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MONSTER

Don't Starve

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Don't Starve
Item: Don't Starve
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2013

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Simulation, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player

AvailableApr 23, 2013

PlatformXbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC

DeveloperKlei Entertainment

Overview

Don’t Starve is an uncompromising wilderness survival game full of science and magic. You play as Wilson, an intrepid Gentleman Scientist who has been trapped by a demon and transported to a mysterious wilderness world. Wilson must learn to exploit his environment and its inhabitants if he ever hopes to escape and find his way back home. Enter a strange and unexplored world full of strange creatures, dangers, and surprises. Gather resources to craft items and structures that match your survival style. Play your way as you unravel the mysteries of this strange land.

Elsewhere

7.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Don’t Starve: Nintendo Switch Edition blends survival gameplay with atmospheric storytelling, offering Adventure Mode’s RPG-like quests as a structured counterpoint to its open-ended chaos. While critics praise its immersive world-building and player-driven narrative, many dismiss the story as vague, repetitive, and reliant on environmental cues over meaningful plot or character development—polarizing fans who crave depth versus those who cherish its eerie, ambiguous charm.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

88%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

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

The reviews of Don’t Starve: Nintendo Switch Edition highlight the game’s unique approach to storytelling, particularly through its Adventure Mode, which offers a structured narrative compared to the open-ended survival mechanics. Critics like Cubed3 and 3DJuegos note that while the core experience relies on exploration and discovery, the Adventure Mode introduces RPG-like quests and a more defined storyline, providing players with a sense of purpose beyond mere survival. Critical Hit and Eurogamer Portugal acknowledge that the narrative, though minimal, is designed to unfold through player interaction rather than explicit exposition, allowing for a personal connection to Wilson’s plight. This approach resonates with fans of atmospheric storytelling, as the game’s eerie world-building and cryptic lore create an immersive backdrop that complements its challenging gameplay. However, many critics express frustration with the game’s lack of traditional narrative depth. Metro GameCentral (both Switch and PS4) and Gamereactor Denmark criticize the story for being intentionally vague, with repetitive early stages and minimal exposition that leaves players disconnected from Wilson’s motivations or the world’s lore. Hardcore Gamer is particularly harsh, calling the narrative “lacking a compelling plot” and accusing the game of offering no meaningful progression beyond survival. Similarly, PlayStation Universe and Multiplayer.it note that the story feels like a secondary element, with players left to piece together context through environmental cues rather than dialogue or structured storytelling. The absence of clear direction or character development is seen as a significant drawback for those seeking an engaging plot. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Don’t Starve prioritizes survival mechanics and atmospheric immersion over traditional narrative structures, resulting in a polarizing experience. While Cubed3 and 3DJuegos appreciate the Adventure Mode’s added depth, most agree that the core story remains minimalistic and reliant on player interpretation. The game’s focus on exploration and resource management is praised for its creativity, but the lack of explicit storytelling limits its appeal to those craving a more conventional plot. Despite these criticisms, many acknowledge that the narrative’s ambiguity contributes to the game’s unique charm, making it a standout title for fans of survival games who value environmental storytelling over dialogue-driven experiences.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Hardcore survival challenge with deep mechanics and replayability, but punishing difficulty and repetitive early stages may frustrate some players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

75%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Don't Starve: Nintendo Switch Edition is widely praised for its intricate survival mechanics, deep resource management, and immersive challenges. Critics highlight its emphasis on crafting, exploration, and strategic planning, with many noting the game’s ability to reward persistence and creativity. Cubed3 commends the “challenging difficulty curve” and “variety of playstyles through characters and DLCs,” while 3DJuegos compares it to Minecraft but emphasizes its unique depth, calling it “complex, challenging, and rewarding.” Critical Hit and Eurogamer Portugal also praise the game’s robust crafting systems and the satisfaction of mastering its harsh world. The procedural generation and permadeath elements are frequently lauded for adding replayability, with Gamereactor Denmark noting a “steep but rewarding learning curve” that encourages experimentation. Even as some critics acknowledge the initial steepness, they frame it as a strength, with Armchair Empire highlighting the “core appeal lies in experimentation and problem-solving.” However, several reviewers point to repetitive mechanics and frustrating difficulty as significant drawbacks. Metro GameCentral criticizes the “repetition in early stages” and “frustrating difficulty curve,” while EGM notes that “repetitive tasks and the lack of meaningful rewards for persistence” can detract from enjoyment. Hardcore Gamer describes the gameplay as becoming a “pointless slog” over time, and Gamer.nl mentions that “repetitive early-game tasks and high difficulty can be frustrating.” The lack of tutorials and guidance is another recurring issue, with Everyeye.it noting that console controls are “functional but less dynamic than PC,” which may hinder accessibility. Additionally, some critics, like Metro GameCentral and EGM, argue that the punishing nature of the survival systems risks alienating players who prefer more structured progression. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is overwhelmingly positive, with most praising the game’s depth and challenge as defining strengths. The majority of critics, including Cubed3, 3DJuegos, and Eurogamer Italy, emphasize that the gameplay’s complexity and reward system justify its difficulties, framing the steep learning curve as an integral part of the experience. While some reviewers, like Game Informer, note balancing issues, they still acknowledge the “challenging and rewarding” nature of the survival mechanics. The inclusion of DLCs and co-op modes further enhances replayability, as highlighted by Eurogamer Italy and IGN Italia. Ultimately, Don’t Starve: Nintendo Switch Edition is seen as a standout title in the survival genre, with its demanding gameplay and rich systems appealing to fans of hardcore challenges and creative problem-solving.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Hardcore survival challenge with deep mechanics and replayability, but punishing difficulty and repetitive early stages may frustrate some players.

