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MONSTER

Digimon Survive

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

2022

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

AvailableJul 29, 2022

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

DeveloperHyde

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

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

"Digimon Survive" redefines the franchise with a dark, emotionally charged narrative blending survival horror and moral complexity, praised for its bold maturity, player-driven choices, and haunting exploration of trauma—though minor pacing and structural issues linger amid widespread acclaim.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

12%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Digimon Survive has been widely praised for its maturity, emotional depth, and innovative approach to the franchise’s narrative. Critics consistently highlighted its dark, mature themes, with many comparing it to the original Digimon Adventure anime while emphasizing its unique direction. Comicbook.com noted the “compelling” story reminiscent of the original series, with consequences for choices and darker potential evolutions, while Dexerto praised its “dark story... unafraid to address mature themes” inspired by Japanese folklore. The narrative’s focus on survival—both fantastical and personal—was lauded by GamingTrend, which described it as a visual novel that emphasizes storytelling. Additionally, the game’s exploration of trauma, relationships, and moral dilemmas resonated with reviewers like GameGrin, who called it “dark and enthralling” with themes of abuse and loss, and Nintendo Life, which highlighted its “heart-breaking plot developments.” The Karma System and multiple endings also stood out, as noted by Finger Guns and Everyeye.it, who appreciated how player choices significantly impact relationships and outcomes. While the majority of critiques were positive, some reviewers pointed to minor flaws that detracted from the experience. RPG Site criticized the story for starting strong but becoming “cliché-ridden over time,” while GameGrin mentioned pacing issues and translation errors that occasionally disrupted immersion. PlayStation LifeStyle noted that “some plot points drag on longer than necessary,” and GamingTrend acknowledged that the visual novel format, while effective, could feel slow at times. Additionally, RPG Site and GameGrin highlighted moments where the narrative leaned into familiar tropes, though these critiques were relatively minor compared to the overall acclaim. Despite these issues, many reviewers felt the story’s strengths outweighed its shortcomings, with Digital Trends praising its “engaging and dark narrative” and DualShockers appreciating the balance between heart-wrenching moments and lighter interactions. The consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with nearly all agreeing that Digimon Survive delivers a compelling, mature story that redefines the franchise’s tone. While some noted pacing or structural issues, the game’s emotional weight, moral complexity, and innovative use of player choice were universally celebrated. Reviewers like Comicbook.com, Dexerto, and INVEN emphasized its ability to evoke strong emotions and create a narrative that feels both fresh and faithful to the series’ roots. The dark, horror-tinged storytelling, combined with character-driven moments and impactful decisions, positioned Digimon Survive as a standout entry in the franchise. As We Got This Covered noted, the game’s “refreshing change” for the series—prioritizing survival and horror over traditional adventure—was a bold and successful move. Despite minor criticisms, the overwhelming praise underscores its significance as a mature, thought-provoking story that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Praised for its narrative-driven choices and creative storytelling but criticized for shallow combat mechanics and repetitive structure; a polarizing hybrid that leans heavily on visuals over strategic depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Digimon Survive is generally praised for its narrative-driven approach and unique integration of visual novel elements with tactical RPG mechanics. Critics like GameGrin and CGMagazine highlight the strategic depth in combat, noting features such as Digivolution systems, elemental matchups, and dialogue-based persuasion that add layers to battles. The game’s emphasis on player choices—impacting story paths, character relationships, and Digimon evolution—receives positive feedback from outlets like INVEN and SomosXbox, which appreciate the branching narratives and moral decision-making. Additionally, Atomix and Nintendo Life commend the game’s resemblance to titles like Fire Emblem and Persona, with tactical turn-based battles that, while simple, offer a satisfying rhythm when paired with the story’s pacing. The blend of exploration, dialogue, and strategic positioning is seen as a strength by several reviewers, including DualShockers, who note the game’s ability to balance storytelling with gameplay without overwhelming players. However, the gameplay faces significant criticism for its lack of depth in combat mechanics and repetitive structure. Multiple critics, including GameSpew, GamingTrend, and God is a Geek, describe the tactical RPG elements as simplistic, with battles relying heavily on stats