Survival Kids review: Cosy castaway capers
The game is based on a long-forgotten Konami series that started on the Game Boy Color in 1999 as Stranded Kids and which is regarded as somewhat of a template for later survival games such as Day-Z and Don't Starve.
But this version of survival gives off a much cosier vibe that's a little bit Goonies, a little bit of peril – there's definitely no monsters nor savagery akin to Lord of the Flies or Hunger Games. Interestingly, it's also made by a small studio in Stratford-Upon-Avon owned by development platform Unity, sort of as a way to show the engine's viability on Switch 2.
Survival Kids plonks you on a sequence of small desert islands, challenging you to gather the resources to explore the terrain and ultimately build a raft that sets you free. The secondary angle is that you can play it alone or with friends, speeding up the resource gathering but also opening up the possibilities for non-cooperative mischief.
You might have to chop down trees to build a fire, fish for food to boost your carrying stamina, or gather stones to build a bridge. Nothing is ever very far away from its quest location. Much of the action is given a running commentary amiably voiced by comedian Marcus Brigstocke.
Played solo, it inevitably feels a bit tiring to do all the running around but the game sands down much of the edges of survival – eliminating the need to track hunger, for instance, and simplifying the inventory management system to just dragging items short distances.
Online play introduces cooperative mayhem where a group of up to four stranded kids share the grunt work – and probably bicker over who does what. The Unity studio pulls off an even more interesting technical feat in that the Switch 2 can share two copies of the game simultaneously for local co-op with other Switch 2 and original Switch consoles. That might be very welcome in a household of young gamers with ageing Switches who want to play together.
Such a scenario feels like an isolated use case, however, and Stranded Kids doesn't have a lot of longevity built into this compact collection of islands for players who focus on completing the challenges instead of noodling about.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Irish Independent
Survival Kids review: Cosy castaway capers
Survival Kids fits into the latter category and while it's unlikely to sell consoles all by itself, it doesn't deserve to be completely overlooked, especially by the younger players it's clearly targeting. The title tells you much of what you need to know – there's a bunch of kids, right? And they need to survive, yeah? The game is based on a long-forgotten Konami series that started on the Game Boy Color in 1999 as Stranded Kids and which is regarded as somewhat of a template for later survival games such as Day-Z and Don't Starve. But this version of survival gives off a much cosier vibe that's a little bit Goonies, a little bit of peril – there's definitely no monsters nor savagery akin to Lord of the Flies or Hunger Games. Interestingly, it's also made by a small studio in Stratford-Upon-Avon owned by development platform Unity, sort of as a way to show the engine's viability on Switch 2. Survival Kids plonks you on a sequence of small desert islands, challenging you to gather the resources to explore the terrain and ultimately build a raft that sets you free. The secondary angle is that you can play it alone or with friends, speeding up the resource gathering but also opening up the possibilities for non-cooperative mischief. You might have to chop down trees to build a fire, fish for food to boost your carrying stamina, or gather stones to build a bridge. Nothing is ever very far away from its quest location. Much of the action is given a running commentary amiably voiced by comedian Marcus Brigstocke. Played solo, it inevitably feels a bit tiring to do all the running around but the game sands down much of the edges of survival – eliminating the need to track hunger, for instance, and simplifying the inventory management system to just dragging items short distances. Online play introduces cooperative mayhem where a group of up to four stranded kids share the grunt work – and probably bicker over who does what. The Unity studio pulls off an even more interesting technical feat in that the Switch 2 can share two copies of the game simultaneously for local co-op with other Switch 2 and original Switch consoles. That might be very welcome in a household of young gamers with ageing Switches who want to play together. Such a scenario feels like an isolated use case, however, and Stranded Kids doesn't have a lot of longevity built into this compact collection of islands for players who focus on completing the challenges instead of noodling about.
