Digimon Survive Reviews
In a few words, if you have the idea that Digimon Survive will have frantic encounters one after another, let me tell you that it is probably not going to meet your expectations. However, if visual novels and tactical combat are your thing, is probably that this game will like you, especially if you are a faithful follower of this great franchise.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
You don’t need any previous knowledge of Digimon, and even with my own extensive history with the franchise there were still plenty of twists I didn’t see coming because the story was just that compelling.
Digimon Survive is one of the best visual novels to come out so far this year, with plenty of heart and tension to carry you through to the final act. Fans looking for an engaging story with well-written and presented characters that deal with life-and-death situations will enjoy the ride, while players focused on the combat will probably find that the game comes up short. Despite its sluggish, padded start, Digimon Survive is well worth the long wait.
Though not as successful as Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth, Digimon Survive has the workings of a cult classic mainly for Digimon fans. The story, despite a few insufferable characters, explores a darker reinterpretation of the original series to its favor, and the combat system is executed moderately well for as simple as it is. The game’s art style and music have its moments too from composer Tomoki Miyoshi and artist Uichi Ukumo. However, many plot points drag on longer than necessary, the Karma system is forced, and the UI is lackluster. Developer Hyde has a spark of a good idea here, but it might not last long enough to merit a sequel.
Digimon Survive tries to be both a visual novel and SRPG, but while it has strengths in the former, it has notable shortcomings in both areas.
Digimon Survive is a pleasant game with some cool fights and monster growth, but the heroes and story leave a lot to be desired.
Review in Polish | Read full review
For a game that places so much weight on its cast and writing , Digimon Survive struggles to engage with poor characterization and weak storytelling.
Despite its flaws and hardship, Digimon Survive is an absorbing visual novel. It is a more profound and darker story than generally expected from the Digimon world with captivating characters and storytelling. The exploration and tactical battles provide a break from the immense amount of dialogue, albeit not as fun and the latter feels like a lacklustre last-minute addition. Regardless, Digimon Survive is a great game for fans of the universe.
Digimon Survive is a masterclass Visual Novel that hooks its teeth into you and doesn't pull out until you hit the credits screen. That is if you are a fan of Visual Novel games that attract through Japanese voice acting and only a little Tactical RPG battles to set the mood. Music, atmosphere and story is top tier and makes you feel like you are literally inside the anime, if the anime had more death looming over your every decision.
Digimon Survive isn't quite the game anyone was expecting based on the marketing.
Despite being pretty much a visual novel with some TRPG elements, Digimon Survive manages to be a captivating game for Digimon's fans and it just feels like a new season of the beloved anime.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Digimon Survive balances an intriguing, more mature Digimon story with excellent turn-based strategy combat that evokes the spirit of the anime.
While it is wildly different from Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth, Digimon Survive makes a strong and compelling case for itself on its own merits. Fans of Digimon looking for a strong story, or fans of visual novels, will find the game to be a treat.
Digimon Survive leans heavily into the Visual Novel genre and it pays off. For fans of VN or Digimon this story is one of the best out there. Combat is enjoyable but some mechanics don't stick the landing.
If you are a diehard fan of the franchise, then this game will be an enjoyable ride; if you are someone whose not followed it along the way, then it is easy to be disappointed. Ultimately, each person will have to decide on their own if they like Digimon Survive.
Although it's easy to miss the dizzy heights of the Cybersleuth series, it's to be applauded in what has been attempted here - and with an easily accessible series, will convert even the most hardened hater of visual novels.
Digimon Survive is an interesting experiment that largely succeeds in taking a beloved children's franchise and giving it a darker tone without completely losing what made it so beloved in the first place. The story is largely engaging and has enough twists and turns to keep things moving forward at a comfortable pace. The gameplay is enjoyable but unexceptional, but the story is the main draw. If you're a fan of Digimon, then Survive is absolutely worth your time. Even casual JRPG fans will likely find the story to be worth a look.
Digimon Survive tells a captivating, dark, and emotional story that kept me wanting to see what would happen next. The focus on being a visual novel first won’t be for everyone as if you value gameplay in your Digimon games you won’t get a ton of that here. I wish the combat was a bit deeper in this game but I still had fun with it and I was always trying to get new Digimon on my side. If you are looking for a bit of a different Digimon experience I highly recommend Digimon Survive.
Being a visual novel, Digimon Survive isn’t for everyone. For those with the patience for it though, we can’t help but recommend it. Whether you’re a fan of the Digimon franchise or not, there’s a thoroughly intriguing story here, backed up with attractive visuals, an enjoyable soundtrack, and some tense battles. This may be a departure for the series, but it’s paid off.