Dave the Diver Review

A Delightful Mix of Roguelike Spearfishing Exploration and Time Management Sushi Restaurant Simulator

Developer Mintrocket has crafted a delightful experience that effortlessly combines roguelike spearfishing exploration with a time management sushi restaurant simulator. Dave the Diver offers a constant stream of new ideas, mechanics, and surprises that keep the game fresh and entertaining from beginning to end.

Simple aiming and shooting gameplay provide depth and variety while upgrading equipment grants progression and new challenges. Add in seahorse racing, gambling, and rhythm games, and you’ve got one of 2023’s best surprise hits.

Gameplay

Dave the Diver is a delightful experience that expertly mixes roguelike spearfishing exploration and time management sushi restaurant sims into one of this year’s best games. The game’s two main gameplay loops of diving and managing the bar work together with a constant onslaught of new ideas and activities that keep it feeling fresh.

During dives, players explore a huge variety of environments populated by a fascinating array of sea creatures. A pixel art aesthetic showcases the gorgeous underwater locales, and the simple aiming and shooting gameplay feel satisfying and engaging. Upgrades for Dave’s equipment (wetsuit, oxygen tank, speargun, and storage crate) give the player access to a deeper diving range, faster speed, and more damage potential.

There are also a large number of other side missions and activities that keep the action interesting, such as photographing wildlife, halting the spread of invasive species, building new weapons, cataloguing discoveries, and more. These additional activities, along with the more in-depth story, push the action forward and balance environmental concerns with lighthearted fun.

Graphics

Dave the Diver is a game that tries very hard to be many things. Its roguelike spearfishing exploration, sushi restaurant simulation, and story with its cast of quirky characters all work together to create a deeply satisfying experience.

From the start, players can tell that this is a game made by people who really care about their craft. Its pixel aesthetic and charming lo-fi audio accentuate every aspect of the gameplay. The sound of firing a weapon underwater or the gratifying chime when completing a service all help to make the experience feel authentic and organic.

There’s a lot to do in this tiny package, and players will find themselves returning day after day to explore new underwater spots, battle vicious nocturnal creatures, or research more ingredients for their sushi restaurant. Even when playing on autopilot, Dave the Diver never feels repetitive, thanks to its frequent additions of supplemental minigames and events. It’s a rare treat to come across such an intelligent, playful game.

Soundtrack

Dave the Diver is a delightful experience that combines roguelike spearfishing exploration and a time management sushi restaurant simulator into one of this year’s most joyful games. The pixel art design is charming, with a light mood that’s complemented by the game’s soundtrack and a bunch of quirky voice acting that features some funny guffaws and noises.

The gameplay loop is fun and tight, with a well-balanced progression system that rewards players for every dive. In addition to fish, you can find new equipment upgrades, weapon blueprints, bracelets that give you passive boosts, and more. The game also offers a handful of small gameplay-driven activities, like fishing tournaments and sea horse races, that add to the overall merriment and depth.

But it’s the cast of characters and the main story that really make this a delight to play. From your dodgy arms-dealing boss to the merpeople you meet on your way, there’s an entertaining story that balances environmental concerns with lighthearted fun.

Story

The core gameplay loop in Dave the Diver is a delightful and compelling experience. The day-night cycle of diving in the Blue Hole, managing the sushi restaurant, and completing story missions is fun and addictive. Using harpoons, guns, and nets to collect sushi ingredients in the ocean is engaging thanks to simple aiming and shooting, equipment upgrades that feel meaningful, and an excellent sense of progression.

Dave the Diver is one of the most fascinating games this year in how it constantly expands and deepens its gameplay. From scripted underwater missions to otaku arms dealers and a seahorse race, there’s always something new to do.

In a game industry that seems to love nothing more than forcing players to wait for updates, Dave the Diver is a breath of fresh air. It’s a lighthearted and charming story that keeps players engaged with its engaging gameplay and surprising moments. It’s a rare gem that deserves your time.