Over the Fourth of July weekend I had the opportunity to borrow a Steamdeck, seeing as how I very rarely get the chance to review Steam games, a very special one just serendipitously happened to have just been released, that game is “Dave The Diver.” It’s a captivating video game that combines various genres seamlessly, offering me a plethora of quirky fun things to do and explore in this immersive experience. Developed by Mintrocket, this undersea adventure introduces us to Dave, a lovable overweight character who not only enjoys the art of fishing but also has a knack for devouring his catches. As Dave embarks on a new adventure managing a sushi restaurant, the excitement doesn’t stop there as you’ll be diving in the enigmatic depths of the Blue Hole, where you will encounter a lot of wacky stuff.
The game masterfully blends role-playing, action-adventure, and management simulation elements, providing a rich and diverse gameplay experience that kept me addicted for far longer than I was expecting during my gaming sessions. As you dive into the depths, your primary objective is to complete tasks and collect the necessary fish before your air supply runs out. Of course, navigating these waters is not without its perils. If you encounter an aggressive adversary like a shark or even stinging jellyfish you could suffer an injury, and your air supply rapidly will diminish much faster, which can at times heighten the tension. If your air runs out completely, a rescue operation ensues, though you’ll lose the majority of your hard-earned loot, except for one single item. Although these tense moments can be few and far between, this game mostly can be a pretty relaxing and tranquil experience.
Armed with a knife and a harpoon, you embark on the exhilarating task of catching fish, but as the game progresses, you unlock a variety of unconventional tools, such as a shotgun (which may not be the most practical choice for catching fish you wish to serve in your sushi restaurant) that proves to be invaluable when facing more formidable foes that are a bit higher on the food chain than yourself. Beyond just diving for fish, “Dave The Diver” offers a range of engaging tasks and favors to undertake, such as exploring uncharted areas for research purposes or uncovering rare and mysterious items. The game doesn’t shy away from incorporating wacky side missions, featuring an assortment of entertaining characters with nonsensical storylines that further immersed me in the game’s lighthearted and whimsical world. I was surprised at how much I caught myself laughing. The graphics employ a beautiful and detailed pixel art style, effortlessly working hand in hand with its silly tone as well as encapsulating the vibrant colors of the ocean depths and the welcoming ambiance of your sushi restaurant. Moreover, the game’s cutscenes consistently deliver moments of hilarity, injecting a bizarre, but delightful sense of humor that never fails to bring a smile to your face.
Diving around isn’t the only kind of gameplay experience here, Dave’s trusty smartphone comes equipped with an in-game app called “Cooksta.” This app allows you to monitor the popularity of your restaurant and unlock valuable upgrades, providing a sense of progression and adding depth to the management aspect of the game. During open hours at the sushi restaurant, you’ll find yourself hustling to fulfill customer needs, ensuring orders are delivered promptly and drinks are being refilled—a satisfying and dynamic element that keeps you on your toes. It’s fun enough and not nearly as stressful as something like the game “Overcooked.” The story will also take you on some random zany adventures that will completely change up the gameplay style of the game, even if it’s just for this segment only and never to be seen again later. It’s pretty impressive to see how much random stuff Mintrocket decided to throw at the wall only to find out that so much of it stuck, a lot of what they pulled off here really worked.
While some may find the boss fights to be on the easier side, their extravagant and imaginative scenarios make up for the lack of challenge. Discovering the inventive strategies required to conquer these encounters proved to be just enough of a satisfying accomplishment and keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. “Dave The Diver” excels in providing a relaxing and enjoyable gaming experience. Its predominantly laid-back gameplay makes it an ideal choice for those seeking to unwind and immerse themselves in a captivating virtual world. Be warned, though, as the game’s addictive nature can easily cause hours to slip away unnoticed, leaving you happily lost in its depths. Considering the game’s extensive content and potential playtime of twenty to thirty hours, the affordable price tag of twenty bucks offers exceptional value of your money and makes this choice a no-brainer. “Dave The Diver” pleasantly surprised me, swiftly becoming one of my favorite games of the year. Its irresistible charm, addictive gameplay, and clever combination of genres make it a standout title that I wholeheartedly recommend. The handheld experience made this title even that much more of an addiction. I’m sad to no longer have a Steamdeck to play this on for myself. Although, it does appear this game will be coming to the Nintendo Switch in the near future, and you can bet I’ll be playing it even more there. So, dive in and prepare to be swept off your feet by Dave’s delightful undersea adventure.
9/10
Dave the Diver is available for PC via Steam.
Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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