Dave the Diver for PC
For fairly a while now, I’ve been searching for a superb ole’ traditional slice-of-life sport with a considerably linear storyline. I’ve already had my fill with the likes of farming simulators and needed one thing recent that didn’t essentially contain the restoration of my grandfather’s outdated enterprise. Then, out comes Dave the Diver, which finally appears like two video games rolled into one, as you tackle the position of a diver by day and assist run a sushi restaurant by night time.
The primary time I dove into the watery world of Dave the Diver, I used to be immediately hooked by its whimsical dialogue, vibrant 2D graphics, and addicting gameplay. Nevertheless, regardless of the character’s 2D design, the panorama takes a distinct form via its 3D surroundings, altering the dynamic of the general artwork model. You’ll meet Dave, who typically will get a double look as a consequence of his big-boned look, however he by no means lets the insults get to him and continues taking down the ocean’s most fearsome creatures.
As a diver, gamers should acquire fish for Bancho’s restaurant throughout the day, accumulating the chef’s stock for the night time. Whereas it could appear to be there isn’t a lot to do within the sea, there’s truly a complete world down within the Blue Gap that is filled with life and wonders. Every fish gives a distinct problem each time, the place you’ll must strategize your actions with a view to convey them down efficiently.
Even the smallest critters can show troublesome as they attempt to deplete your oxygen ranges, and it will get a lot worse with extra sizable creatures within the depths, from sharks to massive squids. One among my favourite options with these “enemies” is their discoverable weaknesses, an idea typically uncared for in newer video games. Particularly, as an alternative of hitting an opponent again and again, gamers might want to analyze their foe first to search out out what level of impression works the most effective.
Typically, you’ll want to make use of bombs to tear off the outer shell of a creature, and different occasions it’s important to put them to sleep to seize them alive. In return, each boss feels totally different from the final, and it’s refreshing to see quite a lot of battles to finish with every passing chapter.
![Dave the Diver Diving Gameplay](https://twinfinite.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image12.jpg?resize=1000%2C563)
However, it’s not all about accumulating fish, as facet quests and major missions present different aims with out utilizing a single weapon. It may be so simple as grabbing coral from the ocean’s deep trenches or asking Bancho to create a particular dish for a VIP buyer. Much more so, there are many these duties and storylines to go round, making the gameplay nearly really feel infinite. And, provided that Dave the Diver is comparatively low in value, it definitely appears like a steal with how a lot it has to supply.
Though the ocean might be terrifying to discover, the sushi restaurant makes all of it value it as you make the most of the sources you’ve collected for the ever-changing menu. I firmly imagine that this makes Dave the Diver a singular title because it genuinely makes you’re feeling like you might be driving the story via your actions. For example, when you seize a Frilled Shark, then Bancho will serve that very same critter that night time, giving extra that means to your ocean adventures.
Contemplating that I’ve labored in a restaurant for half a decade, I needed to see if Dave the Diver might seize the stress and thrill of this explicit work model. Thankfully, the sport proved profitable on this feat, making me really feel the identical stress I felt throughout these chaotic rushes (in a great way.) The gameplay of Bancho’s restaurant is extremely fast-paced and can hold you in your toes as prospects come pouring into the institution.
![Bansho's Restaurant in Dave the Diver](https://twinfinite.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image13.jpg?resize=1000%2C563)
Even when Dave is a speedy beast within the waters, he can’t stroll as quick on land, so that you’ll want to rent a employees to assist him along with his setbacks. Primarily, you’ll pour drinks for the patrons and clear up soiled tables, however you may all the time assist by taking out meals and getting ready wasabi. Gamers may even have full management over the menu and should determine which dishes make the reduce for the night time.
As you might count on, uncommon and greater fish convey out extra flavors within the recipes, and you may improve them over time to extend your recognition on the Cooksta app. Nonetheless, on some events, particular creatures will supply extra revenue, whether or not it’s a party-themed night time or a VIP buyer that enlists a specific dish. These occasions are sometimes set for a small length; due to this fact, you could dabble in time administration to get higher outcomes.
Moreover the restaurant and diving exploration, Dave the Diver options many RPG mechanics, corresponding to unlocking skills, leveling up the gear assortment, and crafting instruments. If you wish to make it additional within the story, it’s as much as you to assign the most effective gear for Dave, or else you might find yourself with a dreadful ‘Sport Over’ display. Nevertheless, as somebody who isn’t the best with RPGs, it was simple to understand, and I used to be capable of construct an appropriate outfit set for his extra harmful endeavors.
To not say that I didn’t wrestle with fight as a result of I completely did, particularly while you go toe-to-toe with the Moray Eel and Truck Hermit Crab. But, it wasn’t sufficient to make me shut out the sport, and it was extra alongside the traces of “Tomorrow, you may be mine, you fishy beast!” The one factor I’ll say is that I want there have been some type of a map since it may be overwhelming to search out the precise location. Fortunately, you may unlock a tracker to help you with this later down the road, in which you’ll be able to pinpoint a fish’s actual vacation spot.
After all, we will’t neglect concerning the characters of Dave the Diver, every with their very own quirky persona and story. I like seeing the interplay between Dave and Bancho, primarily the refined icon of the chef giving the primary protagonist a thumbs-up each time you ship fish his means. The cutscenes are additionally very entertaining, contemplating how weird and humorous they are often. One minute, you’ll be dancing the night time away at an idol live performance with Duff, then the subsequent, you’ll catch ’em all with the Ash Ketchum-inspired Sato.
With so many parts of Dave the Diver, I really feel like I’ve solely scratched the floor since many different ideas convey much more to the desk, together with a completely practical cellphone, fish farming, and enjoyable minigames. However, if you wish to expertise it in its entirety, you’ll need to swim your technique to Steam to get this absolute gem of a sport. I do know I’m already hooked in, and it’s rapidly turn out to be among the best titles I’ve performed this 12 months.
![Dave the Diver Critic Review](https://twinfinite.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/capsule_616x3531.webp?fit=1200%2C675&w=1000)
Reviewer: Kristina Ebanez | Award: Editor’s Alternative | Copy offered by Writer.
Execs
- Two totally different gameplay types
- Colourful art work
- Entertaining forged
- Enjoyable to play from begin to end
Cons
- Wants a map system
- Can generally be tough to maneuver throughout fight
Launch Date
June 28, 2023
Developer
MINTROCKET
Writer
MINTROCKET
Consoles
PC