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Digimon Survive, the latest installment in the Digimon franchise, takes a surprising turn from previous titles like Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth and Digimon World: Next Order. Announced in 2018 and facing several delays, the game finally launched in July 2022, embracing the visual novel genre. But does this new direction pay off?

A Gripping Narrative with Weighty Choices

Digimon Survive Review

Digimon Survive immerses players in a dark and emotional narrative. You follow Takuma Momozuka and his friends as they stumble into another dimension during a camping trip. Guided by a young girl named Miu, they unwittingly enter a mysterious world where their lives, and the very fabric of their reality, are threatened.

Forget the lighthearted adventures of games like Ni no Kuni or Tales of Vesperia. Digimon Survive embraces a darker tone, reminiscent of Silent Hill’s oppressive atmosphere and the relationship-building mechanics of Persona. The world is shrouded in mystery, and the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions.

Digimon Survive

The game’s choices carry significant weight, impacting the narrative and the Digimon evolution system. Similar to The Witcher 3, decisions aren’t clearly defined as right or wrong. This ambiguity creates a sense of anxiety and encourages careful consideration. Every choice has consequences, some of which can lead to the death of party members. The impact of these losses resonates throughout the remaining story, adding depth and emotional weight to the narrative.

Beyond the core visual novel gameplay, Digimon Survive offers exploration segments. “Exploration” mode allows free interaction with characters and Digimon, uncovering hidden items and side quests. “Free Action” mode limits interactions but allows for grinding and free battles. These segments are crucial for building relationships with other characters, which can significantly impact their survival.

Digimon Survive gameplay

Tactical Turn-Based Combat

The remaining 20% of the game consists of turn-based battles. Players can recruit Digimon, each with unique abilities and support skills. The game borrows elements from Persona 5 and Shin Megami Tensei V, allowing players to converse with Digimon to recruit them. Adjustable difficulty and mid-battle saving options cater to various playstyles.

Digimon evolution differs from the traditional leveling system seen in Pokemon. Collected Digimon evolve using Enlightenment Slabs, obtained through story progression and side quests. The evolution of partnered Digimon is tied to the player’s interactions with their human partners, adding another layer of strategy to the game.

Digimon Survive evolution

Shortcomings Hold It Back

Digimon Survive

Despite its compelling narrative and unique mechanics, Digimon Survive suffers from a few notable flaws. The graphics feel dated, even compared to PS2-era titles like Persona 3. Character expressions and animations are limited, backgrounds appear pixelated on higher resolutions, and cutscenes are predominantly static images. The repetitive music and sound effects further detract from the overall presentation.

Digimon Survive battle

While the turn-based combat is functional, it lacks depth. Digimon support skills feel random, environmental interaction is absent, and camera controls are restricted. Compared to other tactical RPGs like Triangle Strategy, Digimon Survive’s combat feels simplistic and unpolished.

Digimon Survive graphics

Conclusion

Digimon Survive offers a compelling narrative with meaningful choices and a unique take on the Digimon formula. However, its technical shortcomings and simplistic combat hold it back from reaching its full potential. While fans of visual novels and Digimon lore may find enjoyment in its dark and emotional story, the $60 price tag might be a steep ask for some given its technical limitations.