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CRITIK

Digimon Survive

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Digimon Survive
Item: Digimon Survive
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Simulation, Turn-Based, RPG, Visual Novel, Top-Down Perspective, Anime and JRPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableJul 29, 2022

PlatformXbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

DeveloperBandai Namco Games, Hyde, WitchCraft

Overview

This is a story of survival in a strange new world. Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Digimon Anime, Digimon Survive presents a brand-new adventure set in a mysterious world with characters designed by Uichi Ukumo, and music by the much-acclaimed Tomoki Miyoshi. Digimon Survive sees a brand-new group of teenagers, led by Takuma Momozuka, get lost on a school camping trip, finding them transported to a strange new world of monsters and danger. As they fight their way back home through an animated world of difficult decisions and deadly battles, players’ choices throughout the game will impact the evolution of their monster allies, and the final ending. Battles in the game are fought in 2D, in a more classic SRPG style.

Elsewhere

6.8

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Digimon Survive for its compelling and engaging narrative, with many highlighting its darker and more mature themes compared to previous installments in the franchise. Critics such as Dexerto and PlayStation Universe appreciated the game's exploration of mature themes and its unique take on survival in a dangerous world. The emphasis on character development and relationships, as noted by Nintendo Life and PlayStation Universe, added depth to the storytelling and kept players invested in the fates of the protagonists. The inclusion of multiple endings and choices affecting the Karma System, as mentioned by Finger Guns and Everyeye.it, provided a dynamic and interactive storytelling experience that resonated with players. While the overall sentiment towards the story of Digimon Survive was overwhelmingly positive, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks. RPG Site found the story to become uninteresting and cliché-ridden over time, suggesting a decline in narrative quality as the game progressed. PlayStation LifeStyle noted that some plot points dragged on longer than necessary, potentially impacting the pacing and overall enjoyment of the story for players. GameSkinny also mentioned pacing issues and translation errors that detracted from the otherwise engaging narrative experience, highlighting areas where the storytelling could have been improved for a more seamless and immersive gameplay experience. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the story of Digimon Survive is a standout feature of the game, with its dark and mature themes, engaging character development, and impactful choices resonating with players. The majority of reviewers appreciated the game's departure from traditional Digimon storytelling, praising its unique take on survival, character relationships, and narrative depth. Despite some minor criticisms regarding pacing and narrative execution, the overall sentiment towards the story remains highly positive, with critics like Game Informer and DualShockers commending the game for its emotional depth and well-crafted storytelling that offers a refreshing and compelling experience for fans of the series.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise Digimon Survive for its compelling, dark narrative and mature themes, character development, and interactive storytelling with multiple endings. While some found the story cliché and pacing issues, overall, reviewers commend the game's departure from traditional Digimon storytelling and emotional depth, offering a refreshing and engaging experience for fans.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

