Survivalist
- January 30, 2015
- Bob
- 25h median play time
Get on Steam"Survivalist" is a horror RPG that offers single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing up to 2 players to explore the open world and build a community after civilization's collapse. The game features an innovative dialog system, action-RPG and real-time strategy elements, and challenging combat against fast zombies. Its grindy gameplay, numerous bugs, and high replayability make it a unique and hilarious experience. The sequel promises more of the same.
PC
Windows
Xbox
Xbox 360
Reviews
- Engaging gameplay with a mix of survival, base building, and RPG elements.
- Interesting storyline with moral choices that impact the game.
- Great value for money, offering hours of entertainment for a low price.
- Clunky controls and interface that can be frustrating to navigate.
- Graphics are dated and may not appeal to everyone.
- Combat can feel repetitive and unbalanced, especially with fast-moving zombies.
- story809 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The game's story is a mix of engaging narrative and character-driven quests, with players managing a community of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world. While some find the storyline compelling and filled with moral choices, others criticize it for being simplistic or overshadowed by gameplay mechanics. Overall, the narrative offers depth and replayability through various quest paths and character interactions, though it can feel forced at times due to the game's structure.
“The story was well thought out.”
“This game is truly awesome, with a brilliant storyline, and the ability to do almost anything you can imagine!”
“The story is intriguing and gives you a meaning to the world around you, giving you a reason to move and explore the world instead of just surviving.”
“The story feels like it could have been so much more than what it actually came off as at the start, the dialogue lines seem super flat and awkward.”
“The biggest thing I didn't like is that it's story driven, you're stuck with a diabetic so that drives your necessity for exploration on high, which means you can't just build your town and make it self-sufficient before setting off into the dark, and going anywhere takes ages.”
“I want to give it a 8/10 but I can't because there is no real main story and just side missions and a small storyline about medicine in the beginning which I still have not finished because it is just plain boring.”
- gameplay431 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is generally described as fun and engaging, with a mix of survival, exploration, and community management mechanics that can be addictive. While some players find the controls and mechanics a bit clunky or dated, many appreciate the depth and variety of gameplay elements, including combat, base building, and character interactions. Overall, the game offers a solid experience, especially for its price, though it may require some patience to fully grasp its mechanics.
“The combat and gameplay are also pretty fun!”
“Buy this game if you're looking for a zombie/survival game with individual city/fortification building that offers hours and hours of adventure and enjoyable gameplay.”
“The gameplay is a very satisfying blend of RPG and strategy (I found it somewhat reminiscent of the Jagged Alliance series).”
“So the biggest downfall of this game in my opinion is definitely the gameplay; the animations are strangely robotic.”
“However, the gameplay is very dull and incredibly unfair.”
“Twenty times of getting trapped in the scenery in just a 40-minute gameplay can only be the result of having Stevie Wonder test your game for you.”
- graphics368 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that they are dated and simplistic, often likening them to early 2000s titles. While some find the visuals charming and fitting for the gameplay, others criticize them as a significant drawback. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the graphics may not be impressive, they do not detract from the game's enjoyable mechanics and engaging story.
“The graphics have grown on me a lot and I find this game super charming.”
“The visual aspect of the game is very impressive and you can tell a lot of work was put into the game's settings and artwork.”
“The graphics are great for this game and help with immersion.”
“The game has a high bar for reflexes and then an odd way of interacting so it isn't intuitive as to what you're doing ... plus its graphics and animations are really janky.”
“Survivalist is a game with quite outdated graphics, an ugly interface, and a tedious character control system.”
“The graphics are obviously bad, the music is annoying, especially at the beginning, and the combat, especially versus zombies, seems lacking.”
- music205 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it repetitive and ill-fitting for the zombie apocalypse theme, often describing it as overly upbeat techno or arcade-like. While some appreciate the catchy tunes and find them enjoyable, others feel that the soundtrack detracts from the game's atmosphere, suggesting that it would benefit from a more ambient or survival-appropriate score. Overall, the consensus indicates that while the music has its moments, it often fails to enhance the gaming experience.
“It's a super relaxing and well-made game and I am actually enjoying the music.”
“It's got a killer soundtrack though.”
“The soundtrack has a couple of good tunes in it, but to sum up: 'it's good, but not great'.”
“The music is kinda repetitive.”
“I don't even care to talk about the tone-deaf attempt at adding some form of music and sound effects (or lack of) in the game.”
“The music...the music is so out of place and terrible that I had to shut it off and just play mood music from YouTube in the background. Change that pronto would be my suggestion.”
- grinding141 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 3 % neutral mentions
- 96 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is often described as tedious and time-consuming, with players frequently needing to manage resource gathering, character skills, and community tasks. While some appreciate the depth of character development and base building, many find the lack of efficient systems for task management and transportation leads to a frustrating experience. Overall, the game requires significant patience and commitment to progress, which may deter those looking for a more streamlined gameplay experience.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“No grinding, awarding level success.”
“I'm past 20 hours into the game and there's plenty to criticize; I feel like I've seen as much as this game has to offer, it feels a bit tedious at this point, and it's frustrating preparing for a showdown only to realize you've forgotten to equip something and have to trek all the way back to your home base to supply yourself.”
“Survivalist is tedious to play: mechanics are overly complicated; the camera zooms in way too close; there's no map to help you figure out where things are; and the UI is a bit weird (probably designed for a controller).”
“Problem is, this game really is for those that just need to fight zombies and manage tedious tasks.”