Irish Examiner
03-07-2025
- Irish Examiner
Nintendo Switch 2 review: A mature evolution of a modern classic
The original Switch was nothing short of a phenomenon, an inventive hybrid console that blended home and handheld gaming with clever design and irresistible Nintendo exclusives. And now, eight years on, many of the players who picked up the original Switch as teens or young adults have grown up, and so too, in many ways, has the console. The Nintendo Switch 2 hasn't strayed far from Nintendo's winning formula, but it feels like a more mature, confident piece of hardware. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but instead, it refines almost everything that made the first model so beloved. From performance to build quality, this is a Switch that's grown with its audience, and the result is the best version yet. Design and build Visually, the Switch 2 doesn't stray far from the form factor of its predecessor, but the differences are noticeable in the hand. The console is larger and heavier but feels sturdier, with a refined matte finish and tighter tolerances across the chassis. Gone are the creaky plastics; instead, you get a more premium-feeling device. The new magnetic Joy-Con system replaces the original rail slide-in method. I was sceptical at first, but the magnetic connection is satisfyingly solid. Snapping them on and off feels smooth and secure, and thankfully, that annoying Joy-Con wobble is now a thing of the past. You can even ping them if they get lost under the couch. Another sign that the Switch 2 has matured is the shift in Nintendo's design language. The playful neon colours are mostly gone, replaced by a more subdued black finish, bringing it in line with contemporary handhelds like the Steam Deck, Legion Go, and ROG Ally. However, there are still subtle nods to Nintendo's playful roots, with neon blue and orange accents under the left and right joysticks, as well as where the Joy-Cons connect to the main Switch 2. Display Nintendo has enlarged the screen on the Switch 2, and while it still uses LCD rather than OLED, it's an excellent panel. At 8 inches, the display feels more immersive, especially when paired with the console's more powerful internals. Games like Mario Kart World and Cyberpunk 2077 look sharper, richer, and far more detailed than anything the original Switch could manage. Peak brightness is a noticeable improvement over the original, and colours pop, though some users have reported mild ghosting in fast-moving scenes. I didn't experience anything severe myself, but it's worth noting that performance may vary by title. HDR is technically supported, but its implementation is clunky, enabled by default across all content and requires a dive into menus to fine-tune paper white settings. I got it to work well on my LG OLED TV, but your mileage may vary. Ergonomics The Switch 2 is more comfortable to hold thanks to slightly chunkier Joy-Cons and a redesigned back that curves more naturally into the palms. The Joy-Cons still maintain a thin profile, matching the overall design, which means that extended handheld play can still lead to hand fatigue for some users. I wasn't able to use the original for long without additional grips, and while the Switch 2 is an improvement, I still found myself immediately downloading and printing several 3D grip files. I have large hands, and the extra grips made a massive difference to my overall comfort during extended play sessions. There are plenty of third-party grips already available, and of course, you can also purchase the optional Nintendo Controller Pro. Thankfully, the revised kickstand is now wide and stable, perfect for tabletop play. Nintendo has also added a USB-C port at the top, allowing for play in kickstand mode while charging, which Performance Under the hood, the Switch 2 gets a serious boost, powered by a custom Nvidia chip that rivals the performance of entry-level gaming laptops. Cyberpunk 2077, a game that never would've run on the original Switch, plays smoothly at medium settings, and first-party titles like Mario Kart World look absolutely gorgeous, with detailed environments and smooth 60fps gameplay. Performance across the UI has been significantly improved as well. The eShop, which is a laggy mess on the original, now loads quickly and scrolls smoothly. The Switch 2 handles modern games admirably for a hybrid console, and most of the original Switch games I tried ran much smoother. Hardware Battery life is solid but not exceptional. I got three to five hours out of the most demanding games, and lighter titles easily stretch that to seven hours or more. The included charger fully charges the battery in under two hours, and USB-C charging is available at both the top and bottom, adding convenience. The storage expansion slot, located behind the kickstand, is no longer compatible with standard microSD cards. Instead, it now uses the newer and significantly faster microSD Express format. While this offers improved performance, the downside is that these cards are harder to find and are more expensive. The new built-in Game Chat now supports voice, video, and even screen sharing with friends, and it works surprisingly well. You