DAVE THE DIVER is a game that you could easily overlook. Thanks to its pixelated finish, tongue-in-cheek plot, and understated release, you may have missed it. However, if you have, you’ll miss out on a not-so-hidden gem of a game. This exceptional indie title had me hooked immediately. Thanks to its addictive gameplay, funny characters, and multi-layered approach, I couldn’t put it down.
Developed and published by MINTROCKET, this is an adventure RPG. Moreover, there is a restaurant to run, plenty of quests to complete, and lots of secrets to discover. As such, this is one game that is jam-packed with content as the surprises keep coming. Whether you are diving in the deep or helping out your land-loving friends, there is always something to do.
DAVE THE DIVER tells a silly and unbelievable story.
DAVE THE DIVER has an absurd but magical story. As such, you must take every moment with a pinch of salt. Yet, it’s the remarkably OTT nature of the gameplay that gets under your skin. Whether it is the social media-obsessed youngsters, the scientist who wishes to discover a lost society or the egomaniac who pretends to be an environmentalist, they must all be treated with kid gloves. Accordingly, you’ll interact with colourful characters as you try to complete every task at hand.
You are Dave, a fun-loving diver who doesn’t match the normal description. This overweight individual isn’t charming, nor does he fill you with confidence. Instead, this down-to-earth individual loves to help people while spending his time in the ocean. What’s more, he is happy to help the local sushi restaurant thrive. As such, he spends most of his time fishing in the “Blue Hole” and searching for special ingredients.
Get your wetsuit and dive right in.
I loved how direct DAVE THE DIVER was. Within moments, you are chucked in at the deep end. Subsequently, you begin the game with limited resources and even more limited equipment. However, pretty soon, you can afford to upgrade your gear as you plan to dive further into the abyss. Alongside this, the more you progress, the tougher each mission becomes. Whether you are asked to gather specific ingredients or explore certain locations, you must be prepared, or be prepared to die.
The action focuses on a few key elements. When you are out and about, you have limited opportunities within the water. At first, you may only spend the morning and afternoon diving. Yet, this expands to nighttime endeavours where the risks increase vastly. During each expedition, you must hunt for fish, pick up resources, and find special ingredients. Your backpack can only take a limited weight, and every movement uses valuable oxygen. What’s more, every hit from a predatory creature depletes your O2 further still.
Alongside this, you can only dive to a certain depth and you must improve your wetsuit to go further. Then you must also consider further technology the deeper you go. Additionally, there are bigger and more aggressive predators lurking in the dark. As such, you’ll need to improve your weapons and your harpoon if you are to survive.
Life on land is equally hectic.
Once your time in the water is up, you must head to the restaurant to help out. This short but hectic element is a phenomenal break away from the ocean. Here, you must decide what to serve, who to hire, and which dish to improve. However, not every dish is available and, depending on what you have caught, you may impress your clientele or disappoint them.
By choosing the right menu, you’ll increase your profit margin and use any fish you have in stock. Consequently, any money you make can be reinvested in the restaurant or your diving gear. Therefore, it is essential to have a thriving business if you wish to explore the depths of the “Blue Hole”.
Most of your customers are faceless individuals that want a nice meal. Yet, occasionally, you must impress an old foe or a famous chef. When this happens, you must catch the finest ingredients from the ocean to appease their strange tastes. This is easier said than done. Moreover, if you miss the window of opportunity, your social media status can be badly impacted. Therefore, you must balance your everyday customers with the VIPs.
Perfectly balanced gameplay.
Where DAVE THE DIVER excels is its fantastically balanced gameplay. The constant dripping of new elements and mechanics was fantastic. Accordingly, you never had the chance to be bored. What’s more, the world expands at an alarming rate. Thanks to the development of new weapons and the vast rewards for completing side quests, you were always able to keep up.
Alongside this, you were under little pressure to progress the story. Therefore, you can focus on appeasing the VIPs and building up your stock of fish if you so wish. Alternatively, if you are feeling brave, you can enjoy the evolving story, even if your gear is barely up to the task. Either way, the action is just as enjoyable and you are free to put the brakes on whenever you choose.
DAVE THE DIVER is a pixelated dream.
Pixelated games are two a penny. However, occasionally, you come across one that makes you smile from ear to ear. DAVE THE DIVER is one of these games! Thanks to its colourful world, amazing cutscenes, and interesting characters, it is wonderful to look at. On top of this, the varied regions and incredible creatures prevent this from becoming tiresome. Furthermore, some wonderful secrets keep you on the edge of your seat. Subsequently, this is a pixelated dream that has depth while looking amazing at the same time.
The soundscape complements the beauty and madness of this incredible game. DAVE THE DIVER has a fantastic soundtrack that adds drama and danger to every dive. Moreover, I loved the flamboyant cinematic and the basic noises that replicate each layer of dialogue. Alongside this, the sound effects were great, and it was hard not to crack a smile.
A Steam Deck classic.
Whether you are playing on PC or Steam Deck, it mattered not. The control system was flawless thanks to its amazing layout, straightforward tutorial, and responsive inputs. Within moments, you’ll know the basic controls and you’ll be enjoying the deep blue sea. However, the game evolves nicely as you learn new skills and upgrade your equipment. Alongside this, the restaurant layer will test your patience and your ability to think methodically.
I spent hours on end playing this title. The addictive action and laid-back approach ensure that it is tough to put down but never overbearing. What’s more, the game has so much content that you never know what’s on the horizon. Additionally, there are so many creatures to hunt and a vast arsenal of equipment to upgrade and buy. Subsequently, you can try different methods to catch any fish or shark that takes your fancy.
DAVE THE DIVER is a gem of an indie title.
From the opening gambit, I knew this would be a special game. Yet, it was the sheer layers of complexity and the never-ending content that took me by surprise. Furthermore, the story is a wonderful blend of parody and tongue-in-cheek humour. As such, this will make you chuckle even though every mission can be demanding of your time and attention. If you want a brilliantly casual title that is amusing and addictive, then look no further. Accordingly, I adored DAVE THE DIVER and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you solve the mysteries hidden in the Blue Hole? Upgrade your equipment, dive deeper, and catch as much fish as you can carry.
