Kong Survivor Instinct Review

Kong Survivor Instinct immerses players in the chaotic world of Titans through David, a father searching for his lost daughter, Stacy. Set against the backdrop of a ruined city, the story begins with promise. The mysterious ORCA Σ device plays a pivotal role, allowing David to detect and summon Titans. However, while the premise offers a solid start, the game’s narrative struggles to maintain engagement.

Key characters, like Alan Jonah, hint at deeper conflicts, yet their development remains shallow. David’s journey is filled with moments that should tug at the heartstrings, but the lack of emotional depth in dialogues and cutscenes makes it difficult to fully connect​

Despite its potential, the story often feels like a thin thread to link gameplay segments, leaving players longing for more meaningful interactions. For a game rooted in the expansive MonsterVerse, it misses the chance to delve into the rich lore of its universe.

Gameplay: High Ambition, Mixed Execution

Metroidvania Roots

The Metroidvania framework in Kong Survivor Instinct invites players to explore interconnected environments. Tools like the grappling hook and hammer are central to progression, helping to unlock new paths and solve environmental puzzles. However, these mechanics often fall short of expectations. The grappling hook, for instance, suffers from finicky aiming, frequently disrupting the gameplay flow​

Backtracking, a staple of Metroidvania titles, is present but can feel like a chore due to repetitive level design. While some areas reward exploration with hidden lore and collectables, others offer little incentive, dampening the thrill of discovery.

Combat: A Frustrating Fight

Combat in Kong Survivor Instinct leaves much to be desired. David’s melee and ranged weapons feel clunky, and the game’s attempt to introduce advanced mechanics like parrying often leads to frustration. The melee system is particularly unresponsive, making encounters with Hyena gang members more tedious than exhilarating​

Ranged combat fares slightly better but is hindered by limited ammunition. The sparse ammo forces players to rely on firearms sparingly, often saving them for environmental puzzles rather than combat​

Titan Encounters

Titan sequences are the game’s standout moments. The ORCA Σ device allows players to summon Titans like Kong, leading to visually spectacular interactions. These encounters include intense chase sequences, where players must navigate hazardous terrain while fleeing from colossal beasts​

However, these sequences come with their own issues. A lack of frequent checkpoints means failing during these high-stakes moments often results in lengthy retries. Despite their visual grandeur, the Titan interactions lack depth, frequently reducing player agency to scripted actions​

Visuals and Sound: A Spectacle to Behold

If Kong Survivor Instinct excels in any area, it’s presentation. The devastated cityscape is brought to life with stunning detail. Every crumbling building and flickering light adds to the atmosphere, creating a world that feels both expansive and immersive​

Titan designs are equally impressive. Kong’s detailed model, complete with battle scars, reflects his history within the MonsterVerse. Even when Titans are merely part of the background, their sheer scale and presence dominate the scene​

The sound design enhances this visual splendor. Titan roars echo with power, and the environmental audio immerses players in the desolate world. A cinematic score heightens the tension during chase sequences and combat, making each moment feel impactful​.

Accessibility

The game offers several accessibility features, including customizable controls and visual aids. These options aim to make the game more approachable for players with varying needs, though there is room for further improvement. While the game includes a diverse range of characters, their roles are often sidelined, limiting their impact on the narrative​

Replayability and Content

Kong Survivor Instinct encourages players to revisit levels to uncover hidden collectibles and complete optional challenges. These extras provide additional lore and minor gameplay variations, but their repetitive nature might deter casual players from replaying the game​

The main campaign, though relatively short, can be extended through these optional objectives. However, the lack of meaningful post-game content reduces its overall replay value.

Final Verdict

Kong Survivor Instinct delivers moments of visual brilliance and thrilling Titan encounters but stumbles in key areas such as combat and narrative depth. Fans of the MonsterVerse might appreciate its nods to the larger universe, but its gameplay struggles to match its ambitious scope.

Kong Survivor Instinct Trailer

Platform Played: PlayStation 5
Genre: Action-Adventure, Metroidvania
Developer: 7Levels
Publisher: 7Levels, 4Divinity
Release Date: October 22, 2024

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I reviewed it and edited it with my partner.