- replayability72 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game offers a moderate to high level of replayability, primarily due to multiple routes and endings, as well as various side quests that allow players to explore different choices and outcomes. While some players find the replay value limited by a lack of randomization and the potential for repetitive playthroughs, others appreciate the depth and branching narratives that encourage multiple playthroughs. Overall, it is seen as a solid indie title with enough variety to keep players engaged for several sessions.
“There are three routes to choose from for completing the game that add replayability.”
“Each new outpost you find even offers a series of side quests which are largely optional and often involve choosing to side with one community against another, so there is a lot of replay value if you want to see what each branching plot path offers.”
“The open sandbox type setup of the game ensures you will have plenty of replay value.”
“One problem, as you can guess from my relatively short time spent in this game, is replayability.”
“Because of the lack of replay value, the game's limited time for a playthrough is also puzzling.”
“No real randomization in the game, so replayability is limited to just doing better.”
- humor52 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its quirky charm, with many players finding the intentionally goofy graphics, absurd combat mechanics, and witty dialogue to be genuinely entertaining. The combination of ridiculous scenarios, such as flying zombies and humorous NPC interactions, contributes to a lighthearted experience that balances its gritty elements. Overall, the game's humor is seen as a delightful aspect that enhances the gameplay, making it both fun and memorable.
“The dev is really a funny and creative person and this is reflected in the brilliant story and quirky combat.”
“I love this game, the pre-90s graphics look hilarious and pretty unnerving at the same time, the combat is fast and brutal, the ragdolls are a damned treat.”
“This game is like the first two Fallout games, it has witty humor, great dialogue, and many choices.”
- stability34 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 82 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed, with many players reporting a generally solid experience free of major bugs or glitches, particularly in single-player mode. However, issues arise in multiplayer, where pathfinding and connectivity can be problematic, leading to occasional frustrating glitches. While some users have enjoyed stable gameplay, others have encountered significant bugs that hinder their experience, especially in larger groups or during multiplayer sessions.
“It's not expensive, it's not buggy, and most importantly, it's not early access.”
“It runs great on my potato computer and so far is very fun.”
“The game mechanics are good and functional; the game is practically bug-free (for me).”
“It's so buggy that I can't even finish the game.”
“Very buggy (even on my new computer), terrible graphics, and just all around problematic.”
“There is no character customization, the amount of content in the game is extremely limited, and many of the features and activities are buggy and/or unfinished.”
- atmosphere18 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 28 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for effectively capturing a post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested world, with abandoned towns and destroyed vehicles enhancing the immersive experience. While the music quality is mixed, the overall ambiance contributes to a compelling survival narrative that resonates with players, making it both entertaining and engaging despite its modest production values. The combination of a well-crafted story, intriguing characters, and a vast map filled with secrets further enriches the atmospheric experience.
“The atmosphere and the twist in the story was just mind-blowing.”
“+ Appropriate atmosphere - whether it's the abandoned towns or the destroyed cars, it definitely nailed the post-apocalyptic theme.”
“Small dev, small budget, big love; this game for some reason I can't put into words hit a special place with me, something to do with the atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere and the twist in the story was just mind blowing.”
“+ appropriate atmosphere - whether it's the abandoned towns or the destroyed cars, it definitely nailed the post-apocalyptic theme.”
“Totally different with the atmosphere of post-apocalyptic.”
- character development14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is centered around five key skills—firearms, fitness, construction, farming, and medicine—that players can enhance through practice or skill books. While the system allows for individual growth and has potential for engaging gameplay, many reviewers find it simplistic and the overall character design and story lacking depth, leading to a perception of mediocrity despite the game's solid mechanics.
“Each character has 5 skills (firearms, fitness, construction, farming, and medicine) which affect what they can do in the game. Characters can increase these skills simply by doing them or finding skill books to boost them.”
“Fantastic game, with individual character development, tons of potential NPC allies and enemies, an expansive map to explore, and a good story. It often goes on sale for a mere couple of bucks, which is really just stealing money from the folks who deserve more for a really well-made game.”
“Individual character development, with uncomplicated stats and skills.”
“All in all, I'd like to say it's got decent potential, but its awfully bland setting and overall character design/story just leave me thinking it's never going to be anything but a decent or mediocre title.”
“Character development, while effective, is quite simple.”
“Individual character development is present, but the stats and skills are uncomplicated and lack depth.”
- emotional11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is described as both challenging and thought-provoking, fostering a strong attachment to the group, which enhances the overall experience. However, some players find certain character interactions to be emotionally shallow and repetitive, detracting from the depth of the narrative. Overall, the game elicits a mix of heartfelt engagement and frustration due to its execution.
“It's challenging, thought provoking and emotionally taxing.”
“I think that emotional attachment to your group really makes the game epic.”
“A wholesome gaming experience where you can see someone put his heart and sweat into it.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
Overall, users report that the game's performance is smooth and without issues. However, there is a desire for future optimization, particularly regarding the community member list to allow sorting by skill for better gameplay strategy.
“I have had no issues with performance in this game; everything worked very smoothly from the beginning.”
“Hopefully future improvements will see optimization of the community member list, so you can sort by skill to pick the right survivor for a job.”
“That said for my only grievance, hopefully future improvements will see optimization of the community member list, so you can sort by skill to pick the right survivor for a job.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The monetization model is generally viewed positively, as players find it affordable and fair, avoiding the pitfalls of excessive microtransactions and high prices that offer little value.
“It's affordable rather than feeling like you're being robbed by microtransactions and high prices with little return.”
