Digimon Survive Reviews
Digimon Survive is a standout visual novel wrapped around one of the worst tactics systems of all time.
I applaud Digimon Survive for being a dark, harrowing, and wonderful visual novel, and subverting what I thought a Digimon story could be. While I wish the combat evolved as much as the surrounding story presentation, it’s not enough to deter someone from seeing the narrative through. Don’t expect a tactical masterpiece, but rather a well-made melancholy tale depicting Digimon in a light they haven’t been in before.
Digimon Survive was difficult to play, boring for the first half, and mostly just disappointing. The framework for something much more compelling exists underneath the prattle, inconsequential combat, and shallow character development, and you can catch a glimpse at what might have been in some of the story’s better moments. I hope Hyde and Bandai get the opportunity to create another visual-novel-style Digimon game, building on Survive’s foundations to create a lasting and more memorable experience.
Digimon Survive stumbles with its tactical combat but manages to recover with its compelling visual novel storytelling.
Digimon Survive is an exciting alternate take on the tone and style of the Digimon series. It doesn't execute things flawlessly - those opening chapters are a bit of a chore and the tactics gameplay is simple with a capital 'S'. Still, when things kick off and the story starts to come together, it's a suspenseful and gripping journey that I'm glad I got to experience.
Digimon Survive excels in what's most important in a game of its genre by giving the player a deep and engaging storyline full of unexpected twists. You can almost compare this visual novel to a new chapter of the animated series thanks to a great general design and a well done characterization of its protagonists, both humans and Digimon. This is a game with a strong personality but an average combat system that sometimes ends up damaging the narration's rhythm. Despite this, Digimon Survive is undoubtedly a must have for any fan of the franchise.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Digimon Survive is an incredibly unique visual novel hybrid, that's ultimately let down by the combat.
Digimon Survive is a good — and surprisingly dark — visual novel, with a mediocre turn-based battle system.
Despite some translation woes, Digimon Survive's narrative still shines brightly. As cruel and dark as its narrative can be, neither you or the characters should ever give up completely. That's the key to survival, and that message is apparent in the character relationships, the battles, and the developments of the story as a whole. Digimon Survive expresses the power that can come from your bonds with others, and how supporting each other can keep hope alive. That's a message worth sharing, and Digimon Survive is a messenger worth experiencing.
All in all, Digimon Survive knows exactly what it’s trying to be and does it well. Unfortunately, this means it’s not a very interesting strategy RPG. If you’re a Digimon fan, you’ll either love or hate it. And if you’re looking for a fun, story-heavy title, I definitely recommend checking it out. But strategy RPG fans may want to find something else with fewer cutscenes.
Digimon Survive is a breath of fresh air for the franchise as its hybrid elements really complement each other.
Digimon Survive's uniquely dark take on the standard Digimon storyline is enough to carry a title that's sometimes poorly paced and basic in its approach to gameplay. A visual novel with RPG elements bolted on, it's difficult not to feel as though the creature taming and combat aspects of Survive could have been bigger and better. But ultimately, a mix of endearing characters and eye-opening plot points make this another worthwhile adventure in the digital world.
Digimon Survive is an emotional, gripping, action-filled adventure that kept me invested from the moment I entered the Digital World. While the gameplay isn't vast, the combat is deep, and both compliment the Visual Novel style of the game. Digimon Survive may not be for everyone looking for a more direct influence on the story outside of dialogue options, but it delivers on what it promised. An amazing Digimon adventure for a whole new generation.
Digimon Survive is by no means a flawless experience but it is an exciting and unique Digimon game. With multiple endings to see, different evolutions to discover, and over 100 Digimon to recruit the replay and content value is excellent. Due to its text-heavy nature, this game won’t be for everybody, and those who were hoping for more action may leave disappointed. Visual novel fans however will find a lot to love, and if you’re looking for a darker story set in the Digimon universe, Digimon Survive could be the perfect pickup.
Digimon Survive is an experiment that is only half successful, as at the time of dosing the narrative component and the role-playing and strategic one of the hybrid, the developers have allocated insufficient space to the second.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Visual novel and tactical RPG, with these words you already know if Digimon Survive is for you or not. The game has one of the best stories of the franchise thanks to its dark and mature tones. It's however counterbalanced by many filler moments, empty dialogues and tacticless battles.
Review in French | Read full review
Digimon Survive combines the Visual Novel genre with tactical turn-based combat in the purest Final Fantasy Tactics style. The title shows us one of the most mature and dark stories in the history of Digimon, moving away from the childish tone of previous titles in the franchise. If you are a fan of Digimon, especially its manga and anime, it is a must.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Digimon Survive was lovingly crafted for longtime fans of the series, and it truly feels like playing through a season of the show. The visual novel is consistently engaging, and the battles are an excellent supplement to give players a connection to the Digimon they recruit.
Digimon Survive mixes tactical roleplaying action with visual novels to varying results.
Digimon Survive is a bold new take on a dying franchise, bringing a much-needed breath of life into the series.