Dave the Diver is an absolute gem that masterfully blends exploration, management, and combat into one captivating experience. Released on June 28, 2023, this indie title is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation, where it’s also featured on PSPlus, making it easily accessible to a wide audience.
Gameplay: A Dual Experience
In Dave the Diver, you step into the flippers of Dave, a lovable diver who splits his time between deep-sea exploration and running a sushi restaurant. This dual gameplay mechanic is where the game truly shines, reminiscent of the blend found in Moonlighter (which I reviewed in a previous blog a few years ago. You can read it here if you’re unfamiliar with the game), where players alternate between dungeon crawling and shopkeeping. During the day, you dive into the vibrant underwater world, collecting fish and rare treasures while facing off against various sea creatures. At night, you manage your sushi restaurant, crafting dishes and ensuring your customers are satisfied. Various story quests help you through the game and ensure that it never feels repetitive. But these two elements are all to the game. There are also other things to do besides including catching all the fish in the form of trading cards (definitely not a Pokemon reference) and performing environmental tasks such as keeping fish populations in check and gathering a certain number of underwater plants or other sea creatures such as starfish.
Exploration: The Deep Blue Wonder
The underwater exploration in Dave the Diver is nothing short of breathtaking. The ocean depths are teeming with life, and each dive is a new adventure, filled with surprises, challenges, and rewards as the ocean geography changes with each dive. The game’s pixel art is stunning, capturing the beauty and mystery of the ocean in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The thrill of discovery, coupled with the occasional tension of facing dangerous creatures, keeps the gameplay exciting and unpredictable. You may find some fish too difficult to catch, to begin with, but once you earn some money and upgrade your gear, including dive suit, storage capacity, and harpoon, you’ll soon find yourself tackling larger and more exotic fish and coming out with something new to feed your customers.
Restaurant Management: From Sea to Sushi
When the sun sets, Dave’s role shifts to that of a sushi bar manager. This aspect of the game is as engaging as the exploration, offering a strategic yet creative experience. You’ll curate your menu, manage resources, and serve up dishes that will keep your clientele coming back for more. At times the flow of customers can be a bit daunting, but when you reach the level where you’re able to hire both wait and kitchen staff, the pressure eases some, but that doesn’t mean the challenge goes away entirely. The balance between these two gameplay elements is masterfully handled, ensuring that neither aspect feels neglected.
Characters and Storytelling: A World Full of Charm
The game’s charm lies in its character-driven storytelling and attention to detail. The quirky cast of characters you meet along the way, from eccentric chefs to mysterious customers, adds layers of humour and heart to the experience. These interactions enrich the narrative, making the world of Dave the Diver feel lived-in and vibrant.
Sound and Visuals: A Feast for the Senses
Visually, Dave the Diver is a treat. The pixel art brings the underwater world to life with vibrant colours and intricate details, while the restaurant scenes are equally well-crafted. The ability to upgrade your restaurant to different visuals, although this does nothing to forward the game per se, means that the sushi restaurant can be your own and unlike anyone else’s. The soundtrack complements the gameplay perfectly, enhancing both the serene underwater exploration and the bustling energy of the sushi bar.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Dave the Diver is a 10/10 experience that deserves a spot in your game library. Whether you’re a fan of Moonlighter or new to this style of gameplay, you’ll find something to love in this charming, well-crafted game. The combination of deep-sea exploration and restaurant management offers a unique and rewarding experience that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Plus, with its current availability on PSPlus, there’s no reason not to dive in and experience this underwater adventure for yourself.
Gareth Ellis - Author 