16%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Digimon Survive received mixed reviews from critics, with some positive aspects highlighted by reviewers such as GameGrin and PlayStation LifeStyle. GameGrin praised the challenging and engaging combat system, mentioning strategic elements like Digimon evolution and ally interactions. PlayStation LifeStyle appreciated the solid tactical combat and generous character progression. Additionally, critics like INVEN and Nintendo Insider noted the integration of player choices impacting the narrative and character evolution paths, adding depth to the gameplay experience. On the other hand, several critics pointed out various negatives regarding the gameplay of Digimon Survive. Finger Guns and TheSixthAxis criticized the lack of depth and challenge in the tactical RPG combat, with battles being described as easy and unrewarding. Digital Trends and COGconnected mentioned that the strategy RPG mechanics were shallow and lacked complexity, leading to a less engaging gameplay experience. Furthermore, critics like KeenGamer and TierraGamer highlighted issues such as the tactical aspect lacking complexity, predictable decision-making, and tedious combat encounters. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Digimon Survive leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciated the integration of player choices, engaging combat elements, and character progression, others expressed concerns about the lack of depth in the tactical battles, unchallenging gameplay mechanics, and a disconnect between the visual novel and RPG elements. The game seems to excel more in its storytelling and character development aspects rather than offering a truly immersive and strategic gameplay experience, as noted by critics like GameSkinny and DualShockers. Ultimately, Digimon Survive appears to cater more to fans of visual novels and narrative-driven games rather than those seeking deep and complex tactical RPG gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics had mixed feelings about Digimon Survive's gameplay. Some praised the engaging combat, player choices impacting the narrative, and character evolution paths. However, others criticized the lack of depth and challenge in tactical RPG combat, shallow mechanics, and tedious encounters. The game excels in storytelling and character development but falls short in delivering a truly immersive and strategic gameplay experience. Overall, Digimon Survive seems to cater more to fans of visual novels and narrative-driven games rather than those seeking deep tactical RPG gameplay.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Digimon Survive are generally positive. Critics like Finger Guns, GameSpew, and PlayStation Universe praise the game for its excellent presentation, animated characters, expressive environments, and well-animated Digimon, creating a visually appealing experience. The character portraits, as mentioned by Inverse, are beautifully drawn with crisp detail and sharp lines, bursting with personality and expression. The vibrant colors, stunning backgrounds, and distinct environments, as highlighted by KeenGamer and COGconnected, contribute to the overall positive reception of the game's visuals. The charming Chibi art style in combat and detailed anime visuals, noted by Dexerto, also add to the appeal of Digimon Survive's graphics. On the flip side, some critics point out areas where Digimon Survive falls short in terms of graphics and visual design. INVEN mentions that the game's graphics are adequate but lack polish in certain areas, such as underwhelming evolution sequences and a lack of elaborate cutscenes. New Game Network criticizes the turn-based battle system visuals as bland and lackluster, while XboxEra notes that some environments are visually unappealing, with issues like color banding and dreary settings. Atomix also provides a mixed review, highlighting flat environments but well-designed 2D character models, indicating a lack of depth in certain areas of the game's visuals. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Digimon Survive excels in its art direction and presentation, with stunning character design, vibrant colors, and beautifully drawn visuals that capture the essence of the anime. Critics like PlayStation Universe and SpazioGames praise the game for its impressive presentation, dynamic character illustrations, and visually appealing combat aesthetics. While there are some criticisms regarding specific aspects like lack of polish in certain areas or bland visuals during battles, the majority of critics appreciate the game's artistic quality and engaging visual novel segments. The overall sentiment leans towards a positive reception of Digimon Survive's graphics and visual design, with its unique art style and expressive animations contributing to a visually immersive experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics praise Digimon Survive's graphics for their excellent presentation, vibrant colors, and well-animated characters, creating a visually appealing experience. They highlight the beautifully drawn character portraits bursting with personality and expression, along with the charming Chibi art style and detailed anime visuals. While some critics mention areas where the game falls short, like underwhelming evolution sequences and bland environments, the consensus is that the game excels in art direction and presentation, capturing the essence of the anime with stunning visuals and engaging design.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Digimon Survive are varied, with a mix of positive and negative feedback. Several critics praised the game's soundtrack and voice acting, highlighting the immersive experience they provided. Dexerto and GameSpew commended the fantastic performances from the Japanese voice cast and the tense, haunting tracks in the soundtrack that enhanced the dark tone of the game. RPGamer also mentioned the captivating soundtrack and superb sound effects, emphasizing the overall positive impact of the audio elements on the gameplay experience. