Digimon Survive

Developer: HYDE, Inc.
Release: Jul 28th 2022
Platforms:
RPG
Narrative-driven
Unique
Accessible
Repetitive
Technical issues
Digimon Survive Poster

" Engaging RPG with rich visual novel storytelling and tactical combat but slow, repetitive battles "

Digimon Survive Review

Digimon Survive attempts to blend a visual novel, monster collecting, and tactical RPG into a single experience. Players appreciate the game’s unique approach within the Digimon franchise, particularly its darker, more mature storyline and character-driven narrative. The game offers a significant amount of dialogue and story content, appealing especially to fans of visual novels and Digimon alike.

However, many players find the gameplay slow, repetitive, and lacking depth. The tactical combat is often described as simplistic and drawn out, with little strategic challenge or meaningful consequences. Technical issues such as low frame rates and input lag also detract from the experience. The story’s branching choices feel mostly illusory, with locked-in outcomes frustrating players seeking agency. While the game has potential, its execution leaves many feeling the three gameplay elements are poorly integrated and underwhelming overall.

Highlights

Players praise the game’s narrative focus and darker tone, which sets it apart from typical Digimon titles. The visual novel segments are engaging for fans of story-driven games.

The game’s tactical combat system is described as easy to learn and reminiscent of classic SRPGs like Fire Emblem, providing a familiar and accessible experience.

Many appreciate the variety of Digimon to collect and the character interactions, which add charm and depth to the story.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the slow pacing and repetitiveness of gameplay, especially during combat encounters.

The tactical battles are seen as shallow and unchallenging, often dragging on with little strategic variation.

Technical problems such as frame rate drops and input lag negatively impact player immersion.

Players also express frustration with the illusion of choice in the story, as most decisions do not significantly affect outcomes, leading to a railroaded narrative experience.

Pros

  • Engaging darker storyline that appeals to older Digimon fans.
  • Visual novel segments provide rich character development and dialogue.
  • Accessible and straightforward tactical combat system.
  • Large variety of Digimon to collect and interact with.
  • Unique blend of visual novel and SRPG genres.
  • Story choices create a sense of player involvement.
  • Nostalgic appeal for fans of classic tactical RPGs.

Cons

  • Combat is slow, repetitive, and lacks strategic depth.
  • Story choices have minimal impact on overall outcomes.
  • Technical issues like low frame rates and input lag.
  • Gameplay pacing feels cumbersome and drawn out.
  • Monster raising mechanics feel pointless and underdeveloped.
  • Narrative tone shifts can be jarring and inconsistent.
  • Long battles with little exciting action.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Digimon Survive presents a hybrid visual novel and tactical RPG set in a mysterious world filled with dangerous monsters and deadly battles that will test your ability to survive.

Release Date Jul 28th 2022
Publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Developer HYDE, Inc.
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (1,631)
83% Positive 17% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
83