《數碼寶貝：絕境求生》（Digimon Survive）是結合戰略角色扮演與視覺小說元素的遊戲，由HYDE開發，萬代南夢宮發行，歷經多次延期後，終於在2022年7月29日於PS4、Xbox One、Switch與Steam平台正式發售。儘管未直接延續過去《數碼寶貝》系列的動畫或遊戲主線劇情，但它帶來截然不同、黑暗而成熟的世界觀，重新詮釋了人與數碼獸之間的羈絆與選擇的重量。

劇情圍繞主角「百束拓真」展開，一名平凡的中學生，在春假期間參加學校舉辦的郊外歷史田野調查活動，與好友日向稔及自不同學校的涉谷揆，前往山區的「獸神」神社參訪。然而，神秘的霧氣讓他們誤入一個陌生異世界——這裡是介於現實與虛幻之間的數碼世界。在這個世界中，他們遭遇各種危機，也遇見數碼獸們，主角與他的夥伴「亞古獸」逐步建立羈絆，並面對一連串殘酷抉擇與生死交錯的命運。

與傳統《數碼寶貝》系列主打熱血、友情、成長的基調不同，劇情相當沉重。這是一場生存與倫理選擇交織的冒險，有著意外的角色死亡情節，部分橋段甚至觸及心理創傷與死亡恐懼，描寫青少年面對絕望與孤獨的真實反應。不同的對話選擇與價值傾向（調和、激情、憐憫）會影響亞古獸的進化型態，也會影響劇情走向與角色存活狀況，因此每個選擇都具有實質意義與後果。

操作方面，可被視為兩種模式交替進行：一為視覺小說型態的劇情模式，需閱讀大量文本、與角色互動、做出選擇；另一為戰略角色扮演戰鬥模式，採用回合制棋盤式設計，可指揮數碼獸移動、攻擊或施展技能。數碼獸會因情緒、距離與地形而有不同效果的加成或減免，並可使用能量觸發進化，進一步改變戰局。戰鬥並不繁複，但難度會隨劇情深入而增加。

整體遊玩節奏偏慢，戰鬥在整體流程中佔比不算高，約佔30%，剩下的多為劇情與對話選擇，對於期待傳統數碼獸收集與育成要素的玩家來說可能會感到落差；但對喜愛文字冒險、重視劇情推進與角色關係發展的玩家而言，這種安排則頗具吸引力。

市場評價方面相當兩極。正面評價主要來自於其劇情的深度與成熟風格，在動漫IP改編遊戲中實屬罕見，部分玩家甚至稱其為「數碼寶貝版的《你的名字》與《異度神劍》的結合體」。在藝術風格、音樂氛圍營造方面也獲得稱讚，尤其過場動畫與劇情插畫相當細緻，音樂由高橋諒創作，情緒渲染力強烈。然而，負評則集中在過於緩慢的節奏、戰鬥模式缺乏變化、角色語音不完整（部分語音缺席）與選單設計不夠直觀等技術與操作層面。

在Metacritic上，PS4與Switch版本獲得約65至70分的中等評價。雖然遊戲本身充滿野心，但由於宣傳初期模糊定位，加上其非典型的數碼寶貝風格，導致部分玩家進入時預期錯誤，進而產生失望。然而，它仍受到劇情向玩家與老粉絲的推崇，尤其是在經歷第一輪通關後解鎖更多結局與分支劇情時，其重玩價值明顯提高。

總結而言，《數碼寶貝：絕境求生》是風格大膽轉型的IP作品，它將原本陽光熱血的世界推入陰暗現實的荒野，並邀請玩家思考成長、選擇與失去的代價。雖然它在遊戲性與節奏安排上仍有進步空間，但作為以劇情為核心的數碼寶貝遊戲，無疑拓寬系列的敘事邊界。

Digimon Survive is a hybrid game that combines tactical role-playing elements with visual novel storytelling. Developed by HYDE and published by Bandai Namco, it was finally released on July 29, 2022, for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam after multiple delays. Although it does not directly follow the main plotlines of previous Digimon anime or games, it introduces a dark and mature narrative, offering a reimagined take on the bond between humans and Digimon and the weight of the choices they must make.

The story centers on Takuma Momotsuka, a regular high school student who participates in a school-led historical field trip during spring break. Along with his friend Minoru Hyuga and a student from another school, Kaito Shibuya, Takuma visits a remote mountain shrine dedicated to a "Beast God." However, mysterious fog leads them astray into an unknown parallel realm — the Digital World, which exists between reality and illusion. In this strange and perilous world, the group encounters digital monsters and life-threatening dangers. Takuma gradually forms a deepening bond with his partner Agumon, while confronting a series of harsh decisions and life-or-death consequences.

Unlike the traditional Digimon tone of passion, friendship, and growth, Digimon Survive delivers a heavy and somber narrative. It is a survival-themed adventure filled with ethical dilemmas, unexpected character deaths, and moments that delve into psychological trauma and fear of death. The game portrays a realistic emotional response from teenagers facing despair and isolation. Player choices, along with alignment toward Harmony, Wrathful, or Moral paths, significantly affect Agumon’s evolution paths, the story's progression, and which characters survive. Every decision carries real narrative weight and consequence.

Gameplay alternates between two modes. The first is a visual novel-style story mode, where players read extensive text, interact with characters, and make crucial decisions. The second is a tactical RPG battle system, utilizing turn-based grid combat. Players command their Digimon to move, attack, or use skills, with effectiveness influenced by factors like terrain, positioning, and emotional states. Energy can also be used to trigger Digivolution and shift the tide of battle. While the combat isn't overly complex, difficulty ramps up as the story progresses.

The game's overall pace is slow. Combat comprises only about 30% of the total gameplay, with the majority being narrative-driven choices and dialogue. This may feel underwhelming to players expecting traditional Digimon mechanics like monster collecting and training. However, for those who enjoy visual novels and value character-driven stories, this structure proves engaging and rewarding.

Reception for Digimon Survive was highly polarized. Positive reviews praised its depth and mature themes, which are rare among anime-based games. Some even likened it to a cross between Your Name and Xenoblade Chronicles with a Digimon twist. The art style and atmospheric music, composed by Ryou Takahashi, received acclaim for their emotional power. Cutscenes and story illustrations are well-crafted and immersive.

However, criticisms targeted the slow pacing, limited combat variety, incomplete voice acting (with some scenes lacking audio), and a somewhat unintuitive menu system. On Metacritic, the PS4 and Switch versions received scores around 65 to 70 — reflecting a mixed but middle-ground consensus. While the game clearly had narrative ambition, its atypical approach and marketing left some players misled or disappointed. That said, Digimon Survive has found a devoted audience among story-focused players and longtime fans, especially after unlocking additional endings and branching paths in New Game+.

In conclusion, Digimon Survive is a bold reimagining of the Digimon IP. It pushes the bright, adventurous world of previous entries into a darker, more grounded emotional landscape, encouraging players to reflect on themes of growth, sacrifice, and the consequences of choice. Though not without flaws in gameplay pacing and technical polish, it significantly expands the narrative boundaries of the Digimon series through its story-centric design.