The basic idea of the dismemberment mechanic is not new in NeverDead but very likely the first more personal case. Previously this was done in Metal Fatigue (2000) from Psygnosis where the mechs (your primary fighting force) could get parts of themselves torn off and they could re-assemble themselves.

Die by the Sword also had similar case, but IIRC in that getting dismembered was pretty much a dead end (much more useful in the survival/gauntlet mode as it prolonged your ability to go farther).