Digimon Survivewas first announced in 2018, but has suffered a number of delays since. Originally slated for 2019, the title was first pushed back to 2020 before suffering a second delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic.Digimon Surviveis still expected to release in 2021, but Bandai Namco has yet to provide a more specific window.
Despite the delays,Digimon Survivepromises to be an exciting new entry in the franchise.The game will be breaking from quite a few establishedDigimontropes by telling a surprisingly mature story andleaving the Digital World behind. The game’s story is also much smaller in scope than previous games, focusing on a group of teens trying to escape a dangerous world rather than on factions of Digimon tamers trying to save the world. If done right,Digimon Survivewill prove thatDigimongames can break from the mold and still deliver a compelling story.
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Digimon Survive Combines Many Genres
Gameplay inDigimon Surviveis divided into different sections, which will include interactions with other characters, a point-and-click-style search for supplies, and a grid-based tactical battle system. These sections are strung together by a 2D visual novel that also includes animated cutscenes. While players will eventually interact with each of these gameplay elements, there will also be Free Action sections where they can choose between strengthening their bonds with other party members and training their Digimon.
The combination is unique, bringing to mind the choice-driven narratives of Telltale games and the strategic combat of theFire Emblemseries. The game will also only feature 100 Digimon, far fewer thanDigimon Story: Cyber Sleuth’scount of 341. The choice to include a smaller roster takes the focus away from collecting and raising as many monsters as possible, which has been the main draw of mostDigimongames.DigimonSurvivewill focus on building relationships with individual Digimon instead, which is closer to theDigimon Adventureanime series.
Digimon Survive’s Darker Tone and Setting
The gameplay inDigimon Survivealready sets it apart from previous titles, but its tone will be even more unique.Surviveis poised to be themost matureDigimongame yet, focusing on death and danger as central themes. Players will be faced with choices that can result in the deaths of other party members. TheDigimon Adventureanime series was also about children getting lost in an unfamiliar world, butDigimon Survivewill depict that scenario through a darker lens.
Digimon Survivewill put its own spin on the lore of the series,portraying Digimon as ancient spiritsrather than creatures spawned from digital devices. Digimon will be explained through the lens of Japanese folklore, rooting their history more firmly in the real world. To explore this idea further,Digimon Survivewill take place in a brand new setting rather than the Digital World. By abandoning such an iconic setting, the new title won’t be constrained by the lore established in previous entries.
It’s understandable whyDigimonfans are desperate to get their hands on a new game, considering thatDigimon Story: Cyber Sleuthcame out more than six years ago.Digimon Survivemight be taking longer than expected, but its potential can’t be overstated. If its story is as compelling as it appears to be,Digimon Survivecould redefineDigimongames for years to come.
Digimon Surviveis currently in development for PC, PlayStation 4, Switch, and Xbox One.
