Kong: Survivor Instinct (XSX) Review

A giant bore

It is amazing to me how few video games featuring everyone’s favorite giant ape has appeared in. While we all remember the surprisingly decent King Kong: The Movie: The Game, I miss those ridiculous titles, the last Kong game has left a sour taste in most gamers’ mouths. So, when I heard there was another title on the way, I was curious how the next entry would be. Much to my surprise this game focuses less on Kong himself, and more on the people trying to survive during his chaos. It is a neat concept, and Survivor Instinct does a few interesting things, but ultimately this game just doesn’t hit the mark most of the time.

The story revolves around a father named David who is looking for his daughter amidst the chaos of titans fighting in the city. It is a dark and dreary narrative that focuses on people trying to survive and includes plenty of conflict with looters and people trying to kill David for fear of their own lives. The idea of working your way through a war-torn environment from titans fighting is a neat idea, when they appear it is imposing, and the game does a nice job of creating cinematic moments.

MSRP: $24.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, PC
Price I’d Pay: $19.99

So, what is Kong: Survivor Instinct? Right out of the gate it is easy to recognize the play style. This is what I like to call an animation platformer. Think of games like Flashback or the original Prince of Persia. Lining up jumps to grab ledges and you get the idea. There is also a hint of Metroidvania mixed in with backtracking and some light combat. Again, all novel concepts, it just falters when it comes to execution.

As I mentioned this is a Metroidvania first and foremost. As David progresses through the city, he will discover what are known as Biowaves, which can summon titans to remove barriers. There are also a host of tools he will collect along the way that open up new paths. It is familiar for anyone who has played one of these types of games before. Things like a grappling hook to reach higher places and tools to break down walls are among what can be collected. David also has weapons he can pick up for combat, which is where things start to fall apart.

Combat is a slow and frustrating endeavor. It is all melee based and feels almost like a turn-based fighting game. Enemies will approach and the best course is to wait until they attack and block or parry that attack. Trying to swing away as they say will lead to taking damage, and it is brutal. A normal enemy can beat down David fairly quickly. This makes combat encounters tedious and every time one presents itself, it drags down the rest of the game.

Where the game excels is in its world and exploration. The levels are well designed, and the set pieces are impressive at times. The titans feel massive when they make an appearance, but I never felt in danger when they appeared. There is always an easy way to avoid them, detracting from the tension. Still, it looks great. The game runs fine and the music is just kind of there, overall, the presentation is dark, dreary, and fitting for the subject matter.

I wish I had more to say about the game in general, but it is a relatively simple experience. The campaign only lasts around 5-6 hours and never really switches up dynamics. With tedious combat and clunky controls, it is serviceable at best, and kind of boring at worst. Can we get a remaster of the move, the game. Kong deserves better.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.

Good
  • Neat idea
  • Visuals are great at times
Bad
  • Combat is just tedious
  • Short and unsatisfying
5.5
Mediocre
Written by
Ken is the Editor-in-Chief of this hole in the wall and he loves to troll for the fun of it. He also enjoys long walks through Arkham Asylum and the cool air of Shadow Moses Island. His turn-ons include Mortal Kombat, Metal Gear Solid and StarCraft.