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the lack of English voice acting in the game, which affected the immersion for certain players. KeenGamer noted that the music tracks were forgettable, with only one standout track, and the lack of memorable background music, including battle tracks. Worth Playing mentioned that while the voice acting effectively conveyed emotions, the game being subtitle-only and the music being pleasant but not particularly memorable were drawbacks for some players. GamingBolt highlighted the disappointment of no English voice acting, which added friction to the immersion, despite the great Japanese voice acting present in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics suggests that Digimon Survive excels in its sound design and music aspects, particularly with the use of Japanese voice acting and a well-crafted soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. Critics like GameSkinny and CGMagazine appreciated how the soundtrack effectively complemented the visuals and created a triumphant or tense atmosphere. While there were concerns about the lack of English dub and the memorability of some tracks, the majority of critics found the sound design and music to be a strong aspect of the game, contributing positively to the overall immersive experience and emotional impact of the story.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the Sound Design and Music of Digimon Survive. Positive feedback praises the immersive experience created by the soundtrack and voice acting, especially the performances of the Japanese voice cast. However, concerns were raised about the lack of English voice acting affecting immersion for some players. Despite some drawbacks, overall, critics agree that the sound design and music enhance the gameplay experience, with a well-crafted soundtrack and Japanese voice acting being standout features.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Digimon Survive has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. Dexerto, Finger Guns, RPGamer, and TierraGamer all praised the Japanese voice cast for delivering fantastic, impeccable, superb, and strong performances, respectively. MeuPlayStation specifically highlighted the well-designed characters and creatures, attributing part of their appeal to the voice acting. Game Informer noted that the partial Japanese voice-over enhanced the flow of conversations, indicating that the voice acting positively contributed to the overall experience. The critics unanimously appreciated the emotive and effective portrayal of characters' emotions through the Japanese voice acting, with many acknowledging that it brought the characters to life and added to the immersion of the game. While the majority of critics lauded the Japanese voice acting in Digimon Survive, some expressed concerns or limitations regarding the lack of English voice acting options. Worth Playing mentioned that the game is subtitle-only, which might be a drawback for players who prefer English voiceovers. GameByte and GameGrin also highlighted the absence of an English dub, with the latter noting some translation issues. GamingBolt and GameSkinny, who played the game on Xbox One, emphasized that only Japanese voice acting is available, which could potentially be a downside for players who prefer localized voiceovers in their native language. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Digimon Survive, predominantly featuring Japanese voice actors, is of high quality and greatly enhances the game's narrative and character development. While the lack of English voice acting options was noted as a potential drawback by some critics like Worth Playing and GameSkinny, the general sentiment leans towards the positive impact of the Japanese voice cast in bringing the characters to life and creating a rich and immersive experience for players. Critics like New Game Network, Checkpoint Gaming, and Nintendo Life all commended the solid performances and excellent delivery by the Japanese voice actors, contributing to the overall enjoyment and engagement with the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praise the Japanese voice acting in Digimon Survive for delivering fantastic performances that bring characters to life and enhance the game's immersion. While some critics express concerns about the lack of English voice options, the general consensus leans towards the positive impact of the high-quality Japanese voice cast on the narrative and character development.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Digimon Survive received mixed reviews from critics. MeuPlayStation, who played on PS4, praised the game for shining in technical elements and design, with outstanding production values. The Mako Reactor, playing on PC, also had a positive experience, mentioning that the PC port runs well on different hardware. These positive aspects indicate that the game performs well on both PS4 and PC, offering a visually appealing and stable gaming experience. On the other hand, criticisms regarding technical performance were more prominent on Xbox One. GameSkinny highlighted translation errors, continuity issues, and pacing problems affecting the overall experience, with some systems feeling like filler. XboxEra echoed these sentiments, describing the game as unpolished with various technical issues such as labeling problems in the options menu and localization errors. These negative aspects on Xbox One, as pointed out by GameSkinny and XboxEra, indicate that the game may not have been optimized effectively for this platform, leading to a less immersive and enjoyable gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Digimon Survive is somewhat divided. While the game excelled on PS4 and PC, with MeuPlayStation and The Mako Reactor highlighting positive aspects, it faced challenges on Xbox One, as noted by GameSkinny and XboxEra. The minor flaws mentioned by Vandal on the Nintendo Switch, such as typos in subtitles, suggest that the game may have some technical issues across different platforms. Despite some positive feedback on specific platforms, the overall sentiment leans towards technical shortcomings impacting the gameplay experience, especially on Xbox One.