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Don't Starve: Nintendo Switch Edition dazzles with its Tim Burton-esque gothic art style, 2.5D charm, and eerie whimsy, creating a visually striking survival experience. While technical glitches and interface hiccups on Switch tarnish the polish, critics praise its bold aesthetic as a defining strength, proving that creativity trumps raw graphics in crafting a memorable, macabre world.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

75%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The Graphics and Visual Design of Don't Starve: Nintendo Switch Edition are widely celebrated for their distinctive artistic identity, particularly their Tim Burton-esque gothic aesthetic and atmospheric storytelling. Critics like Cubed3 highlight the game’s "gothic horror aesthetics" and "Tim Burton-esque art style," while Metro GameCentral praises its "whimsical, gothic pop-up book" design. The 2.5D isometric perspective and stylized visuals are frequently lauded for their charm, with Pocket Gamer UK noting the "effective and stylish" use of this viewpoint to enhance immersion. 3DJuegos and Everyeye.it emphasize the blend of whimsical and dark elements, such as dynamic weather systems and detailed environments, which contribute to a cohesive, eerie atmosphere. The art style’s ability to evoke a "breezily macabre" tone (per EGM) and its "delizioso dark cartoon style" (as described by Everyeye.it) further underscore its creative strength, with many reviewers noting how the visuals align perfectly with the game’s survival mechanics and narrative depth. However, technical shortcomings on the Nintendo Switch version dampen the experience for some. Cubed3 specifically points out "notable bugs," including "missing sprites and graphical glitches" that detract from the otherwise polished design. Similarly, Critical Hit notes issues with the interface size on TV screens, suggesting a prioritization of visual style over technical refinement. While these critiques are more pronounced on Switch, they highlight a broader tension between the game’s artistic ambition and its execution across platforms. Other reviewers, such as Gamer.nl and Eurogamer Portugal, acknowledge the minimalist, pencil-like aesthetic but imply that the visuals, while effective, lack the technical polish of higher-fidelity graphics. These drawbacks, though not universal, underscore the challenges of adapting a PC-centric art style to console hardware. Despite these issues, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the game’s visual design being a defining strength. The Tim Burton-inspired gothic aesthetic, combined with its unique blend of whimsy and darkness, is consistently praised as a key factor in the game’s memorability. Metro GameCentral (PS4) and Gamer.nl emphasize how the art style sets Don't Starve apart from other survival games, while Critical Hit and EGM highlight its ability to balance simplicity with creativity. While technical flaws on Switch are acknowledged, they are seen as minor blemishes on an otherwise impressive visual identity. The game’s ability to create a "decrepit, yet charming world" (per PlayStation Universe) and its immersive, eerie atmosphere (as noted by Gamereactor Denmark) cement its reputation as a visually distinctive title that prioritizes artistic vision over raw graphical power.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Don't Starve's eerie, Tim Burton-esque soundtrack and immersive soundscapes, calling it a creative triumph that defines the game’s surreal soul—yet the Nintendo Switch port stumbles with missing audio, undermining its polished vision.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