can view up to three friends' gameplay feeds in floating windows, a fantastic feature that makes the Switch 2 feel more social than its predecessor. The new Joy-Con mouse functionality is unexpectedly smooth and intuitive, especially when using the strap accessory. While few games currently take advantage of it, the potential is there. The Dock The new Switch 2 dock is cleaner, more compact, and less toy-like, now featuring rounded corners, a softer matte finish, and a more stable base. There's a USB-C charging port located discreetly inside, along with the usual HDMI and an Ethernet port. It supports 4K output at up to 60Hz, although not every game or app currently takes full advantage of this feature. Even if a game doesn't natively output in 4K, the dock will upscale the image to 4K when connected to a compatible TV or monitor, enhancing visual quality. Nvidia also claims that the Switch 2 offers 10 times the graphical performance of the original Switch. The dock features improved airflow and active cooling, allowing the console to run cooler in docked mode, even during intense gameplay sessions. Library The launch line-up includes Mario Kart World, which acts as both a tech demo and a phenomenal new entry in the long-running series. It's vibrant, tight, and shows off what the new hardware can do when Nintendo pushes it. Backwards compatibility ensures your old library still has a home, and several older games like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet already look and run significantly better on the new hardware. Verdict The Nintendo Switch 2 isn't revolutionary, but it doesn't need to be. It's a capable refinement of the original that adds meaningful upgrades in power, usability and social features, while still feeling unmistakably Nintendo. €469 Switch 2 Currys €505 Switch 2 and Mario Kart World Currys
RTÉ News
14-06-2025
- RTÉ News
Let's-a-go! Mario Kart World and the latest video games reviewed
We're only halfway through the year, but it's safe to say 2025 has exceeded all our expectations in the world of video games. We've had a slew of fantastic games, and Nintendo has just released a brand new elusive console, which is seemingly sold out everywhere. Whether you've just picked up the Switch 2 and are wondering what to play or want to dive into some new releases across all consoles, there are plenty of choices for gamers to dive into this June. Mario Kart World Mario Kart World is a game of pure chaos in the best possible way. It will have you smiling, crying, screaming and laughing in quick succession as your screen explodes in a symphony of colours every few seconds. Your eyes will always be playing catch-up to the zany action happening on screen. This is all reassuring news, given it's the main (and technically only) major launch title debuting on the brand new Switch 2. With up to 24 racers, every race in this game is a constant battle toward the finish line, where the threat of blue shells never wavers. New mechanics, like wall riding, charged jumps and a variety of rail grinding across every level, will keep even seasoned motorists learning. And yet, it's still your classic Mario Kart experience, but somehow with a sprinkling of added joy. There's a variety of game modes, including your classic Grand Prix, Vs modes, time trials, Knockout and Online multiplayer, which means there's something for every mood and occasion. The biggest surprise for me is the newly introduced free-roam mode that lets you drive around a colossal Mario World, where every track is located within driving distance. You'd think the appeal of Mario Kart is to race against your friends and gear up for that 1st place finish. And yet, blissfully driving around, discovering secrets, and taking on challenges became my main priority over this launch period. And it's only when you tackle the tracks in your own time that you can begin to notice the depth of detail each race actually contains. Go wherever your heart desires in #MarioKartWorld! In Free Roam, you can drive virtually everywhere and explore to the very edge of the world. No roads? No problem! — Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) May 21, 2025 The beautiful track designs and addictive earworm soundtrack make a leisurely solo drive just as enjoyable as the multiplayer experience. This game is a license for fun, where no matter how little time you have, you're sure to have a blast. Coupled with the graphical fine-tuning, players may begin to understand (and digest) the new €80 price point. Yes, games are becoming more expensive. In the case of Mario Kart World, I think the price point is worth it. If this game is anything like its predecessor, expect you and your friends to be playing it to death throughout the entire lifetime of the Switch 2 console. Mario Kart World is available to play on Switch 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour While many would have hoped for a mainline Mario or Zelda game to complement the Switch 2 launch, there are still lots of options for players picking up the new console to play while the library bulks itself up. