Dave the Diver Review

Game Name: Dave the Diver
Developer: Mintrocket
Initial Release Date: June 28, 2023 (macOS, Windows); October 26, 2023 (Nintendo Switch)
Genre: Adventure
Platforms: macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch

Introduction

Dave the Diver, developed and published by Mintrocket, is an adventure video game with elements of management, action-adventure, and role-playing. The game was first released for macOS and Windows in June 2023 and later for the Nintendo Switch in October 2023. It has garnered attention for its unique gameplay, blending underwater exploration with sushi restaurant management​​. Read on for all the details, in our Dave the Diver Review!

Gameplay Overview

In Dave the Diver, players control Dave, a deep-sea diver tasked with managing a sushi restaurant. The game is set in the Blue Hole, a dynamic underwater environment that changes daily. Players collect fish and other resources during the day, which they use to supply their sushi restaurant. They can craft or upgrade equipment, including diving gear and weapons for boss fights against large underwater creatures. The game poses challenges like managing Dave’s air supply, which decreases faster as he becomes overburdened, making him more susceptible to predators like sharks​​.

The game features a variety of quests involving exploration, research, and finding rare items. Players can use items retrieved from the sea to trade and unlock recipes for the restaurant. The evening is spent managing the sushi restaurant, where players can attract customers, hire employees, and renovate the establishment. A unique aspect of the game is the Cooksta app, which tracks the restaurant’s popularity and unlocks further upgrades. Additionally, the game includes minigames and a pixel art graphical style​.

Unique Elements

Dave the Diver is notable for its blend of diverse gameplay elements. It combines the thrill of deep-sea exploration with the strategic aspects of running a sushi restaurant. The changing geography of the Blue Hole and the real-time management of the restaurant create a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. The game also features a variety of minigames, adding further depth to its content​​.

Development

Developed by Mintrocket, a subsidiary of Nexon, Dave the Diver is the studio’s first game. The concept was inspired by a real-life pub on Jeju Island, whose owner is a diver by day and a pub manager by night. The game underwent early access before its full release, and Mintrocket has continued to update it, improving accessibility and planning further content updates​​.

Critical Reception

Dave the Diver received universal acclaim, with a Metacritic score of 90/100. Reviewers praised its complexity and relaxing gameplay, its engaging story, and its ability to balance exploration and management. The game was noted for its humor, engaging gameplay, and being “hard to put down”. Critics also lauded its generous content and memorable experience​​.

Sales

The game achieved significant commercial success, becoming the fifth best-selling product on Steam two days after its release and selling over one million copies within ten days​​.

Verdict

Rating: 9/10 – Excellent
Dave the Diver is an exemplary blend of adventure, strategy, and role-playing elements, offering a unique and engaging gaming experience. Its innovative gameplay, charming story, and dynamic environments make it a standout title in its genre. The game’s success in balancing various gameplay elements without becoming repetitive is particularly commendable, making it a highly recommended title for players seeking a refreshing gaming experience.