Game: Cartoon Survivor
Genre: Action
System: Steam (Windows)
Developer | Publisher: Spunge Games Pty Ltd
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Playable
Price: US $3.99 | UK £3.39 | EU € 3,99
Release Date: July 3rd, 2025
A review code was provided, many thanks to Spunge Games.
Cartoon Survivor – An Explosive Throwback to Endless Runners
If you’ve got fond memories of Temple Run or Jetpack Joyride, then Cartoon Survivor is a quick trip back to that golden age of mobile-inspired chaos, but this time on PC. This endless runner throws in dinosaurs, dynamite, a squeaky dodo, and enough paper-cut charm to make your inner child smile. It’s not perfect and still feels a bit like Early Access, but for a few quid, it delivers exactly what it promises: silly, frantic fun in short bursts.
Dead Like a Dodo
You play as a panicked dodo with a stick of dynamite lodged in their back, and only seconds to live unless you can run, jump, and glide your way through each level before you explode. The setup is absurd, and that’s entirely the point. There’s barely a story, but it doesn’t matter. The charm is in the execution: goofy animations, dramatic squeals, and a prehistoric world full of lava pits, dinosaurs, and chaotic timing. The dodo’s personality really shines, from their panicked honks to their death-defying stunts.
Papercraft Perfection
What really makes Cartoon Survivor pop is its fantastic papercraft art style. The entire world looks like it’s made from folded construction paper; characters, enemies, even the trees. It’s colourful, clever, and different in a market flooded with pixel art or generic 3D models. The design feels fresh and approachable, making it a great pick for all ages, even for parents who might get inspired to break out the glue and scissors with their kids.
Run, Jump, Glide, Repeat
The current DLC includes the first two worlds, each with a prehistoric theme and several levels. Controls are simple and intuitive. You build up speed automatically, then steer left or right, jump, and glide. Some hazards just slow you down, like getting bonked by a dinosaur or splashing through water. Others, like falling into lava, are instant death.
But because levels are short, failure isn’t frustrating. You’ll respawn quickly and often find yourself chasing a better run right away. And with three trophies to collect in each level, the incentive to replay is strong. Nail every trophy in the world, and you unlock dodo upgrades. There’s also a ton of coins to gather, which you can spend on new costumes and hats, which add perks like smashing through breakable walls to find secret paths.
Earning Stars Feels Odd
The difficulty is nicely balanced for most players, tough enough to feel rewarding but never overwhelming. However, the star-rating system tied to difficulty feels counterintuitive. You only earn one star for completing a level on “Easy”, even if you finish it in record time. Ideally, difficulty and performance would be judged separately, so players could earn full stars by finishing under a time threshold regardless of setting. As is, it discourages experimenting with easier modes.
Still Hatching
The main disappointment is that only two worlds are available at launch. With five total planned, Cartoon Survivor doesn’t quite feel finished. It’s more of a live-service drip than a full package, though to its credit, there are no microtransactions. What you see is what you get. And better yet, the first three levels are completely free to try.
Conclusion – On the Right Track
Cartoon Survivor is a charming, low-stakes, high-energy throwback to the endless runners of yesteryear. It’s silly, addictive, and bursting with creativity. There’s room for polish and more content, but what’s here is already a great time, especially if you’re looking for a game to fill 10-minute breaks with dodo-fuelled chaos.
Final Verdict: I like it
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