest? Or maybe its ridiculous array of weaponry? Or possibly even its sheer size (the game felt like it went on for ages)? But deep down all that loved Severance knew it was the gore and violence that made it stand out.
Never have Ben (OcPrices reviews webmaster) or myself in network gaming against each other roared and screamed at the monitor so much during games. Even on your own, after a hard day at work, you can’t help but get a little disturbed whilst taking delight in disembowelling an orc. Clearly this wasn’t a game for children, or impressionable adults who take what they see and would like to practice this in the real world. However for those of a more ‘normal’ disposition this game was a great stress release.
The game wasn’t without its faults and limitations though. Multiplayer, while fun, was extremely limited. Small arena’s, one-on-one combat could get extremely repetitive.
The single player game sometimes became stale and tedious, seeing as levels went on for ages and your hands got sore with constant key bashing. Plus joypad control was a no go, a big downer for those who are used to console games.
I wanted a sequel as soon as I finished the game first time round. Clearly a sequel would need the usual cosmetic make over, but personally I’d want to see a better multiplayer option. At the minimum a Co-op style of play, where you’d play single player missions with your mates as travelling companions. If the developers could really splash out and go to town I’d love a 'Battle mode'. Where you and the other player would choose a small army, start at opposite sides, and you and your computer subordinates charge forward to battle!
However, hopes for a new version are remote. Two years back news filtered out that Rebel Act, the team behind Severance, had gone bust. So unless someone decides to fund the project and generously bring back the old team I doubt a sequel would turn out to be any good.
You never know though, sometimes a brand new team can bring out a good sequel? Although like many movie sequels with new directors it seldom ever happens in the gaming world either. This is assuming a new team is interested in making a sequel in the first place, which at this time isn’t in the cards for anyone. A real shame
