When talking “Switch 2 exclusives at launch”, we bet Survival Kids isn’t the first game people mention – yet that’s exactly what Konami’s latest is. From its vibrant toon-style visuals to the gentle clatter of tools and cooking pots, Survival Kids delivers a low-stakes, co-op sandbox built for shared smiles rather than nail-biting tension. In a world of survival games that demand grit, this title stands out by embracing accessibility, turning the struggle of being stranded into a shared puzzle.
The premise – kids shipwrecked on turtle-backed islands – sets the scene for a series of charming, physics-rich challenges. Players gather resources, repair nets and bridges, cook for stamina, and build rafts – all leading to the next stage of their journey. The intuitive crafting and stamina systems keep things simple, and the textures and voiceovers ease any learning curve.
Co-operation is the game’s heartbeat. Chopping trees, fishing, or cooking becomes significantly more engaging with friends – where solo play often exposes tedium, co-op adds banter, jokes, and shared triumphs. The inclusion of GameShare and online multiplayer means up to four players can dive in without needing multiple copies, and that’s a big plus for families and friend groups – as well as helping to ease players in.
However, that same light touch can feel wanting. There’s little consequence to mistakes here – falling off a cliff only means walking back to retrieve items – which may leave those seeking deeper survival mechanics wanting more. Solo gameplay, especially, feels stretched after the first few islands. Hand-holding through narration and waypoint prompts – while helpful for younger players – can feel overly cautious to seasoned adventurers.
That said, progression is paced well enough. Each island has stars and hidden glyphs to encourage replayability, and cosmetics unlock through optional tasks, giving players something extra to strive for beyond the main goal of escape. For younger audiences especially, this introduces survival mechanics gently, without overwhelming them – while also giving them a chance to play a game like this with a more experience/older player.
Visually and sonically, Survival Kids shines. The bright, cartoonish palette thrives on the Switch 2’s display, and the musical cues, narration, and ambient effects create an inviting space – felt even more during co-op as players chat while tackling tasks. The score and voice acting enhance the warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
In the end, Survival Kids delivers exactly what it promises: an accessible, charming, and cheerful co-op survival puzzle game. It may not satisfy hardcore survival fans, but for families, friends, or anyone looking for a relaxed, collaborative adventure, it’s a heartfelt pick – so long as you’re game for a repetitive but cozy island-hopping routine.
Score: 7.0/10
Press Play Media 