80%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Don't Starve: Nintendo Switch Edition receive generally positive acclaim, with critics highlighting their atmospheric contributions and unique stylistic choices. Metro GameCentral notes the game’s music owes an obvious debt to Danny Elfman, evoking a whimsical yet eerie tone that aligns with its surreal world. Similarly, 3DJuegos praises the soundtrack for evoking early 20th-century films, complementing the game’s quirky and ominous atmosphere, while ZTGD emphasizes how ambient sounds and animal noises heighten tension and isolation. Armchair Empire draws comparisons to a Tim Burton-esque aesthetic, with sparse but evocative music that reinforces the game’s distinct identity. Additionally, Everyeye.it describes the audio as “functional yet high-quality,” underscoring its role in maintaining immersion without overshadowing gameplay. These reviews collectively celebrate the soundtrack’s creativity and its ability to enhance the game’s thematic depth. However, some criticisms focus on technical shortcomings, particularly with the Nintendo Switch port. Cubed3 explicitly points out issues like missing music and sound effects, which disrupt immersion and suggest a subpar audio implementation compared to other platforms. While other reviewers, such as Metro GameCentral (PS4), acknowledge the music’s departure from Klei’s earlier styles, they offer little detail on its quality or how it interacts with gameplay mechanics. Similarly, some critiques lack specificity about sound effects, leaving gaps in understanding how audio contributes to the experience. These mixed reports indicate that while the musical direction is praised, the technical execution—especially on Switch—raises concerns about consistency and polish. Overall, critics agree that Don’t Starve’s sound design and music are integral to its identity, blending eccentricity with atmospheric depth. The praise for its unique stylistic choices, such as the Peanuts-inspired dialogue (EGM) or Tim Burton-esque undertones (Armchair Empire), suggests a strong creative vision. However, the technical issues on Switch, as highlighted by Cubed3, and the lack of detailed analysis from some reviewers create a divide between the game’s artistic merits and its implementation. While most acknowledge the audio’s role in enhancing immersion, the consensus leans toward recognizing its strengths despite occasional flaws, particularly on platforms other than Nintendo Switch.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Don't Starve: Nintendo Switch Edition and PS4 face technical hurdles, with Switch plagued by bugs, glitches, and slow load times despite Klei's updates, while PS4 offers smoother gameplay but lacks PC features like mod support—both versions struggle, but PS4 edges out as more polished.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

82%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Don't Starve: Nintendo Switch Edition and its PS4 counterpart receives mixed but nuanced praise across platforms. On the Nintendo Switch, reviewers like Cubed3 acknowledge that while the port has bugs such as missing sprites and audio glitches, Klei Entertainment’s active updates have maintained a stable core experience. Pocket Gamer UK highlights control issues and technical hiccups, yet the game’s fundamental mechanics remain intact. For the PS4, 3DJuegos praises its efficient performance and functional controls, while Gamereactor Denmark notes a smooth transition with intuitive gameplay, and PlayStation Universe asserts it matches PC stability. Both platforms benefit from Klei’s ongoing support, though the Switch’s port faces more immediate technical hurdles. Negatively, the Nintendo Switch version struggles with persistent issues: Cubed3 points to graphical glitches and audio problems, while Metro GameCentral (Switch) criticizes long load times in handheld mode, disrupting immersion. Pocket Gamer UK adds that specific bugs, like Beefalo not appearing, further detract from the experience. On the PS4, challenges include Critical Hit’s mention of interface size issues and lack of mod support, which limit customization. Eurogamer Portugal highlights inefficient use of PS4 features, such as the DualShock 4’s touchpad, while Everyeye.it notes inventory management struggles compared to PC. Despite these flaws, the PS4 version generally avoids the severe instability seen on Switch, though some critics like Metro GameCentral (PS4) imply interface shortcomings remain unresolved. Overall, both platforms face technical challenges, but with differing emphases. The Switch’s port is plagued by more visible bugs and performance hiccups, yet Klei’s updates suggest improvement. In contrast, the PS4 version benefits from smoother gameplay and better optimization, though it lacks PC-specific features like mod support. While critics like 3DJuegos and Gamereactor Denmark praise PS4’s stability, they also note console-specific limitations. The consensus leans toward the PS4 offering a more polished experience overall, but both versions reflect Klei’s commitment to refining the game through updates. Despite their flaws, neither platform undermines the core appeal of Don’t Starve, which remains a technically resilient title despite its challenges.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Don’t Starve: Nintendo Switch Edition’s addictive replay value driven by chaotic procedural worlds, permadeath urgency, and endless character experimentation, but warn its punishing grind and early-game tedium may test patience—ultimately rewarding persistence with a survival experience that’s as brutal as it is endlessly re-playable.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

