Dave the Diver Review – A Tasty Dose of Vitamin Sea

Dave the Diver for PC

For fairly a while now, I’ve been in search of an excellent ole’ traditional slice-of-life recreation with a considerably linear storyline. I’ve already had my fill with the likes of farming simulators and wished one thing recent that didn’t essentially contain the restoration of my grandfather’s previous enterprise. Then, out comes Dave the Diver, which in the end looks 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. Nonetheless, regardless of the character’s 2D design, the panorama takes a distinct form via its 3D setting, altering the dynamic of the general artwork type. You’ll meet Dave, who usually will get a double look on account 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 accumulate fish for Bancho’s restaurant throughout the day, accumulating the chef’s stock for the night time. Whereas it might seem to be there isn’t a lot to do within the sea, there’s really an entire world down within the Blue Gap that is stuffed with life and wonders. Every fish provides a distinct problem each time, the place you’ll must strategize your actions with the intention to carry 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 giant squids. One among my favourite options with these “enemies” is their discoverable weaknesses, an idea usually uncared for in newer video games. Specifically, as a substitute of hitting an opponent again and again, gamers might want to analyze their foe first to search out out what level of influence works one of the best.

Typically, you’ll want to make use of bombs to tear off the outer shell of a creature, and different instances you must 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.

Picture Supply: MINTROCKET through Twinfinite

Then again, it’s not all about gathering fish, as facet quests and foremost missions present various 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 virtually really feel infinite. And, provided that Dave the Diver is comparatively low in value, it definitely looks like a steal with how a lot it has to supply.

Though the ocean could be terrifying to discover, the sushi restaurant makes all of it value it as you make the most of the assets you’ve collected for the ever-changing menu. I firmly consider that this makes Dave the Diver a singular title because it genuinely makes you are feeling like you might be driving the story via your actions. As an example, in the event you seize a Frilled Shark, then Bancho will serve that very same critter that night time, giving extra which means to your ocean adventures.

Contemplating that I’ve labored in a restaurant for half a decade, I wished to see if Dave the Diver might seize the stress and thrill of this specific work type. Fortuitously, 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 maintain you in your toes as clients come pouring into the institution.

Bansho's Restaurant in Dave the Diver
Picture Supply: MINTROCKET through Twinfinite

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 workers to assist him along with his setbacks. Primarily, you’ll pour drinks for the patrons and clear up soiled tables, however you’ll be able to at all times assist by taking out meals and making ready wasabi. Gamers may also have full management over the menu and should determine which dishes make the reduce for the night time.

As you could anticipate, uncommon and larger fish carry out extra flavors within the recipes, and you may improve them over time to extend your reputation on the Cooksta app. However, on some events, particular creatures will supply extra revenue, whether or not 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; subsequently, you should dabble in time administration to get higher outcomes.

Apart from the restaurant and diving exploration, Dave the Diver options many RPG mechanics, similar to unlocking talents, 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 one of the best tools for Dave, or else you could find yourself with a dreadful ‘Sport Over’ display screen. Nonetheless, as somebody who isn’t the best with RPGs, it was simple to know, and I used to be in a position to construct an acceptable outfit set for his extra harmful endeavors.

To not say that I didn’t battle with fight as a result of I completely did, particularly whenever 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’ll 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 proper location. Fortunately, you’ll be able to unlock a tracker to help you with this later down the road, in which you’ll be able to pinpoint a fish’s precise vacation spot.

After all, we will’t overlook in regards to 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 approach. 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 following, 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 carry much more to the desk, together with a completely purposeful cellphone, fish farming, and enjoyable minigames. However, if you wish to expertise it in its entirety, you’ll must swim your approach to Steam to get this absolute gem of a recreation. I do know I’m already hooked in, and it’s rapidly turn into top-of-the-line titles I’ve performed this 12 months.

Twinfinite Editors Choice Award
Dave the Diver Critic Review

Reviewer: Kristina Ebanez | Award: Editor’s Selection | 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 typically be tough to maneuver throughout fight

Launch Date
June 28, 2023

Developer
MINTROCKET

Writer
MINTROCKET

Consoles
PC

In regards to the writer

Kristina is a Freelance Author and has been with Twinfinite for one 12 months. She usually covers Minecraft, The Sims 4, Disney Dreamlight Valley, anime, Name of Responsibility, and newly launched video games. She loves the Metallic Gear Strong collection (Snake Eater particularly), Rockstar’s Bully, the Horizon franchise, What Stays of Edith Finch, and lots of extra. Her canine can be an avid online game watcher, primarily when there is a horse or a cat. She has a Bachelor’s diploma in English from the College of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and grew up gaming on the islands.

Comments are closed.