TL;DR

technical performance

Digimon Survive shines on PS4 and PC with top-notch technical elements, but faces criticism on Xbox One for translation errors and technical glitches, leading to a less immersive gameplay experience. Nintendo Switch also has minor flaws. Overall, the game's technical performance receives mixed reviews across different gaming platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the replay value of Digimon Survive, emphasizing the multiple endings, branching story paths, and diverse Digimon collection mechanics. Critics like Cubed3 and PlayStation Universe praised the game for offering players the chance to explore different outcomes through their choices and interactions with characters. The inclusion of a New Game+ feature, as mentioned by Worth Playing and DualShockers, also adds to the game's replayability by unlocking new routes and possibilities for players to experience. Additionally, the relationship-building mechanics and karma system, as noted by GamingTrend and GameGrin, contribute to the depth of replay value by allowing players to shape the story based on their decisions. On the negative side, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks that could impact the replayability of Digimon Survive. Finger Guns mentioned that while the game offers multiple endings and a Karma System, the reviewer personally did not see themselves replaying it, indicating a lack of personal motivation for replay value. Everyeye.it highlighted the repetitive nature of the game, which could limit replay value for some players, especially those who may find certain aspects of the gameplay or story monotonous. Noisy Pixel also mentioned the slow pace and lengthy dialogue scenes as potential deterrents for players looking to replay the game, suggesting that these factors might hinder the overall enjoyment of multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Digimon Survive offers substantial replay value through its various gameplay elements and narrative choices. Critics like RPGamer and MeuPlayStation appreciated the game's multiple story paths and lengthy campaign, making it appealing for fans seeking a fresh experience within the Digimon universe. While some critics pointed out potential drawbacks such as repetitive gameplay or pacing issues, the majority of reviewers acknowledged the game's strengths in providing diverse endings, character interactions, and Digimon evolution paths that enhance its replayability. Ultimately, Digimon Survive seems to cater well to fans of the genre and the franchise, offering a rich and engaging experience that encourages multiple playthroughs to uncover all its secrets and possibilities.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics laud Digimon Survive for its high replay value, with multiple endings, branching story paths, and diverse Digimon collection mechanics. The game's New Game+ feature and relationship-building mechanics add depth to replayability. However, some critics note potential drawbacks like repetitive gameplay and slow pace that may hinder replay value for some players. Overall, Digimon Survive offers a rich and engaging experience, appealing to fans with its diverse endings and character interactions, despite some minor flaws.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on Digimon Survive, it is evident that the game has received a mix of positive and negative feedback. Critics such as Cubed3 and Finger Guns praise the game for its engaging story and unique blend of visual novel elements with tactical RPG gameplay. The compelling narrative experience, stunning visuals, and immersive storytelling have been highlighted as key strengths of the game by critics like PlayStation Universe and GameByte. The game's ability to cater to both fans of the Digimon franchise and newcomers, as noted by critics like Worth Playing and Atomix, is also a positive aspect that has been well-received. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks of Digimon Survive. Issues with combat depth and repetitive gameplay have been raised by critics like Comicbook.com and Inverse. Translation errors, pacing issues, and filler content have been mentioned as negatives by reviewers such as GameSkinny and Digital Trends. The lack of English voice acting and slow story pacing in the early hours have also been highlighted as minor drawbacks by GamingBolt. Additionally, some critics like RPG Site and Game Informer have pointed out weak writing and disappointing combat mechanics as areas that could be improved in potential sequels. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Digimon Survive offers a unique and compelling experience for fans of the franchise, with its engaging story, immersive visuals, and innovative gameplay elements. While the game may have its shortcomings in terms of combat depth, pacing issues, and localization issues, it still manages to stand out as a noteworthy addition to the Digimon series. The game's ability to deliver a mature and narrative-driven gameplay experience, as noted by critics like KeenGamer and TierraGamer, has resonated well with many players. Despite some criticisms, Digimon Survive has succeeded in creating a captivating and emotional journey that appeals to a dedicated fan base and offers a fresh take on the franchise, making it a worthwhile experience for those interested in a darker twist on the Digimon universe.

TL;DR

Digimon Survive offers a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Praise for its engaging story and unique gameplay blend, but criticism for combat depth and pacing issues. Despite flaws, the game caters to both fans and newcomers, delivering a compelling, immersive experience. While not without its drawbacks, Digimon Survive stands out as a noteworthy addition to the franchise, offering a mature and narrative-driven journey with innovative elements.

CRITIK

Reviews

100 reviews found

GameGrin

Aug 9, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Digimon Survive offers a well-made story with deep gameplay mechanics that engage players. Despite initial pacing issues and minor technical flaws, the game provides a satisfying experience with replay value.

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SomosXbox

Xbox One

Aug 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Praised for depth, storytelling, and audiovisual quality, making it one of the best games in the Digimon franchise.

Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Aug 8, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Digimon Survive stands out as one of the most different and creative JRPGs you'll play this year.

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GameByte

Aug 3, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Digimon Survive is a wonderful game that can be enjoyed by both fans and non-fans of the franchise. The writing is compelling, and the game offers an accessible story experience with moral choices and party deaths.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Aug 5, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Digimon Survive is a unique iteration of the franchise that stands on its own. It delivers an emotional and engaging story, accompanied by stunning visuals. While the gameplay may take some time to get used to, the game offers replay value and surprises that keep players invested.

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CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Aug 5, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Digimon Survive respects its origins and takes the series in a bold direction. It appeals to both fans and newcomers, but the long stretches of dialogue might put off those who are not fans of visual novels.

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SpazioGames

Nintendo Switch

Aug 8, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Excels in storytelling, character cast, animations, and soundtrack. Battles are considered basic, but the game offers a fresh take on the franchise, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.

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Noisy Pixel

Nintendo Switch

Aug 9, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite some flaws like redundancy in the story and translation issues, Digimon Survive fulfills its promise as a unique and compelling Digimon experience. It is a tragic thriller VN with enjoyable SRPG combat.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox One

Aug 10, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Delivers a compelling and dark narrative experience, offering a fresh take on the Digimon franchise despite some minor localization and gameplay issues. Praises for catering to dedicated franchise fans and providing an engaging experience.

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KeenGamer

PlayStation 4

Jan 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Digimon Survive offers a grand adventure with a mature story approach, engaging gameplay mechanics, clean graphics, but lacks memorable music tracks. It may appeal to both fans of the series and newcomers.

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