Primal Survivors: Review

This game was reviewed on Playstation 5

Reviewed by: David Cameron

Primal Survivors brings a gritty and immersive survival experience to the PlayStation 5, with a heavy dose of old-school charm. This game is an ambitious blend of retro vibes and modern gameplay mechanics, making it a fresh yet familiar journey for survival enthusiasts. From crafting and exploration to brutal combat with primal beasts, Primal Survivors nails the fundamentals while giving a respectful nod to survival classics.

Gameplay: Survive, Hunt, Craft, Repeat

The core loop in Primal Survivors is straightforward yet satisfying: hunt, gather resources, craft tools, and fight off wild beasts—all while trying to survive in a hostile environment. The game throws players into a dense, untamed wilderness where resources are scarce, and every encounter could be your last. Combat is intense, with just the right amount of challenge, making each encounter with the game's wildlife feel high-stakes and gritty.

One of the game's biggest draws is its freedom—there's no hand-holding here. Players are left to explore and learn the hard way, and this sense of danger and unpredictability gives Primal Survivors a thrilling edge. That said, the game does fall short with some repetitive mechanics; once you get the hang of the basics, some survival elements can start to feel routine. Still, this straightforward approach works in the game's favor, letting you dive into the action without too many complexities.

Old-School Visuals, Modern Edge

Primal Survivors cleverly blends an old-school aesthetic with sharp, modern graphics, creating a unique look that feels nostalgic but benefits from today's console capabilities. The character models, environments, and creatures have an intentionally retro design, but they're rendered in high definition, with smooth animations and effects that bring them to life. The environments—rocky cliffs, dense forests, and winding rivers—are atmospheric, using the power of the PS5 to make even a retro-inspired world look surprisingly detailed and immersive.

Gray Boss did a stellar job incorporating dynamic lighting and weather effects that impact gameplay subtly but effectively, making the setting feel alive. Watching a rainstorm sweep across the horizon as you gather resources or set up camp adds a level of immersion that really sells the survival experience.

Sound: Tense and Atmospheric

The sound design is sharp, contributing greatly to the game's tense atmosphere. The growls and howls of wild creatures are enough to keep you on edge, while the environmental sounds of crackling fires, rustling leaves, and chirping insects create a sense of presence. It's a soundscape that makes every night spent in the wild feel eerie and dangerous.

The soundtrack leans into low-key ambient themes that never overwhelm but add to the suspense, especially during night sequences when you feel truly isolated. The sound effects and music may not be memorable on their own, but they come together to make the game feel intense and authentic.

Retro Meets Modern Survival

What really makes Primal Survivors stand out is its blending of retro vibes with the best of modern survival gameplay. It's straightforward and lets the survival mechanics shine, while avoiding overly complicated crafting or resource management systems. The combat is challenging but fair, making it a game you can pick up quickly but still feel rewarded for mastering.

One minor issue is the lack of variety in enemy AI patterns. Over time, you start to recognize certain behaviors, which can make combat feel predictable. But the thrill of survival, paired with unpredictable weather and resource scarcity, keeps things interesting.

Final Thoughts: Back to Survival Basics

Primal Survivors is a refreshing return to survival basics, designed with an obvious love for the genre's roots but adapted with today's players in mind. It's challenging, atmospheric, and grounded, and it brings just the right amount of nostalgia while taking full advantage of the PS5's power to deliver an engaging experience.

If you're a fan of survival games and appreciate an old-school vibe, Primal Survivors is definitely worth checking out. Gray Boss has managed to capture the thrill of the wild and make it feel both retro and modern, and that balance is where the game truly shines.

Reviewed by: David Cameron