Dave the Diver Review - A Tasty Dose of Vitamin Sea

Dave the Diver for PC

For fairly a while now, I’ve been on the lookout for a great ole’ basic 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of farming simulators and wished one thing recent that didn’t essentially contain the restoration of my grandfather’s outdated enterprise. Then, out comes Dave the Diver, which in the end appears like two video games rolled into one, as you tackle the position of a diver by day and assist run a sushi restaurant by evening.

The first 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. However, regardless of the character’s 2D design, the panorama takes a unique form by its 3D atmosphere, altering the dynamic of the general artwork type. You’ll meet Dave, who typically will get a double look because of his large-boned look, however he by no means lets the insults get to him and continues taking down the sea’s most fearsome creatures.

As a diver, gamers should gather fish for Bancho’s restaurant throughout the day, accumulating the chef’s stock for the evening. While it could look like there isn’t a lot to do in the sea, there’s truly an entire world down in the Blue Hole that’s full of life and wonders. Each fish provides a unique problem each time, the place you’ll must strategize your actions to be able 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 in the depths, from sharks to large squids. One of my favourite options with these “enemies” is their discoverable weaknesses, an idea typically uncared for in newer video games. In specific, 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 impression works the greatest.

Sometimes, you’ll want to make use of bombs to tear off the outer shell of a creature, and different occasions it’s a must to put them to sleep to seize them alive. In return, each boss feels totally different from the final, and it’s refreshing to see a spread of battles to finish with every passing chapter.

Dave the Diver Diving Gameplay — Image Source: MINTROCKET by way of Twinfinite

On the different hand, it’s not all about gathering fish, as facet quests and important missions present various aims with out utilizing a single weapon. It could be so simple as grabbing coral from the ocean’s deep trenches or asking Bancho to create a particular dish for a VIP buyer. Even extra so, there are lots of 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 appears like a steal with how a lot it has to supply.

Although the sea could be terrifying to discover, the sushi restaurant makes all of it value it as you make the most of the sources you’ve collected for the ever-altering menu. I firmly imagine that this makes Dave the Diver a novel title because it genuinely makes you’re feeling like you might be driving the story by your actions. For occasion, should you seize a Frilled Shark, then Bancho will serve that very same critter that evening, giving extra which means to your ocean adventures.

Considering 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. Fortunately, the recreation 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 quick-paced and can preserve you in your toes as prospects come pouring into the institution.

Bansho's Restaurant in Dave the Diver — Image Source: MINTROCKET by way of Twinfinite

Even if Dave is a speedy beast in the waters, he can’t stroll as quick on land, so that you’ll want to rent a employees to assist him along with his setbacks. Mainly, 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 getting ready wasabi. Players may also have full management over the menu and should determine which dishes make the minimize for the evening.

As chances are you’ll anticipate, uncommon and larger fish carry out extra flavors in the recipes, and you’ll improve them over time to extend your recognition on the Cooksta app. Nevertheless, on some events, particular creatures will provide extra revenue, whether or not or not it’s a celebration-themed evening or a VIP buyer that enlists a selected dish. These occasions are sometimes set for a small length; due to this fact, you need to dabble in time administration to get higher outcomes.

Besides the restaurant and diving exploration, Dave the Diver options many RPG mechanics, resembling unlocking skills, leveling up the gear assortment, and crafting instruments. If you need to make it additional in the story, it’s as much as you to assign the greatest gear for Dave, or else chances are you’ll find yourself with a dreadful ‘Game Over’ display. However, as somebody who isn’t the biggest with RPGs, it was simple to understand, and I used to be in a position to construct an appropriate outfit set for his extra harmful endeavors.

Not to say that I didn’t wrestle with fight as a result of I completely did, particularly while you go toe-to-toe with the Moray Eel and Truck Hermit Crab. Yet, it wasn’t sufficient to make me shut out the recreation, and it was extra alongside the strains of “Tomorrow, you will be mine, you fishy beast!” The solely factor I’ll say is that I want there have been some kind of a map since it may be overwhelming to search out the proper location. Luckily, you’ll be able to unlock a tracker to help you with this later down the line, in which you’ll pinpoint a fish’s precise vacation spot.

Of course, we will’t neglect about the characters of Dave the Diver, every with their very own quirky persona and story. I really like seeing the interplay between Dave and Bancho, primarily the refined icon of the chef giving the important protagonist a thumbs-up each time you ship fish his method. The cutscenes are additionally very entertaining, contemplating how weird and humorous they are often. One minute, you’ll be dancing the evening away at an idol live performance with Duff, then the subsequent, you’ll catch ’em all with the Ash Ketchum-inspired Sato.

With so many components 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 telephone, fish farming, and enjoyable minigames. But, if you wish to expertise it in its entirety, you’ll need to swim your option to Steam to get this absolute gem of a recreation. I do know I’m already hooked in, and it’s rapidly develop into one of the greatest titles I’ve performed this 12 months.