Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
TV-based horror game is violent, gory, and profanity laden.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct
What's It About?
As you might expect, THE WALKING DEAD: SURVIVAL INSTINCT is based on the mega-popular AMC television series, The Walkind Dead, about survivors of a zombie apocalypse. It's a first-person shooter that has you assume the role of Daryl Dixon, a tough warrior who relies on his hunting skills to take down zombies, protect other humans (including his overbearing brother Merle), and find a way to survive in the wake of this deadly outbreak. This single-player campaign is story-driven, and folds in elements of exploration, action, and resource management.
Is It Any Good?
The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct isn't a great game, which is too bad for fans of the Emmy-winning series. On paper, it seems like it's a winner: step into the shoes of one of the more popular heroes, Daryl Dixon -- who is played on the show by Norman Reedus (plus he lends his likeness and voice to the in-game character) -- and you get to test your skills to stay alive among all the zombies and panicky survivors. But the game has bland graphics, repetitive environments, technical glitches, less than stellar enemy A.I. (artificial intelligence) and no multiplayer options. Sure, there are some fun combat and scavenging moments (like looking for gas cans so you can drive away) and different ways to tackle each level, but overall it's a disappointing romp that pales in comparison to last year's imaginative The Walking Dead serial game series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why some TV- or movie-based video games get it right -- like Batman: Arkham Asylum, Ghostbusters: The Game and Telltales' The Walking Dead adventure game series -- while most get it wrong. Why is that so?
Families can also talk about the impact of media violence.
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo Wii U , PlayStation 3 , Windows , Xbox 360
- Subjects : Social Studies : citizenship , exploration , government , Language & Reading : following directions , using supporting evidence
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : analyzing evidence , applying information , problem solving , Self-Direction : achieving goals , identifying strengths and weaknesses , work to achieve goals , Responsibility & Ethics : honoring the community , learning from consequences , respect for others , Collaboration : respecting other viewpoints
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Release date : March 19, 2013
- Genre : First-Person Shooter
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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