rather than strategy, leading to a sense of tedium. The recruitment system for Digimon is frequently cited as frustrating, with Dexerto and RPG Site pointing out its clunky design and lack of reward. Inverse and XboxEra go further, calling the combat “half-baked” and “forgettable,” arguing that it feels like an afterthought to the visual novel-focused narrative. Even positive reviews acknowledge limitations: GameGrin notes that while the combat is engaging, it’s often overshadowed by the game’s slow pacing, and DualShockers mentions that some map designs lack polish. The consensus leans toward the gameplay feeling underdeveloped compared to other tactical RPGs, with many critics suggesting it fails to fully capitalize on its potential. Overall, the critical reception of Digimon Survive’s gameplay reflects a divided but largely balanced perspective. While the visual novel elements and narrative choices are widely praised for their creativity and emotional impact—But Why Tho? and New Game Network highlight the engaging dialogue and story-driven mechanics—the tactical RPG aspects are seen as inconsistent and underwhelming. Critics like RPGamer and Twinfinite note that the combat lacks challenge, while others, such as GameByte, appreciate its accessibility despite its simplicity. The game’s identity as a hybrid of visual novel and tactical RPG is both its strength and weakness, with many reviewers agreeing that it prioritizes storytelling over gameplay depth. Ultimately, Digimon Survive appeals to fans of narrative-driven experiences but falls short for those seeking robust strategic mechanics, leaving its gameplay as a mixed bag that depends on player priorities.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Stunning anime-inspired visuals and expressive design dominate Digimon Survive, but technical hiccups—bland battles, repetitive environments, and UI flaws—undermine its polish, though critics still hail it as a visually immersive standout.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Digimon Survive received widespread praise for their vibrant anime-inspired aesthetics, expressive character designs, and immersive presentation. Critics highlighted the game’s ability to capture the essence of a Digimon anime, with many noting its "stunning" art direction and "gorgeous character sprites." For instance, Inverse praised the "crisp detail and sharp lines" in character portraits, while KeenGamer commended the "clean and consistent design" with distinct environments and detailed 2.5D Digimon sprites. GameGrin and GameSkinny emphasized dynamic camera work and beautifully animated humans and Digimon, creating a visually engaging experience. The game’s visual novel segments were particularly lauded for their "exceptional artistic design" (SomosXbox) and "lovely graphics combining flat sprites and 3D assets" (GameGrin). Even RPG Site noted the "rich and vibrant locations" and well-realized characters, reinforcing the consensus that the game’s art style is a standout feature. However, some critics pointed out technical shortcomings and inconsistencies in the visual execution. INVEN criticized the "lack of polish," citing underwhelming evolution sequences and minimal cutscenes, while New Game Network found the turn-based battle visuals "bland and lackluster." XboxEra noted issues like color banding and "dreary environments," and Worth Playing mentioned that "sprites are not particularly well-animated." Additionally, PlayStation LifeStyle pointed to a "lackluster UI," and Noisy Pixel highlighted background reuse and translation errors in the English version. While many praised the game’s art direction, these critiques suggest that certain aspects—particularly combat visuals and technical polish—fell short of expectations, especially on platforms like the Nintendo Switch. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Digimon Survive’s visual design is one of its strongest elements. The game’s ability to blend charming 2D character models with detailed environments and dynamic animations created a cohesive and immersive experience, as noted by RPGamer ("solid art") and Twinfinite ("stunning" visuals). While some platforms faced technical limitations—such as the Switch’s lower resolution backgrounds (Nintendo Insider) or repetitive environments (Noisy Pixel)—the majority of critics felt the game successfully captured the spirit of a Digimon anime. As GameSpew noted, "the visuals are attractive," and PlayStation Universe called it "amazing visuals that put the player inside the anime." Ultimately, while not flawless, the art and design of Digimon Survive were widely celebrated as a key strength, contributing significantly to its narrative and emotional impact.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Digimon Survive's sound design dazzles with atmospheric depth, haunting melodies, and stellar Japanese voice work, but its forgettable score and lack of an English dub undermine its impact, splitting critics between admiration for mood and frustration over consistency.