Desktop Survivors 98 is a fun and fast action game that will be released on May 20, 2025. It is made and published by Brandon Hesslau. The game is a mix of roguelite dungeon crawling and bullet hell combat, and it plays directly on your computer desktop screen. This means enemies, attacks, and upgrades appear on top of whatever you are doing on your PC. You use your mouse cursor as the main character to fight enemies, collect weapons, and survive for as long as you can.
This game is made for people who like fast action, retro computer graphics, and quick, challenging rounds. It is a single-player game and can be played with Xbox controllers.
Desktop Survivors 98 Age Rating
As of now, Desktop Survivors 98 has not received an official ESRB or PEGI rating. However, based on the gameplay and content, this game may not be suitable for children under 12 years old.
It is likely to be rated:
- ESRB (USA): T for Teen (13+) – expected
- PEGI (Europe): PEGI 12 – expected
These are guesses, not official ratings.
Why This Game May Not Be Suitable for Kids Under 12
Even though the game has a fun and colorful look, it includes:
- Violence: The game is full of fast enemy attacks, explosions, and shooting effects. You will fight large waves of enemies in a bullet hell style, which might feel too intense for younger kids.
- Scary or intense moments: Some scenes get very chaotic, with lots of enemies on screen, and may feel scary or overwhelming for younger players.
- Mild cartoon-style violence: Although there is no blood, the fighting and non-stop attacks may not be good for very young players.
- Stressful gameplay: The game is fast, and players need to react quickly. This may cause stress or frustration in kids who are not used to fast-paced games.
There is no swearing, no sexual content, no blood, and no online chat or multiplayer, which makes it safer than many teen-rated games. But still, it’s better suited for older kids, teens, and adults.
What Parents Should Know
- No Real People or Characters: The hero is your mouse cursor, not a person or animal.
- Retro Computer Style: The game looks like it came from an old Windows 98 computer, which may seem confusing or strange to some younger players.
- Quick Play Rounds: The game has short battles, so it’s easy to take a break when needed.
- No Storyline: The game focuses on survival and action, not on telling a deep or emotional story.
- No Bad Language: There are no curse words in the game (at least in the current demo).
- No In-Game Purchases or Online Play: The game is offline and has no microtransactions or multiplayer options.
Gameplay
In Desktop Survivors’ 98, your job is to fight endless waves of enemies using your mouse cursor as your hero. You can pick up new weapons, level up, and survive for as long as you can. The game is played on top of your desktop, so enemies will move over your files, browser, or any open apps, making it feel very unique.
The more you play, the more you upgrade your weapons and skills, and the harder it becomes. Each battle is different because rooms are randomly generated.
System Requirements (PC)
Minimum
- OS: Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics or better
- Storage: 400 MB
Recommended
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel i3 or better
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: GTX 660 or better
- Storage: 400 MB
Final Thoughts
Brandon Hesslau‘s Desktop Survivors 98 is a creative and exciting game that feels very different from regular games. It is fast, fun, and full of action. But it is not made for small children. Kids under 12 may find it too difficult or intense, and parents should check the gameplay before allowing younger kids to try it.
If your child is a teen or a mature older kid who enjoys fast-paced games and retro visuals, they may have a great time. But make sure they are ready for intense battles and quick reactions!
Q1: What is Desktop Survivors 98 about?
A: It’s a roguelite action game where your mouse cursor fights enemies directly on your desktop screen. You battle waves of enemies, collect weapons, and survive as long as you can.
Q2: Is Desktop Survivors 98 safe for kids?
A: It may not be safe for kids under 12. It has intense action and cartoon-style violence that can be too much for younger children.
Q3: Does the game have blood or strong language?
A: No, there is no blood or swearing in the game. The violence is mild and cartoon-like.
Q4: Can children under 12 play this game?
A: It’s not recommended. The game is fast, intense, and has scary or stressful parts that may not be good for younger kids.
Q5: Is there an official age rating for this game?
A: Not yet. But based on its content, it may receive a T for Teen (13+) or PEGI 12 rating in the future.
Q6: Does Desktop Survivors 98 have online play or chat?
A: No, it is a single-player game with no multiplayer, no chat, and no online features.
Q7: When will Desktop Survivors 98 be released?
A: The game is set to release on May 20, 2025.
