PLATFORM
RELEASE YEAR
LENGTH TO FINISH
HOW IT PLAYS
BEST WAY TO PLAY
Why Play It
TL;DR:
- A forgotten Game Boy Color gem that feels ahead of its time.
- Gameplay that rewards curiosity and experimentation.
- For players who enjoy exploring, discovering, and surviving without hand-holding.
I’ve heard about this hidden gem for some time, but it wasn’t until I saw the lukewarm reception of the Switch 2 reboot that I decided to finally try it myself and see what made the original so special.
Released in 1999, Survival Kids (Stranded Kids in Europe) puts you in the role of a child stranded on a deserted island with no clear direction. There are no quest markers or hints; you simply have to figure things out for yourself. You’ll craft tools, manage hunger and fatigue, and experiment with what’s safe to eat, all while trying to survive and maybe find a way off the island. The game teaches through trial and error, and that sense of freedom is what makes every small discovery feel earned.
At first glance, Survival Kids looks endearing. Its art style will feel familiar to anyone who’s played The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. But beneath the cute sprites and chiptune melodies lies something darker, almost melancholic. Some of its endings are surprisingly grim. Yes, this game has multiple endings.
For a deeper look, I’d recommend checking out TechDweeb’s review below, which does a great job unpacking what makes this such a fascinating relic.
Survival Kids isn’t for everyone.
There’s little guidance, and its menus can feel clunky by today’s standards. Managing thirst, hunger, and fatigue can get tedious, especially if you’re used to the quality-of-life features of modern games. Maybe we’ve just been spoiled, or maybe games have simply evolved, but Survival Kids is a reminder of what things felt like before all that polish. When getting lost (and frustrated) was an accepted part of the experience.
If you enjoy games that let you explore, experiment, and piece things together on your own, or if you simply love revisiting retro curiosities, Survival Kids is worth your time. It’s not a game about instant rewards. It’s a game about patience, curiosity, and finding your own way through the unknown.
Getting Started
Skim the official manual if you can (a quick search may help you find a preserved copy). Like many retro games, some useful details live only in the booklet.
Otherwise, I recommend Shotgunnova’s GameFAQs resources for Survival Kids for the basics. If you want more, there’s also a full walkthrough and maps.
