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Writer's pictureGuilherme Ribeiro

Review: Dave The Diver



Life as a diver is not easy, but with our friend Dave, everything is more enjoyable.



THE GAME


Dave The Diver is a casual RPG adventure and management game developed and distributed by MINTROCKET. Dave is a diver who is summoned by Cobra, an old acquaintance of our dear protagonist, who proposes a job for him. Cobra is going to open a sushi restaurant and wants Dave's help to catch the fish that will serve as ingredients for his establishment. For this, our diver will have to explore the mysterious Blue Hole, a sea full of the most diverse creatures and dangers. However, in addition to being the provider of supplies, Dave must still manage the restaurant. With the great chef Bancho in charge of the kitchen, Dave will do anything to help his friends and make Bancho Sushi a success.


The immense Blue Hole with all its biodiversity.
The immense Blue Hole with all its biodiversity.

MY IMPRESSIONS


Think of a game that never ceases to impress you. Dave The Diver is that game. It's been a while since I've been this excited to discover a game without knowing anything about it. It's something unique, a very fun experience. It gets it right in every aspect, from the visuals to the gameplay. With hours of gameplay, you will still be introduced to several mechanics, without getting in the way or filling up with content for no reason. Everything is laid out smoothly and fluidly connected to the story.


And speaking of the main story, we have a light and relaxed narrative, with simple and tireless dialogues. All the characters are well written and have their charisma, especially Dave, who is a very likeable protagonist. It is worth remembering that the game is in Portuguese-Brazil, so we can enjoy this pleasant story without having to do that simultaneous translation in our head. We have several references scattered throughout the game in just the right measure, both with occasional insertions of references to pop culture and with moments in history where the gameplay changes and takes us to other game genres, almost paying homage.


The art in the game is spectacular. Essentially 2D, but with some nice 3D elements thrown in. The animations, especially of Bancho making sushi, are sensational. The level of detail in everything is phenomenal and leaves you awestruck by the care with which it was put together. Sea creatures have fluid and natural movements, which make the entire marine environment a vivid place.


The gameplay is divided between going to sea to get the ingredients and taking care of the restaurant. Exploring Blue Hole is really fun and makes you want to explore more and more. Most of the game's action takes place here, as our diver lives his adventures under the sea. As for the restaurant, it's the way to earn money and improve your equipment. Despite being a quick moment compared to the rest of the game, it is essential to advance and quite fun.


Note that I'm not going into deep details of the story and gameplay because I want everyone to have the same experience I had. The moments when the gameplay totally changes or the amazing animations that brighten up the game are to be cherished. In fact, the game as a whole should be praised. Everything is well done: gameplay, management, new features that keep coming up but don't hinder development, art, boss fights... I could go on listing everything that's good about the game and still doesn't do justice to what it really is. It is. Dave The Diver is the kind of game that must be experienced to understand its awesomeness.


Chef Bancho rocks the kitchen.
Chef Bancho rocks the kitchen.

ACHIEVEMENTS


Dave The Diver's achievements are quite diverse. Most of them you'll get by simply advancing in the story, acquiring improvements and catching fish. As it is a game with a lot of mechanics, all of them will be connected with some achievement. In addition, there are specific actions that activate achievements, but which are not at all complicated to complete. The game is so fun to play that you will do 100% without even realizing it. Keep playing and eventually you will get all the achievements as they are relatively easy, they just take time.


Bancho Sushi is a success!
Bancho Sushi is a success!

CONCLUSION


I think it's clear that Dave The Diver is a masterpiece. It has everything to become very popular and inspire other games. And I hope it inspires, because it masterfully does something that many games lack: fun. The surprise factor is very present in this game. You don't see the news coming, and when it does, it's very pleasant. Segments that make you smile because of how good they are.


The game is full of characters and yet manages to make them charismatic and unique. There are no disposable characters, they all have a purpose. Dave is simply a sweet character. There's no way not to like him. When would anyone think that a scuba diver's game would be so much fun? Such original ideas are missed in the industry.


I highly recommend Dave The Diver, to everyone. Take your time, play at your own pace, enjoy this incredible game. There will be no shortage of things to do, be it the main story or secondary activities. You feel that everything was done with a lot of care and love. These feelings almost spill over into the game and make it one of the most enjoyable games of 2023 so far. In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that it's the most fun game of the year. Dave The Diver is already an indie game classic.


SCORE: 9.5/10

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