When the Nintendo Switch debuted in 2017, one of my most anticipated launch games was Super Bomberman R. It was thrilling to see Konami back in action, reviving an old series. Fast forward to today, with the arrival of the Switch 2, Konami yet again resurrected a lesser-known brand – this time, even more obscure than before. The original Survival Kids was a cult favorite RPG for the Game Boy Color, predating the surge of survival games. However, the new Survival Kids is unlike its predecessors!
So there’s this giant turtle thing
This game differs from its predecessors (some of which were known as Lost in Blue), as it’s not an RPG. Instead, it resembles a stage-based puzzle game, where up to four players cooperate to complete objectives or search for hidden items within each level. The game shares some elements with contemporary “survival” games, like managing stamina, preparing food, and crafting. However, each level, set on the backs of colossal, mystical turtles, offers a streamlined, simplified experience compared to hardcore survival games like ARK, tailored for a younger audience.
Thriving versus surviving
As a devoted player, I must say the challenges presented in this game are generally straightforward yet engaging. Navigate through each island, create shortcuts to streamline my journey, eventually construct a raft and escape this captivating world. Fortunately, there’s no risk of starvation, defeat by adversaries or hazards, or running out of time. The excitement lies in the stars I can earn by beating specific time limits, discovering hidden items, and, of course, successfully completing each level. It’s reminiscent of the classic mobile gaming experience, similar to Angry Birds.
As a gamer, I find the unique approach Survival Kids takes on the hunger mechanic intriguing. The way stamina depletes while climbing or carrying heavy objects mirrors Breath of the Wild’s system, where a circle gradually decreases. However, there are instances when a climb is too high, or an object is excessively heavy, even with four players holding onto it like miniature Pikmin. Eating food, whether it’s fish, fruit, clams, or whatever is available, provides a temporary boost to the stamina limit. This means that if something is too heavy to lift or too high to climb, you can gather resources, cook them up, and then attempt the task again. It seems like the developers anticipated that their intended audience might find a traditional hunger meter challenging, so they merged stamina and hunger into one system. Makes perfect sense!
Survival Kids, indeed
If my child were still young, I believe this new version of Survival Kids could become quite popular in our household. This game seems ideally suited for an adult to enjoy with a younger child, or for a group of kids to play together online using features like GameChat. It reminds me of Carmen Sandiego from earlier this year, as it requires me to shift my thinking to fully understand the gameplay since, in my current reality, there’s not much that immediately appeals to me. However, I don’t view this as a drawback, as it’s designed for children – not adults! It would be illogical to criticize it for being unappealing to me.
Instead, I prefer Carmen Sandiego as it offers more depth and variety compared to this game, which quickly becomes monotonous with its repetitive core gameplay loop. A child receiving a new Switch 2 wouldn’t opt for Survival Kids over games like Pokemon or Mario Kart due to the lack of engaging mechanics. The tasks in Survival Kids lack resistance, making progress seem effortless and less enjoyable, resulting in an experience that feels like idly moving things around for several hours with minimal excitement.
Reflecting upon it, I must admit it’s quite nostalgic; spotting Survival Kids nowadays takes me back to my days poring over Nintendo Power magazines, gazing at this peculiar game that seemed like a blend of Pokemon with its challenges, enigmas, and depth magnified. It’s only been recently released on the Nintendo Switch Online service, likely as a delightful homage to this upcoming title. Comparing the two games side by side, it’s easy to understand why an old gamer like me might find myself scratching my head in confusion.
The game “Survival Kids” offers a fresh perspective on a well-liked genre tailored for younger players. Since kids today have been playing Minecraft for over ten years, the makers of “Survival Kids” might not fully appreciate their gaming prowess. Though it has some creative concepts, the gameplay experience is found to be rather shallow, lacking excitement regardless of age. Additionally, retro gamers who had high expectations for a genuine new “Survival Kids” title may quickly lose interest.
The game “Survival Kids” is currently playable on the Nintendo Switch 2, and a code has been given to me by the publisher for this critique.
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2025-07-01 16:57