DAVE THE DIVER

Dave the Diver not only offers a wholly unique experience but manages to make all of the elements fit together and were fun to play. The dialogue and humor are all cleverly written and show deep attention to detail in the game's storytelling.

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Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

93%

Audience ScoreBased on 36,202 reviews

story2,473 positive mentions

grinding1,247 negative mentions

story
6,035 mentions
41 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The story of "Dave the Diver" is widely praised for its engaging and humorous narrative, featuring quirky characters and unexpected plot twists that keep players invested throughout the game. While some players find the fetch quests and pacing can become tedious, the overall experience is enhanced by a charming art style and a variety of gameplay mechanics that evolve as the story progresses. Many reviewers appreciate the balance between the main storyline and the freedom to explore, dive, and manage a sushi restaurant, making it a delightful and immersive experience.
- “The story is engaging, the game mechanics are simple enough to learn, and the cutscenes are always a delight.”
- “Dave the diver is an indie masterpiece that seamlessly fuses exploration, resource management, and whimsical storytelling into a captivating underwater adventure.”
- “The story is fun and lighthearted, and it constantly encourages you to push on and explore more of the game world.”
- “The sea people plot is okay, I guess, but it feels a little half-baked and kind of shallow.”
- “And the whole subplot with the sea blue is really just a mess, with a bunch of plot holes and things that don't really make sense story-wise.”
- “The story is just annoying.”
gameplay
5,775 mentions
45 % positive mentions
52 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Dave the Diver" is characterized by its engaging and addictive loop, which combines diving for fish during the day with managing a sushi restaurant at night. Players appreciate the constant introduction of new mechanics and mini-games, which keeps the experience fresh and prevents monotony, although some feel that the sheer volume of mechanics can become overwhelming. Overall, the game is praised for its charming visuals, humor, and the seamless integration of various gameplay elements, making it a delightful and immersive experience.
- “There is a grind, but it's hidden behind such good and fun gameplay that you won't even realize you've been grinding nor will you feel the need to grind.”
- “The gameplay itself is addicting and feels incredibly varied thanks to the split between fishing and running the sushi bar.”
- “The gameplay loop is both relaxing and exciting at your own optional pace.”
- “The longer this game went on, the more the hand-holding drove me insane. The more I realized these little side ideas would never get developed, the puzzles never made more complex, the heights of the combat and diving had long since been reached, and now the game was barely even a roguelike; it was an adventure game full of underutilized mechanics, all keys that opened one lock, one way, and with Dave telling me exactly how to put the key into the lock as soon as I entered the room.”
- “The gameplay loop is very repetitive and simple. Probably to distract you from how little actual gameplay there is.”
- “The game constantly interrupts the main gameplay loop to throw a bunch of systems and mini-games at you that are ultimately pretty shallow and are mostly just filler.”
graphics
2,409 mentions
61 % positive mentions
38 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Dave the Diver" have received widespread acclaim for their charming pixel art style, which seamlessly blends 2D and 3D elements to create a vibrant underwater world. Players appreciate the attention to detail in the visuals, including beautifully animated cutscenes and engaging character designs, which enhance the overall gameplay experience. The game's aesthetic, combined with a delightful soundtrack and humorous storytelling, contributes to its status as a standout title in the indie gaming scene.
- “The graphics are stunning, creating a visually immersive underwater world that is both vibrant and realistic.”
- “The pixel art style is charming, with the cutscenes being a particular joy.”
- “The graphics are a brilliant combination of 3D combined with pixel art that enhances both!”
- “I can't agree with this style of graphics in a game that is not 20 years old.. also, it crops my image when playing on an ultra-wide monitor (3440 x 1440)”
- “The graphics are terrible and the lack of fun makes this game way overpriced.”
- “The graphics are unique and pretty, but nothing that will astonish you or tax your computer too much.”
humor
2,075 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Dave the Diver" is widely praised for its charm and cleverness, with many players highlighting the hilarious cutscenes and quirky character interactions that keep the gameplay engaging and entertaining. The game balances lighthearted humor with deeper themes, often using absurdity and playful references to pop culture, which resonates well with players. Overall, the combination of witty dialogue, amusing animations, and a whimsical storyline contributes to a delightful and memorable gaming experience.
- “For me, it was the animation and writing, which walks a fine line between being cute and upbeat and having a bit of a cynical edge that adds a lot to the humor.”
- “The game oozes charm, creativity, and humor.”
- “From dodging sharks to serving sushi to Karen who thinks her seaweed salad is too seaweedy, this game is a hilarious deep-sea fever dream.”
- “It's not funny.”
- “I guess they are supposed to be funny.”
- “I know it's supposed to be funny, but it got old pretty quickly for me.”
music
1,818 mentions
64 % positive mentions
35 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The music in "Dave the Diver" has received widespread acclaim for its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere, with many players praising its relaxing and catchy tunes that perfectly complement the underwater exploration and sushi restaurant management gameplay. The soundtrack features a variety of styles, from soothing melodies during dives to upbeat tracks in the restaurant, creating an immersive experience that keeps players engaged. While some noted that certain tracks can become repetitive over time, the overall consensus is that the music is a standout aspect of the game, contributing significantly to its charm and enjoyment.
- “The soundtrack complements the gameplay perfectly, with calming tunes for diving and more upbeat tracks for the restaurant scenes.”
- “The music is fantastic and the gameplay is surprisingly varied.”
- “The music is a perfect blend of older radio music and tropical tunes.”