16%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of reviewers praise Don't Starve: Nintendo Switch Edition for its exceptional replay value, driven by a combination of procedural generation, character diversity, and dynamic challenges. Cubed3 highlights the game’s “random world generation, multiple characters, DLC content, and varied objectives,” emphasizing that each playthrough feels unique despite eventual repetition. Similarly, 3DJuegos and Critical Hit commend the randomized environments and roguelike elements, noting how permadeath and unlockable characters create a sense of urgency and variety. Eurogamer Portugal and Gamereactor Denmark also point to the game’s “permadeath mechanic” and “procedural generation” as key factors in encouraging multiple playthroughs, while IGN Italia and Multiplayer.it (PS4) stress the depth provided by DLCs, multiplayer modes, and post-game content like Adventure Mode. These elements collectively create a rich, evolving experience that keeps players engaged across repeated sessions. However, several critics note limitations that could dampen long-term appeal. Metro GameCentral (Switch) and Metro GameCentral (PS4) both criticize the “repetitive early-game mechanics” and “punishing difficulty,” arguing that the grind can become tiresome despite randomized maps. Hardcore Gamer explicitly states that “the repetitive nature of tasks and lack of evolving challenges reduce replayability,” while Game Informer warns that survival for its own sake becomes “repetitive.” Additionally, Eurogamer Portugal and Critical Hit acknowledge that the steep difficulty curve and permadeath may deter some players, as losing progress after hours of work can feel discouraging. These critiques suggest that while the game’s design fosters replayability, its accessibility and pacing might alienate casual or less patient gamers. Despite these drawbacks, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding Don’t Starve’s replay value. The majority—spanning platforms like Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PC—agree that the game’s randomized elements, character variety, and persistent challenges create a compelling loop for dedicated players. Cubed3, 3DJuegos, and IGN Italia all emphasize how the game’s complexity and depth ensure “endless possibilities” and “long-term engagement,” even if some find the early-game struggles frustrating. While critics like Hardcore Gamer and Game Informer highlight flaws, their concerns are often framed as niche or offset by the game’s strengths. Ultimately, Don’t Starve: Nintendo Switch Edition is seen as a title that rewards persistence and experimentation, offering a robust replayability experience that justifies its purchase for fans of survival mechanics and procedural content.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall verdict of Don't Starve: Nintendo Switch Edition is largely positive, with critics praising its unique blend of survival mechanics, creative design, and enduring appeal. Reviewers like Cubed3 highlight the game’s "rewarding difficulty curve," "strong core mechanics," and "extensive content," calling it a "standout survival game" despite technical issues on Switch. Similarly, 3DJuegos and Everyeye.it laud its originality, noting its "vast content," "unique mechanics," and "creative-driven gameplay," while Eurogamer Portugal emphasizes its depth and creativity as a must-play for dedicated fans. The game’s roguelike elements, sandbox exploration, and permadeath system are frequently cited as strengths, with Gamereactor Denmark calling it "highly addictive" and IGN Italia comparing it to Minecraft in terms of crafting complexity but with a "brutal difficulty." These critiques underscore the game’s ability to engage players through its challenging yet immersive design. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that temper its appeal. Metro GameCentral (Switch) and EGM note frustrations with the game’s "unforgiving difficulty," "repetitive later stages," and "lack of player-friendly design," while Pocket Gamer UK criticizes technical issues and a lack of new content for returning players. Game Informer and Hardcore Gamer highlight its "fleeting experience" and "underwhelming" nature due to limited progression, with the latter calling it "overpriced" despite its visuals. Additionally, Eurogamer Portugal and Metro GameCentral (PS4) acknowledge the game’s steep learning curve and technical flaws, which may alienate casual players. While some praise the Mega Pack for expanding content (Eurogamer Italy, IGN Italia), others like Multiplayer.it note minor issues such as "repetitive farming" and "missing features." These critiques reveal a divide between hardcore enthusiasts and those seeking more structured or accessible gameplay. Despite these criticisms, there is a broad consensus that Don't Starve remains a compelling entry in the survival genre, particularly for fans of its niche appeal. While Cubed3 and Everyeye.it acknowledge platform-specific challenges (e.g., Switch’s technical issues vs. PC/PS4’s design flaws), they ultimately recommend it as a "must-play" for dedicated players. The game’s mix of creativity, challenge, and replayability resonates strongly with critics like Critical Hit and ZTGD, who frame it as a rewarding experience for those who embrace its trial-and-error nature. However, the lack of multiplayer (Gamereactor Denmark) and repetitive elements (EGM, Hardcore Gamer) prevent it from achieving universal acclaim. Overall, the reviews reflect a polarized but largely positive reception, with most agreeing that Don't Starve is an essential title for survival game enthusiasts, even if its unforgiving design and technical shortcomings may deter others.

TL;DR

A polarizing survival gem: Praised for its creative chaos, brutal challenge, and endless replayability, but bogged down by punishing difficulty, repetitive mechanics, and technical flaws—ideal for hardcore fans, frustrating for casual players.

MONSTER

Reviews

78 reviews found

Cubed3

Nintendo Switch

Apr 16, 2018