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praise the sound design and music of Digimon Survive for its atmospheric depth and emotional resonance. Cubed3 and Dexerto highlight the "good soundtrack" and "solid soundtrack," respectively, while GameSpew emphasizes how the "tense and haunting tracks" align with the game’s dark tone. God is a Geek describes the score as "beautiful," noting its contribution to the visual and auditory experience, and RPGamer calls it "captivating." The Japanese voice acting receives widespread acclaim, with MeuPlayStation praising "impeccable voice acting" and Checkpoint Gaming lauding the "excellent performances from Japanese voice actors." Additionally, Digital Trends and SomosXbox note how the music enhances key moments, while Pocket Tactics and SpazioGames appreciate its dynamic range, shifting between light, airy melodies for happy scenes and deep, sinister tones during intense sequences. These reviews collectively underscore a strong foundation in both musical composition and vocal delivery. However, several critics point out shortcomings in the soundtrack’s memorability and consistency. KeenGamer criticizes the "forgettable" music, noting only one standout track, while Worth Playing describes the score as "pleasant but not particularly memorable." GameSkinny mentions that the orchestral soundtrack "complements scenes well" but lacks lasting impact, and Atomix observes that some tracks may become repetitive. Additionally, the absence of an English dub is a recurring issue, with New Game Network and GamingBolt pointing out that this omission detracts from immersion for non-Japanese speakers. While most praise the voice acting, critics like GameSkinny and GamingBolt note its limited use or inconsistency, which could affect accessibility for some players. Overall, the consensus leans positive, with critics acknowledging the soundtrack’s ability to enhance the game’s narrative and emotional beats despite minor flaws. The Japanese voice acting is consistently praised as a highlight, though the lack of an English dub remains a divisive point. While some reviewers, like KeenGamer and GameSkinny, find the music underwhelming in terms of memorability, others, such as RPG Site and God is a Geek, celebrate its atmospheric quality. The mixed reactions to the soundtrack’s originality suggest that while it effectively supports the game’s tone, it may not leave a lasting impression on all players. Nonetheless, the combination of strong voice work and a thematically appropriate score earns Digimon Survive broad approval for its audio design.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics hail Digimon Survive's Japanese voice acting as a standout, praising its emotional depth, immersion, and quality across platforms—despite lacking an English dub, which some note may limit accessibility but didn’t overshadow its acclaim.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Digimon Survive received widespread praise from critics, with many highlighting its quality and emotional depth. Reviewers like Dexerto and RPGamer lauded the "fantastic performances" and "superb Japanese voice acting," emphasizing how the cast effectively conveyed characters' emotions and enriched the narrative. MeuPlayStation called it "impeccable," while New Game Network noted that the Japanese voice acting "adds to the overall experience." Several critics, including Finger Guns and GameGrin, acknowledged that while non-Japanese speakers might need to read subtitles, this was not seen as a drawback. The performances were consistently described as immersive, with GameSkinny praising the "emotive Japanese voice acting" and TierraGamer highlighting "strong performances" from the actors. The consistency of praise across platforms (PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch) underscores the universal acclaim for the vocal work. However, some critics pointed to limitations, particularly the absence of an English dub and reliance on subtitles. Worth Playing noted that the voice acting "effectively conveys emotions" but emphasized the game is "subtitle-only," which could alienate players unfamiliar with Japanese. GamingBolt and COGconnected explicitly stated there was "no English voice acting available," while GameGrin mentioned "translation issues" despite praising the actors' efforts. GameSkinny also noted that the voice acting was "limited but emotive," suggesting it may not fully satisfy all audiences. These critiques reflect a minor but notable concern about accessibility, though they were framed as secondary to the overall quality of the performances. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the Japanese voice acting being a standout strength. While some acknowledged the lack of an English dub and potential translation hurdles, these issues did not overshadow the praise for the vocal work. Cubed3, Dexerto, and Switch Player all emphasized the high quality of the performances, with many noting that the voice acting "brings characters to life" and enhances immersion. The absence of an English version was a recurring point but rarely detracted from the overall enthusiasm. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and We Got This Covered highlighted how the voice acting contributed to a "fleshed-out" experience, reinforcing that the Japanese cast's efforts were central to the game's success. Despite minor accessibility concerns, the majority of reviews celebrated the voice acting as a key asset.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Digimon Survive’s tech performance is a mixed bag: PS4 and PC shine with polished execution and stability, while Xbox One and Switch suffer from clunky mechanics, translation blunders, and inconsistent polish, creating a stark divide in quality across platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

