Survival Kids

"An amazing, addictive title."

I bought this game on Ebay for about 15 dollars. It is probably my favourite game that I own next to Resident Evil of course (THE best game ever made!!!). Actually I'm playing it right now, Survival Kids, that is.

Anyways, this game is completely unique! I have never seen another title at all like it. There may be a minor spoiler in this, but it's only something you would see right at the beginning anyway.

The Jist-
You're on a boat with your dad, and he gives you a knife for your 10th birthday. Later that night, your boat crashes and you are stranded on a remote island, no idea where you are or what to do. There are 8 different possible endings and 3 mini-games. You must try to escape the island by any means possible. You will most likely encounter 2 friends along the way.

The storyline-
The storyline of this game is pretty decent. You have a relationship with, possibly, 2 other beings. This game really does allow you to get attached to your friends, especially the second one you can make. The story has no real twists and is nothing that involved, but it doesn't need to be-it's a survival game.

7/10

Graphics-
For a GBC title, the graphics in this game are very good. Crystal clear. I also must say that the island really is very big for a GBC game, a lot of effort would of been put into it. The island is fairly realistic as well, except for maybe the desert right next to a swamp, but whatever, the map still rocks. No shadows though, but maybe that's expecting to much from a pretty old game.

8.5/10

Sound-
It seems that a lot of GBC games have really crappy sound, but Survival Kids is an exception. Many different types of music and every thing you do has a sound (except walk, but sometimes that can be annoying anyway). The only sound at all that seems cheap in the game is the damn annoying waterfall. But oh well, every game has its flaws.

9/10

Gameplay-
Best aspect of the game really. The control is FABULOUS. Crisp, and very responsive. Also the amount of items, and possible merged items (even some useless ones just for fun) make this game VERY FUN!

10/10

Replay Value-
Once you've gotten the 8th ending, the next time you play will be much easier. So what I suggest is that you get some of the earlier, worse endings first. And if you do get the 5th or 8th ending on your first couple times playing, take a month off and you should forget some things to make it more challenging. Plus once you get all 8 endings, there's a new mode where you have to get them again. The game is slightly different second time through.

9/10

Difficulty-
The game is fairly difficult, but not extremely. The ability to interact with everything keeps it from becoming frustrating as well, which is good.

Difficulty-On the harder end of medium.

Buy or Rent-
Definitely Buy!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/25/02, Updated 08/25/02