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a brand new interactive tutorial of sorts, introducing you to a lot of the new mechanics you'll be experiencing through minigames, quizzes and tech demos. Granted, it's not very replayable, but at €9.99, it does a fair job of explaining and educating you on all the neat features your new console has to offer. Spanning about 6 hours, by playing this game, you'll have a newfound appreciation for the most in-demand console right now. Split Fiction & other Switch 2 games Sticking with Switch 2 catalogues, there's also a generous list of more than 24 third-party heavy hitters to play on your new console, ranging from Hogwarts Legacy to Fortnite, Civ VII to Cyberpunk 2077, and more. The list is expected to grow as more developers invest in the new console. Since release, I've tried my hand at the recently released Split Fiction, a mesmerising co-op game that has already been greenlit for a movie adaptation starring Sydney Sweeney. The game looks, feels, and plays as beautifully on the Switch 2 as I remember it on other consoles, but with the unique Joy-Cons to factor in, as well as the added portability. In the game, you play as Mio and Zoe, two aspiring writers who visit Rader Publishing to try out their new, revolutionary simulation technology. However, while they might initially believe the publisher is there to help bring their ideas to life, the company, of course, has ulterior motives at hand. Throughout the game, you and a friend will explore both Mio's and Zoe's creations and stories on a split screen. And it is an utter joy to play through, where every level promises to be more inventive and inspiring than the last. A multitude of side stories and innovative gameplay mechanics tap directly into the tactile nature and cooperative strength that the Switch 2 aims to deliver. Check the trailer out, and if there's even the slightest interest in what you see, you and a friend have found yourself a compelling Switch 2 game that won't disappoint. For other 3rd party Switch 2 game options, check out Nintendo's growing list here. Split Fiction is available to play on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2 FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time Fantasy Life i is a new life sim game with action-adventure mechanics, where players are given total control over how they shape the world around them. Think of it as the new-age Animal Crossing, with elements of Stardew Valley and The Legend of Zelda thrown in for good measure. This is a game of your own making, as you'll be able to switch freely between 14 available jobs, each one offering unique gameplay. Jobs range from the likes of fishing and mining, and you'll feel the sting of déjà vu; isn't this a game we've all played before? But then, the game throws a multitude of surprises your way that you wouldn't necessarily pair with cosy life sims. These include an RPG levelling and zany combat against monsters in a vibrant, open world. Throw in minigames, quests, customising your own camp and surroundings, as well as couch co-op and 4-player multiplayer, and this game can easily command your free time this summer. With enough updates and support, it may have enough sticking power to take over where Animal Crossing left off. FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2 and PC Elden Ring Nightreign Fancy an action-role-playing game with serious grit? Want to play with friends in short but demanding 40-minute bursts? Selling over 3.5 million copies in just five days, Elden Ring Nightreign is one of the biggest hits of 2025 thus far and is available on a multitude of platforms right now. The game is a spin-off of sorts to Elden Ring, taking place in an alternate version of the Lands Between. As such, it preserves many of the mechanics, gameplay elements, and assets you know and love from the series, but with a new twist. While you can technically play the game solo, the harsh difficulty and setup of Nightreign mean there is an unmistakable focus on cooperative gameplay. You'll pretty much have to team up with other players to have any hope of surviving the challenges thrown at you. As a roguelike, the game cycle takes place over three in-game days, the majority of which is spent farming new gear and exploring a slowly shrinking map. Think Fortnite, but with hostile monsters and more demanding combat. Maps are procedurally generated, meaning new attempts do feel unique, though there's always that balance between exploring new zones and scrambling for gear for the upcoming bosses while you still have the time. To date, you can pick between eight classes, each with unique strengths, abilities and more. To maximise your success and enjoy Nightreign to the fullest, it's best to synergise with your two compatriots and pick classes that balance each other. As such, being on comms with them can be your biggest asset. After each run, players are rewarded with passive buffs that can help set up future runs, so there is a (slight) feeling of progression against the enormous difficulty. The game has an expansive library of weapons and setups to experiment with, all stemming from the world of Elden Ring. Expect this to grow in size and appeal as new updates, classes, and surprises are released in the future.