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

The technical performance of Digimon Survive varies across platforms, with some titles receiving praise for their stability and presentation. On PS4, MeuPlayStation highlighted the game’s "outstanding production values" and strong technical execution, emphasizing its polished design and visual fidelity. For PC, The Mako Reactor praised the port as "very good" and noted smooth performance across different hardware, while GameGrin acknowledged minor text issues but overall stability. On Nintendo Switch, Vandal mentioned only "minor flaws like typos in subtitles," suggesting a generally functional experience despite some localization hiccups. These positives indicate that the game’s technical foundation holds up well on certain platforms, particularly PC and PS4. However, several critics pointed to significant technical shortcomings, especially on Xbox One. GameSkinny criticized translation errors, pacing issues, and "filler" systems, while XboxEra described the experience as "unpolished," citing labeling problems, clunky exploration, and alignment issues between spoken dialogue and subtitles. On PC, GameGrin noted "minor text and translation issues" alongside combat tutorial pacing flaws, and on Switch, Vandal’s mention of subtitle typos underscores persistent localization challenges. These critiques suggest that technical polish was unevenly applied across platforms, with Xbox One and Switch facing more pronounced issues compared to PC and PS4. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a mixed reception for Digimon Survive’s technical performance. While PS4 and PC versions received commendations for stability and presentation—particularly The Mako Reactor’s praise for the PC port—Xbox One and Switch faced more frequent complaints about polish, localization, and gameplay flow. MeuPlayStation’s positive assessment of PS4’s "outstanding production values" contrasts with XboxEra’s frustration over "unpolished" mechanics, highlighting a disparity in how technical elements were executed across platforms. Despite these differences, the game’s core systems appear more refined on PC and PS4, whereas Xbox One and Switch versions struggled with consistency, leaving room for improvement in future updates or ports.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Digimon Survive delivers deep replayability via branching narratives, multiple endings, and a Karma System that rewards moral experimentation, but its slow pacing, repetitive gameplay, and tonally clashing choices risk alienating players outside the fandom, offering a mixed but narrative-driven experience that thrills fans yet frustrates others.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics highlight Digimon Survive’s strong replay value through its branching narratives, multiple endings, and systems that encourage exploration. Reviewers like Cubed3 and Dexerto emphasize the game’s focus on dialogue choices, evolving Digimon, and collecting over 100 unique creatures, which create a sense of discovery. Finger Guns and Worth Playing praise the Karma System and New Game+ feature, which allow players to experiment with different moral alignments and story outcomes. Inverse and GameSpew note that the game’s lengthy campaign and varied endings provide substantial playtime, while RPGamer and New Game Network stress how multiple story paths and hidden routes incentivize repeated playthroughs. The game’s emphasis on relationship-building mechanics and character interactions further enhances its appeal for fans seeking a narrative-driven experience. However, several critics point out limitations that could deter replayability. Everyeye.it and GameSkinny criticize the repetitive nature of gameplay and slow pacing, which may frustrate players outside the Digimon fandom. XboxEra mentions that some choices feel tonally dissonant, creating a disconnect between player decisions and story cohesion. DualShockers notes that inevitable character deaths in the first playthrough reduce the impact of early decisions, while Noisy Pixel highlights how lengthy dialogue scenes and a slow pace could discourage replays. Additionally, Generación Xbox acknowledges that completionists might spend up to 100 hours, but this intensity may not appeal to all players. These critiques