A game that seemed Digi-destined for failure bucks the trend with this dark, twisting visual novel/tactical RPG hybrid
Digimon. A series that holds a special place in my heart. I mean we all remember that Omnimon scene from the movie. TRANSCENDENT SWORD !!! I digress. Great movie, great series (up until post Tamers) but despite stellar entries like Digimon world 1/2/DS and the Cyber Sleuth games, it has never quite hit the heights of the other “Mon” games on the market. So, after two years in development hell, getting review bombed and Bandai basically deciding to barely market the thing, the prospect of a even a good game seemed impossible.
Well it fills my digi-heart with joy to tell you that “Survive” belongs alongside the Worlds and Sleuths of the series. That doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. The game is, at its core, a visual novel, something the devs never hid but review bombers can’t let go. It does take WAY too long to put you in your first battle so I can see why players bounced off. The game would fall apart at the seams if it didn’t have a good story as at least 50% of the game is you talking to the same eight kids multiple times. The game also has NO dub so you best have reading glasses at the ready. However, despite the slow start, all dialogue begins to feel like a life or death situation as you see the consequences faster than a lot of other RPGS, with Digimon and fellow survivors alike. The familiarity of the story also lures you straight if you’re a fan of the series, a group of campers get sucked into the digital world with no clue how to escape with a partner Digimon awaiting them on the other side. A mirror image of Tai and the gang’s story from the original series with dark twists that are probably more realistic to the situation these kids find themselves in. Yes, it can feel long at times but you really begin to value the relationships with certain campers and their Digimon.
Speaking of Digimon, the real pull of the game for me was the battles. The roster does feel a little thin with only 120 mon and one Ultra evolution available but collecting them becomes the fun part. Your partner Digimon remain rookies and transform during battle, a cool feature, while the “wild” ones you encounter either remain the same or perma-digivolve. “Catching” them isn’t plain sailing either as you have to talk them in to joining your party, adding an extra layer to battles as failure buffs their attack stats. The battling itself is really chessboard, tactical battles, welcome after powering through LiveALive, with bonus damage granted for back and side attacks. How far you can move and range of attacks change as you digivolve, keeping the combat fresh as the story progresses. What really kept the story moving along for me was the stunning, hand drawn artwork throughout the visual novel. Excellent “digivolution art”, cool dynamic scenes at turning points in the story, varied character design. The look of the game keep you pressing “A” even when you feel all read out. The music, though repetitive at times (I hear the haunting piano in my sleep) is used expertly, always creating the perfect atmosphere for what is happening. Creepy piano when your exploring an abandoned factory, uplifting flute tunes when something good FINALLY happens, always perfectly placed.
Now, despite my bias being clear as a Digimon lover, the game does have issues. As mentioned, the pacing could really stretch non-digimon fans, especially the start, SHOW SOME COMBAT. The roster could be a little chunkier, I mean no Terriermon and you ONLY get Guilmon if you buy the game in month one, sacrilege, everyone deserves Guilmon, he is the GOAT. However, if it was too big it feels like you could free battle the game away and ignore the story. The UI could also be A LOT better, it is a menu on a phone screen, that’s it. Just feels a little slap dash.
Despite the slow start and a few issues, if you are a Digimon fan you will find something you love here, which is really all we ask for from games in this series. There is a worthwhile story and tight tac combat to entertain newcomers. A tale that mirrors the OG Digi-Destined with dark, realistic twists and satisfying combat. A win for a game that spent so long in development purgatory.
RM Recommends to fans/Wait for light discount for newcomers
+Great, twisting story -SLOW START
+Good battling -Poor UI
+Stunning artwork -Light roster
+DIGIMON
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