Kong: Survivor Instinct review

Kong: Survivor Instinct review

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must say that Kong: Survivor Instinct has left quite an impression on me. With its unique blend of action-adventure and metroidvania elements, it’s not just another movie tie-in; it’s a testament to the creativity and ambition of 7Levels.


The trailer for Kong: Survivor Instinct left me intrigued, even though I didn’t anticipate a 2.5D action-adventure metroidvania from a movie tie-in. However, this game surpassed my expectations, offering an exhilarating experience. Despite being just one man in a city plagued by colossal titans, the gameplay is remarkably engaging. As you delve deeper into the mystery, encountering various titans and adversaries, it’s an adrenaline-pumping journey that is not only fun but visually stunning as well. In fact, Kong: Survivor Instinct is one of the most aesthetically pleasing games released in 2024.

Following a rampage by colossal creatures known as Titans, leaving the city in chaos, you assume the role of an individual named David. Your mission is urgent – find your missing daughter before time runs out. The areas you traverse have been devastated by these Titans, be it navigating through crumbled structures or streets shrouded in cobwebs, the Titans have left nothing untouched. Despite feeling powerless, there are chances to control Titans using a novel Monarch technology called Orca, making them assist you in various tasks such as clearing massive obstructions.

Kong: Survivor Instinct review

Observing Kong traverse in the backdrop remains captivating, and the introduction of new colossal beings is consistently thrilling, regardless of their intentions, which often include attempting to eliminate you. The game is visually stunning, with settings that appear incredibly lifelike. Despite the surrounding devastation, it’s difficult not to be awestruck by 7Levels’ accomplishments in terms of visual design. Although it looks spectacular, the level design is what truly enhances the spectacle, offering numerous regions that can be revisited once you acquire tools to uncover hidden areas or pathways.

You’ll end up finding a sledgehammer that can be used to break through walls and floors, meaning you can go back and find new items or ways to summon titans by collecting biowaves from the environment. The map is easy to follow, with clear indicators for unexplored areas or paths that haven’t been explored yet. You can fast travel across the city with ease, meaning it is never a chore to revisit any of the previous places you’ve seen. Supplies are in short supply, so it pays to go back and pick up bullets and first aid kits you may have missed.

Kong: Survivor Instinct review

During your journeys, you’ll encounter different beings and hired guns, and the battles will be challenging if you misjudge the timing. You can employ melee weapons for attacking adversaries, though some soldiers may block your strikes and counterattack. Mastering parrying will give you an edge, and if you’re close to a building’s edge, you might even grab them and hurl them off. Firearms are available, offering considerable damage, but ammunition is scarce, so every shot should be well-considered.

Additionally, certain zones demand that you destroy locks, thus it’s wiser to preserve your ammunition. Engaging with adversaries at close range can be tougher, but it’s frequently the best approach. You’ll encounter a variety of environmental puzzles, such as shoving large blocks to access new areas or finding cogs to help fix power consoles, but there are also smaller passageways to discover by tugging at floor panels or shaking loose doors. Each new area presents several entry points and numerous rooms, offering ample opportunities for discovery and exploration.

Kong: Survivor Instinct review

While playing is a lot of fun, it is the story that I loved. Not just the overarching one, but the smaller personal stories you encounter. In a world ravaged by titans, it is the survivors you encounter that bring a personal edge to David’s journey. At the heart of Kong: Survivor Instinct, you’re a dad looking for his daughter, and the survivors you encounter are all dealing with loss of a loved one or hope that they might still be alive. The voice acting is pretty good, and it helps to bring that personality to a city ruled by gargantuan creatures.

Kong: Survivor Instinct offers an epic journey brimming with engaging platforming. The developers have done a fantastic job creating immersive environments that showcase their dedication and skill. Although some encounters can be demanding, especially when it comes to close combat due to narrow parry opportunities, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the gameplay experience of David’s story. To my surprise, this ranks among the most enjoyable games I played this year.

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2024-10-22 17:16