Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 28
  2. Negative: 0 out of 28
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  1. 90
    Digimon Survive is an emotional, gripping, action-filled adventure that kept me invested from the moment I entered the Digital World. While the gameplay isn't vast, the combat is deep, and both compliment the Visual Novel style of the game. Digimon Survive may not be for everyone looking for a more direct influence on the story outside of dialogue options, but it delivers on what it promised. An amazing Digimon adventure for a whole new generation.
  2. Jan 23, 2023
    85
    The story in Digimon Survive is an example of why fans of Digimon flock to the series. Fans enjoy the themes of the series presents to fans about the pressures of growing up. While the gameplay in this outing is limited and lacking in complexities when compared to its predecessors. As a visual novel, it more than holds up as a Digimon anime entry and is a great game that any Digimon fan could enjoy.
  3. Aug 18, 2022
    85
    Digimon Survive is an excellent visual novel with an amazing story, great characters, a captivating tone and an engaging setting. Its only weaknesses are the localization problems and the weak combat system that, despite the pillars for something excellent, is easy and too simple.
  4. Feb 13, 2023
    80
    Although its east to miss the dizzy heights of the Cybersleuth series, it's to be applauded in what has been attempted here and with an easily accessible series, will convert even the most hardened hater of visual novels. With the superb presentation and the relaxed approach, many Digi-destined (which sounds way better than trainers too) will be happy for the series to continue in this style of digi-volution.
  5. Sep 1, 2022
    80
    Digimon Survive is an interesting experiment that largely succeeds in taking a beloved children's franchise and giving it a darker tone without completely losing what made it so beloved in the first place. The story is largely engaging and has enough twists and turns to keep things moving forward at a comfortable pace. The gameplay is enjoyable but unexceptional, but the story is the main draw. If you're a fan of Digimon, then Survive is absolutely worth your time. Even casual JRPG fans will likely find the story to be worth a look.
  6. Sep 1, 2022
    80
    Despite some translation woes, Digimon Survive’s narrative still shines brightly. As cruel and dark as its narrative can be, neither you or the characters should ever give up completely. That’s the key to survival, and that message is apparent in the character relationships, the battles, and the developments of the story as a whole. Digimon Survive expresses the power that can come from your bonds with others, and how supporting each other can keep hope alive. That’s a message worth sharing, and Digimon Survive is a messenger worth experiencing.
  7. Aug 23, 2022
    80
    Being a visual novel, Digimon Survive isn’t for everyone. For those with the patience for it though, we can’t help but recommend it. Whether you’re a fan of the Digimon franchise or not, there’s a thoroughly intriguing story here, backed up with attractive visuals, an enjoyable soundtrack, and some tense battles. This may be a departure for the series, but it’s paid off.
  8. Aug 3, 2022
    80
    Digimon Survive is by no means a flawless experience but it is an exciting and unique Digimon game. With multiple endings to see, different evolutions to discover, and over 100 Digimon to recruit the replay and content value is excellent...Due to its text-heavy nature, this game won’t be for everybody, and those who were hoping for more action may leave disappointed. Visual novel fans however will find a lot to love, and if you’re looking for a darker story set in the Digimon universe, Digimon Survive could be the perfect pickup.
  9. Sep 8, 2022
    78
    Digimon Survive offers an original mix of genres, but not very attractive for all players, with a dark and interesting story. Entertaining, but careful in depth in several sections.
  10. Aug 21, 2022
    78
    Digimon Survive excels in what's most important in a game of its genre by giving the player a deep and engaging storyline full of unexpected twists. You can almost compare this visual novel to a new chapter of the animated series thanks to a great general design and a well done characterization of its protagonists, both humans and Digimon. This is a game with a strong personality but an average combat system that sometimes ends up damaging the narration's rhythm. Despite this, Digimon Survive is undoubtedly a must have for any fan of the franchise.
  11. Aug 5, 2022
    78
    Digimon Survive delivers a much heavier vibe compared to existing series, expressing the agony and overcoming stories of ordinary children, not heroes. Although it is a quality title as a visual novel, the tactics battle part is very ordinary and the visual effect is also a bit bland.
  12. Aug 8, 2022
    75
    Digimon Survive brings back the digital monsters, in a curious hybrid between visual novel and turn-based combat system.
  13. Aug 15, 2022
    70
    Digimon Survive is easily the most "Digimon" game in the franchise. With RPG, RTS and visual novel elements, the game appeals to nostalgia, art and references to attract older fans, but fails to innovate and deliver something that justifies its full price. Despite the balance, players may be annoyed by the slow pace, grueling gameplay, and lack of real difficulty.
  14. Aug 15, 2022
    70
    With its compelling narrative, gorgeous anime visuals, and multiple endings, Digimon Survive has all the winning traits that will make it a champion among visual novel and Digimon fans alike. Unfortunately, an incredibly simple and tedious turn-based battle system lets it down.
  15. Aug 9, 2022
    70
    Digimon Survive is an incredibly unique visual novel hybrid, that’s ultimately let down by the combat.
