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Kong: Survivor Instinct is a repetitive game that could have been spectacular. However, many of its mechanics are overshadowed by its peers. Furthermore, a lack of originality, weaponry, or new tricks, prevents the best moments from excelling. This was a shame as there were some amazing ideas. Yet, they were starved of food and water and withered and died as a consequence.
This 2.5D side-scrolling adventure was developed and published by 7Levels. Moreover, it is a single-player game with a hint of Metroidvania action. This hearty combination should have been a surefire winner. But sadly, it was not. Unlike its big-hitting peers, the key elements lack a wow factor. Additionally, they play it safe and this prevents it from really capturing your attention.
Kong: Survivor Instinct has a yawn-worthy story.
Disaster, loss, fear, and hopelessness are great ingredients for a captivating adventure. However, if they are poorly presented and badly mixed, they will send you to sleep. Disappointingly, Kong: Survivor Instinct blends its core story layers badly. The story is unfortunately bland and the acting and one-liners are worse. This was a shame as it could have been amazing.
The Titans have attacked and a sudden evacuation is called. David Martin is stuck in the middle as he wants to escape, but his only daughter is missing. Accordingly, he does what any good parent would do, and places himself in the danger zone. As he explores a newly felled world, he must avoid obstacles, and summon Kong to help flatten buildings and remove trains and busses. Whilst he explores each ruined area, he will help trapped survivors and battle goons to save the day.
Basic ideas.
The core gameplay loop comprises some rudimentary combat of melee weapons, pushing and shoving, and pistols at dawn. None of these encounters are testing and you’ll dodge, parry, and weave until you are victorious. If you die, and that is likely, fear not. You simply respawn and try again. This was ridiculous but handy as I wouldn’t want to visit every parkour or combat encounter again.
Many of the puzzles require you to push crates, shoot locks, or smash walls. Things are mixed up when a grappling hook can be used for preordained locations. However, many of these moments are basic at best and require little mental prowess. This was a shame as the developer could have included some weird and wonderful tech. Instead, they kept it straightforward and the game suffered as a consequence.
Where Kong: Survivor Instinct excels is the occasional Titan chase section and the parkour moments. Leaping across rooftops and avoiding falling concrete was great. Moreover, escaping the grasp of an annoyed Titan was enthralling. Though there was a sense of trial and error, and mistakes were commonplace, I enjoyed the sense of urgency and the excitement.
Kong: Survivor Instinct delivers a delicious apocalyptic scene.
Though the core gameplay mechanics left me wanting, the visuals are great. The sense of depth and despair was captivating. Additionally, I loved observing the Titans as they decimated the city. Though the design was occasionally simple, the use of earthy colours created a sense of loss and destruction.
The audio complements the idea of complete bedlam. The dramatic soundtrack flits from aggressive and uncomfortable tones to some lush sombre moments. These juxtaposing ideas create depth and help to sell the familiar story.
Basic controls.
There are some great platforming moments. However, the clumsy controls make things a little tricky. I fell from great heights and mistimed attacks more than I’d like to admit. Yet, the rudimentary control setup was pleasant to master. I never felt out of my depth and I got on with the action in no time at all.
The Metroidvania elements help to pad out the gameplay. However, there is only 6 hours of story to absorb. This was a shame as it could have easily been larger and more engrossing. Had the developer explored more advanced ideas or created side quests, this could have hit the 10-15 hour mark with ease.
Kong: Survivor Instinct should have been much better.
There are some flashes of genius, but these moments are fleeting. This was a shame as the foundations were set for an amazing gaming experience. Had the developers unleashed the shackles and taken a gamble, they’d have delivered a game worthy of its hulking protagonists. Sadly, it lacks the punch I was expecting and this prevents me from recommending it. More information can be found here if you wish! Can you become a hero? Explore the ruins, overcome every obstacle, and tame Kong.