suggest that while the game’s systems are robust, its execution risks alienating those who prioritize streamlined or fast-paced experiences. Overall, critics agree that Digimon Survive offers significant replay value for fans of narrative-driven games, particularly those invested in the Digimon franchise. While Digital Trends and Generación Xbox praise its depth and potential for extended playtime, others like Everyeye.it caution that its repetitive elements may limit broader appeal. The consensus leans toward a mixed but largely positive assessment: the game’s branching paths, New Game+ mode, and character customization are strong selling points, but its pacing and repetition could hinder enjoyment for some. As Twinfinite and Vandal note, the title succeeds in delivering an engaging, story-focused experience that rewards dedication, even if it isn’t universally accessible.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall verdict on Digimon Survive highlights its strengths as a narrative-driven experience that resonates deeply with fans of the franchise and visual novel enthusiasts. Critics consistently praise its compelling story, which is described as "compelling" (Comicbook.com), "engaging" (Cubed3), and "gripping" (TheSixthAxis). The game’s dark tone and mature approach to storytelling are noted as standout features, with GameSpew highlighting its "intriguing story" and PlayStation Universe calling it an "emotional and engaging story." The visual design and audio elements also receive acclaim, with Nintendo Life lauding it as one of the best visual novels of the year and SpazioGames praising its "impressive visual design." Additionally, the game’s blend of visual novel mechanics with tactical RPG elements is seen as a fresh take, with GameByte noting its accessibility for both fans and newcomers. Many reviewers, like CGMagazine, appreciate its bold direction while respecting the franchise’s roots. However, several critics point to significant flaws in gameplay and execution that detract from the experience. The tactical combat system is frequently criticized as "basic" (Push Square), "lacking depth" (Finger Guns), and "unremarkable" (Nintendo Life). Inverse and GamingTrend specifically call out the mechanics as underdeveloped, with Inverse stating that the tactics gameplay "would have been better without it." Issues like repetitive battle loops, limited creature variety, and translation errors further undermine the experience, as noted by MeuPlayStation and GameSkinny. Additionally, pacing problems and a heavy reliance on dialogue are seen as drawbacks for some players, with Gaming Age describing the game as "talk-heavy" and Digital Trends noting "pacing issues." While DualShockers acknowledges that the story and combat "make up for the slow pace," these criticisms collectively suggest that the gameplay fails to match the narrative’s ambition. Despite its flaws, the consensus among critics is that Digimon Survive is a worthwhile experience for fans of the franchise and those who appreciate narrative-driven games. While it may not appeal to a broader audience due to its niche mechanics and pacing, many reviewers see it as a unique entry in the Digimon series with potential for cult classic status. Cubed3 and Dexerto highlight its accessibility and appeal to both newcomers and veterans, while RPG Site and Vandal praise its charm despite technical shortcomings. The game’s emphasis on moral choices, character development, and emotional storytelling is widely celebrated, with Nintendo Life and Twinfinite calling it a "lovingly crafted" title. Though some critics, like GameGrin, note minor flaws, the overall sentiment leans toward appreciation for its bold vision, with many recommending it to fans or suggesting it as a purchase on sale. Ultimately, Digimon Survive is seen as a flawed but memorable experiment that prioritizes story over gameplay, leaving room for growth in future entries.

TL;DR

Digimon Survive delivers a bold, narrative-driven experience praised for its dark, emotionally charged story and visual novel charm, but its underdeveloped tactical gameplay, repetitive combat, and pacing issues drag it down, making it a flawed yet memorable love letter to fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

101 reviews found

GameGrin

Aug 9, 2022