Severed Steel Review: A Fast-Paced Shooter with Destructible Environments

Title	Severed Steel
Released	9/17/2021
Developer(s):	Greylock Games Studio LLC
Publisher(s):	Greylock Games Studio LLC
Platform(s):
Genre	Action, FPS, Indie
Rating	M

Product was free with an Epic Game Store giveaway. Due to the nature of EGS not having a screenshot function, alternative screens have been used and properly credited.

Completed on PC on Severed Steel
HowLongToBeat Time: 3 Hrs | My Clear Time: 4.5 Hrs

Background

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Severed Steel, developed by Greylock Studio, is a high-octane, single-player shooter that launched in 2021. The game stands out for its fluid, acrobatic gameplay and unique art style, blending destructible terrain with dynamic combat. Originally released on PC, Severed Steel has since expanded to consoles. Notable for its single-arm protagonist and action-focused gameplay, the game received a significant boost in replayability with its 3.0 update, which introduced a level editor, more game modes, and additional ways to customize the experience.

The development team for Severed Steel includes:

Experience

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Before Severed Steel, I’d spent countless hours with a range of first-person shooters, including Doom, F.E.A.R., Condemned, The Darkness, Tribes, Call of Duty, Medal of Honor, Unreal Tournament, and Superhot. Each of these titles brought unique elements to the genre, from Doom’s frenzied pace to Superhot’s time-warping mechanics. I was curious to see how Severed Steel would carve its own path with movement-driven, destructible environments and an emphasis on speed.

Impressions

Introduction

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Severed Steel doesn’t waste time with exposition; you’re quickly thrown into a dynamic story mode with a protagonist whose acrobatic abilities set the stage for creative, fast-paced action. The story provides context but takes a back seat to the gameplay, letting players experiment freely with combat and movement mechanics.

Gameplay and Mechanics

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The core of Severed Steel lies in its fluid, continuous movement and creative combat. The destructible environments allow players to shoot through walls, creating new paths or ambushing enemies. Every level feels like a puzzle, pushing you to find inventive routes and leverage environmental destruction. With the absence of a reload mechanic, you’re constantly forced to adapt by switching weapons mid-fight, keeping tension high.

Game Modes and Replayability

Severed Steel offers an impressive array of modes that increase its replay value:

• Story Mode: Introduces players to the game’s mechanics and environments.
• Firefight Mode: Includes unlockable content and mutators for gameplay modifications.
• Level Editor: Part of the 3.0 update, allowing players to create, customize, and share levels.
• Customization Options: Players can adjust enemy types, objectives, and gameplay physics.

Character and Art Design

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Visually, Severed Steel shines with its neon-soaked cyberpunk aesthetic, set against dark, industrial backdrops. The protagonist’s agility and the game’s destructible environments make each scene dynamic and unpredictable. The visual style enhances the chaotic energy of combat, keeping players engaged in a highly immersive environment.

Unique Features and Mechanics

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The one-armed protagonist’s mobility is a standout mechanic, blending wall-running, bullet-time, and environmental destruction. Shooting through walls and obstacles isn’t just a visual gimmick but a practical tool, allowing players to plan ambushes, break down barriers, and experiment with unconventional tactics. This adds a layer of tactical depth to each encounter, setting Severed Steel apart from more linear shooters.

Music & Audio

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The audio design in Severed Steel plays a crucial role in shaping the game’s atmosphere. The soundtrack features an energetic mix of electronic and ambient sounds that complement the fast-paced action. Sound effects, from gunfire to environmental interactions, are well-crafted and immersive, further enhancing the player’s experience. The combination of music and sound design effectively elevates the overall intensity and excitement during gameplay.

Verdict

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Severed Steel is an inventive, adrenaline-filled shooter that rewards creativity and adaptability. With fully destructible environments, customizable game modes, and an impressive new level editor, it offers a gameplay loop that never gets stale. Fans of fast-paced, movement-driven shooters will find Severed Steel a fresh take on the genre that’s as exhilarating as it is replayable.

TLDR

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Pros

• Unique & Fun Gameplay: Encourages creative combat with wall-running, bullet-time, and unique mobility.
• Fully Destructible Environments: Shoot through walls and objects for tactical advantages.
• High Replay Value: Customizable game modes, mutators, and a level editor provide extensive replayability.
• Energetic Audio and Presentation: The neon aesthetics and dynamic soundtrack enhance the fast-paced action and atmosphere.

Cons

• Gameplay-Focused Story: Some players might find the minimal narrative approach less engaging.
• Limited Combat Variety: Some may feel the gameplay loop can become repetitive.
• Steep Learning Curve: New players might need time to get accustomed to the mechanics.
• Limited Enemy Variety: Some may find the enemy types and encounters lacking in variety.

References

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1. Larrabee, M. (2023, October 27). Severed Steel – New Content – The Style Update. YouTube.
2. Azuku, R. (2021, September 19). Pugachev’s Cobra – Severed Steel Soundtrack. YouTube.
3. Azuku, R. (2021, September 19). Metallum Posterum – Severed Steel Soundtrack. YouTube.