Surgeon Simulator is an over-the-top operation sim, stitching together pitch-black humour with life-saving surgery. Become Dr. Burke, a would-be surgeon with a less than conventional toolkit, as he performs procedures on patients including the Heavy from TF2! ...is that a hammer?
Players control the surgeon's hand and individual fingers using a combination of mouse and keyboard inputs. This creates a deliberately clumsy and challenging experience, as players struggle to precisely manipulate tools and organs. Grasping even basic surgical implements requires carefully coordinating multiple finger movements, leading to frequent slip-ups and unexpected outcomes.
Due to the imprecise controls, performing simple procedures becomes a hilarious and unpredictable challenge. Players often find themselves accidentally dropping, flinging, or destroying vital organs and tools. The ragdoll physics and unexpected movements of the patient and tools lead to comical and surprising results, such as a heart flying across the room or a patient's head twisting in an unnatural angle.
The game features a variety of different surgical procedures, including heart, kidney, and brain transplants. Each operation takes place in a unique environment, such as the traditional operating room, a speeding ambulance, or the low-gravity conditions of outer space. These differing settings introduce additional challenges, forcing players to adapt their strategies, like dealing with a drunk ambulance driver or trying to perform delicate work while objects float around.
Despite the repetitive nature of the core gameplay loop, the diverse set of achievements and challenges encourages players to experiment with different, often unorthodox, approaches to each surgery. Unlocking new content and high scores provides a sense of progression, motivating players to improve their surgical skills through repeat playthroughs.
While primarily a single-player experience, the game can be enjoyed cooperatively with friends. Players can take turns controlling the surgeon's hand, leading to even more chaotic and hilarious moments as they struggle to coordinate their efforts. The shared experience of trying (and often failing) to complete the surgeries together adds to the game's appeal.