Severed Steel
" Intense action FPS with stylish parkour and destructible levels but a short main campaign "
Severed Steel Review
Severed Steel is a fast-paced, stylish single-player FPS that combines acrobatic parkour movement with intense gunplay and a unique bullet time mechanic. Players control a one-armed protagonist who can wall-run, dive, slide, and flip while seamlessly switching weapons and using slow-motion to execute precise kills. The gameplay loop is highly addictive, rewarding skillful chaining of kills and creative use of the environment. The campaign is relatively short (around 2-4 hours) but is complemented by additional modes like Roguelike "Rogue Steel," firefight challenges, and a level editor, extending replay value.
The game features a neon cyberpunk aesthetic with destructible environments and a memorable synthwave soundtrack that enhances the experience. While the story is minimalistic and conveyed mostly through art sketches, it fits the game's focus on gameplay over narrative. Despite some difficulty spikes and minor technical issues, Severed Steel is praised for its fluid movement, satisfying gun mechanics, and overall value, especially on sale.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the fluid and responsive movement system, including wall-running, diving, and sliding, which creates a kinetic and exhilarating gameplay experience.
The bullet time mechanic is lauded as one of the best implementations, adding depth and style to combat by rewarding timing and precision.
The soundtrack receives frequent acclaim for its energetic synthwave and drum and bass tracks that perfectly complement the fast-paced action.
Graphically, the neon-lit cyberpunk art style is described as timeless and visually appealing, with destructible environments adding tactical variety.
Additional modes like the roguelike "Rogue Steel" and firefight challenges provide excellent replayability beyond the campaign.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the short length of the main campaign, which some players feel leaves them wanting more.
The difficulty curve is uneven, with certain levels being frustratingly hard while others are relatively easy, causing pacing issues.
Some players find the enemy AI simplistic and repetitive, with enemies following predictable patterns and dealing high damage, especially on harder difficulties.
Control responsiveness and movement can feel inconsistent or floaty at times, leading to occasional frustrating moments during precision platforming.
Technical issues such as frame rate drops during hectic scenes and a somewhat clunky custom soundtrack integration were also noted.
The story is minimal and abstract, which may disappoint players seeking a deep narrative.
Pros
- • Fluid and fast-paced parkour movement system enhances gameplay excitement.
- • Bullet time mechanic adds strategic depth and stylish combat opportunities.
- • Neon cyberpunk art style is visually appealing and timeless.
- • Destructible environments allow for creative tactical approaches.
- • Synthwave soundtrack elevates the game's atmosphere and intensity.
- • Multiple game modes increase replayability beyond the main campaign.
- • Weapon variety and mechanics keep combat fresh and satisfying.
Cons
- • Main campaign is relatively short and may feel incomplete to some.
- • Difficulty spikes create uneven pacing and occasional frustration.
- • Enemy AI is basic and can become repetitive quickly.
- • Movement controls sometimes feel inconsistent or floaty.
- • Frame rate drops occur during intense action scenes.
- • Custom soundtrack feature is poorly implemented and disruptive.
- • Sparse checkpoints can lead to frustrating restarts on death.
Rating Criteria
An intense single-player FPS featuring a stylish movement system, completely destructible levels, and an acclaimed OST.