  16. Aug 8, 2022
    70
    Digimon Survive is a strange combination of genres that, taken as a whole, is enjoyable, even though the sum of its parts doesn’t wholly mesh. Digimon Survive is a worthwhile adventure for those looking for a strong story, but expect things to move slowly and not much actual gameplay.
  17. Aug 8, 2022
    70
    Quotation forthcoming.
  18. Aug 8, 2022
    70
    Digimon Survive is a solid blend of Visual Novel and Tactics RPG. It has great moments, but Survive’s combat encounters lack any real depth or challenge to keep them engaging over its runtime. Its story, however, remains interesting enough to push it along, even if it hits its peaks early on. A little more variety could’ve pushed Digimon Survive from good to great.
  19. Aug 5, 2022
    70
    Digimon Survive's uniquely dark take on the standard Digimon storyline is enough to carry a title that's sometimes poorly paced and basic in its approach to gameplay. A visual novel with RPG elements bolted on, it's difficult not to feel as though the creature taming and combat aspects of Survive could have been bigger and better. But ultimately, a mix of endearing characters and eye-opening plot points make this another worthwhile adventure in the digital world.
  20. 70
    Though not as successful as Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth, Digimon Survive has the workings of a cult classic mainly for Digimon fans. The story, despite a few insufferable characters, explores a darker reinterpretation of the original series to its favor, and the combat system is executed moderately well for as simple as it is. The game’s art style and music have its moments too from composer Tomoki Miyoshi and artist Uichi Ukumo. However, many plot points drag on longer than necessary, the Karma system is forced, and the UI is lackluster. Developer Hyde has a spark of a good idea here, but it might not last long enough to merit a sequel.
  21. PLAY
    Oct 15, 2022
    60
    While Digimon Survive is an underwhelming Rookie in the SRPG genre, if the developers continue to evolve the series, a future title could become a Champion. [Issue#19, p.88]
  22. Aug 24, 2022
    60
    Digimon Survive is billed as a visual novel with strategic battles and delivers exactly what it promises. While the story is excellent and the art is pretty good, the gameplay doesn’t do justice to the game. Nevertheless, Digimon Survive is still recommended to fans of the franchise and those who enjoy a good story, with the warning that there’s scarce engagment with exploration and a repetitive battle system that tempers enjoyment.
  23. Aug 22, 2022
    60
    Digimon Survive is a pleasant game with some cool fights and monster growth, but the heroes and story leave a lot to be desired.
  24. Aug 17, 2022
    60
    Visual novel and tactical RPG, with these words you already know if Digimon Survive is for you or not. The game has one of the best stories of the franchise thanks to its dark and mature tones. It’s however counterbalanced by many filler moments, empty dialogues and tacticless battles.
  25. Aug 9, 2022
    60
    Digimon Survive is a standout visual novel wrapped around one of the worst tactics systems of all time.
  26. Aug 9, 2022
    60
    Digimon Survive isn’t awful, but longtime fans of the franchise will likely come away feeling a little disappointed. If the tactics gameplay was up to snuff — or eliminated entirely — the experience would’ve been better overall.
  27. Aug 24, 2022
    50
    Digimon Survive really just gets in its own way. Fans of the anime will find it familiar, but will be able to appreciate what the extra layer of violence adds to it. Getting through it is the tougher ask. Dialogue options leading you away from where you want to go (and potentially disconnecting you to the characters), key battles being few and far in between, and asking you to jump back in multiple times despite all of that seems like rubbing salt in the wound for those who already had notable issues. It's a story fans will want to check out, but maybe not as many times as Digimon Survive wants.
  28. Aug 19, 2022
    50
    For a game that places so much weight on its cast and writing , Digimon Survive struggles to engage with poor characterization and weak storytelling.
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 253 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 59 out of 253
  1. Jul 30, 2022
    10
    This game is a VISUAL NOVEL it literally says that. Many other reviews are ignoring that. Story telling wise, this is digimon at its peak.This game is a VISUAL NOVEL it literally says that. Many other reviews are ignoring that. Story telling wise, this is digimon at its peak. Seriously one of the best visual novels out there. This is aimed at older audiences or long term fans. The strategy gameplay is great, only cons to this game is that there's no English voice acting and that there's no online. Full Review »
  2. Jul 30, 2022
    9
    Thw visual novel is like playing an anime. The story telling is well done and when it gets into the strategy gameplay it makes me really thinkThw visual novel is like playing an anime. The story telling is well done and when it gets into the strategy gameplay it makes me really think out my moves carefully. I'm enjoying this game a lot. Full Review »
  3. Jul 30, 2022
    10
    I don't understand all the unnecessary hate on this game, IT IS a visual novel first, then an SRPG, If you like visual novels and story drivenI don't understand all the unnecessary hate on this game, IT IS a visual novel first, then an SRPG, If you like visual novels and story driven games, Digimon or monster raising, this game is for you, the game heavily focuses on the story and then the combat, which is also fun and has enough depth to balance it out, If you're a fan of visual novels, digimon, and SRPGS, then this is a game you must try and give a chance Full Review »