- “The music is just ok, nothing notable.”
- “The music could have been better but besides that the game fit everything together very well and made it a great time.”
- “The music, while maybe a tad repetitive is enjoyable in every scene.”
grinding
1,304 mentions
0 % positive mentions
4 % neutral mentions
96 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of "Dave the Diver" has received mixed feedback from players. While many appreciate the engaging gameplay loop that combines fishing, farming, and restaurant management, some find the repetitive tasks and fetch quests can become tedious, especially in the late game. Overall, the game manages to keep players entertained with its variety of mechanics and humor, but those seeking a more streamlined experience may find certain elements overly grindy.
- “Achievements aren't too grueling either; it took me this long for 100%, so it's very doable. Most of this time was spent just playing and not grinding ^_^”
- “Very relaxing, a very well-made game, and it's not grindy at all.”
- “Not too grindy, but there is progression which I love!”
- “The tedious sushi management drives me nuts, the downright bare bones farming and fish hatchery, no way to just close the sushi shop down for a bit to recover stock, and a crazy amount of fetch quests that always boil down to 'we are too lazy to do this can you please swim to the other end of the area and do a mini-game or waste a section of the day to get me food?'”
- “The game becomes super tedious after the first 4-5 hours.”
- “The farming aspect of the game feels a bit tacked on - I've never really used them as I always fill up on fish but hopefully I'll use it more as game development continues.”
emotional
289 mentions
99 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Dave the Diver" is overwhelmingly positive, with players praising its heartwarming story, charming characters, and humorous cutscenes that evoke genuine laughter and tears. The game successfully combines engaging gameplay with a touching narrative, creating a cozy and nostalgic experience that resonates deeply with players, making it a standout title in the indie game scene. Overall, it is described as a delightful, wholesome adventure that leaves players feeling uplifted and emotionally satisfied.
- “The well-crafted story not only drives the gameplay forward but also adds emotional depth to the overall experience.”
- “What truly sets Dave the Diver apart is its immersive storytelling, weaving together moments of excitement, humor, and heartfelt emotion.”
- “The story is uplifting and even heartfelt at times.”
- “And the little amount of gameplay there is (which is interrupted every 2 seconds) isn't fun enough to make up for the otherwise boring story.”
- “I wish the game just stuck to the fish harvesting and restaurant management, and left out the mid-game aspect of fighting bosses, doing fetch quests, and sitting through countless amounts of dialogue/scripts and being forced to follow a boring story I have no interest in.”
atmosphere
280 mentions
66 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "Dave the Diver" is widely praised for its captivating and immersive qualities, blending serene oceanic landscapes with a relaxing soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the charming pixel art, whimsical humor, and engaging characters, all contributing to a cozy yet occasionally intense environment. Overall, the game successfully creates a delightful balance between exploration, restaurant management, and light-hearted storytelling, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience.
- “The soothing underwater sounds and the subtle music in the background create a serene atmosphere, perfectly complementing the exploration theme of the game.”
- “The atmosphere of the game is very cozy, as life should be.”
- “The gentle lapping of waves, the bubbling of underwater currents, and the cheerful soundtrack create a serene and enjoyable atmosphere.”
- “I didn't really enjoy the gameplay or the atmosphere, way too casual for me, but considering this game is marketed honestly with 'Dave the Diver is a casual adventure' in its description, I can't give it a thumbs down.”
- “After 8 hours of play, I am suddenly forced to do tasks like: take this thing x to location y z times, bring 3 seaweeds, bring an object from location xyz etc. So after a very promising start of fine atmosphere, restaurant managing, environment issues, and activism, I find myself stuck with some sea people and wasting hours of my time in childish missions, searching sea horses from the sea like it's intended for 6-year-olds and I don't want to continue.”
- “The charm and atmosphere are really well done, but after you get the garden, then start getting assigned tasks by the new characters you run into, and you run into more and more annoying puzzles, it definitely gets less motivating except to find out how the story ends up (which is only above satisfactory but not all that remarkable).”
replayability
126 mentions
37 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The game "Dave the Diver" is widely praised for its high replayability, attributed to its diverse missions, procedural environments, and engaging gameplay loop that encourages players to return even after completing the main story. While many players find it endlessly fun and addictive, some express concerns about limited replay value once all objectives are achieved, suggesting a need for additional content to enhance long-term engagement. Overall, it offers a mix of replayable elements, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.
- “With a variety of missions, upgrades, and secrets to uncover, 'Dave the Diver' offers substantial replay value.”
- “The diving is highly replayable as it shifts on every dive and offers new and engaging challenges quite frequently.”
- “The replayability is off the charts and it's an amazingly dynamic and fun game.”
- “Only downside is that there isn't much replay value after you beat the game and collect everything you want.”
- “Unfortunately, single story ending, so no replayability at all.”
- “The game could flesh out certain aspects to make it more replayable, at least in my opinion.”
stability
85 mentions
35 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
62 % negative mentions
The stability of "Dave the Diver" has received mixed feedback from users. While many players report a generally smooth experience, particularly on the Steam Deck, several have encountered bugs, glitches, and freezing issues, especially during boss battles or after extended play sessions. Overall, the game is seen as relatively stable for a new release, but some players have experienced frustrating technical problems that detract from the enjoyment.
- “Pretty much bug free and my favorite of 2024 so far.”
- “Above all, I appreciate the love and care that went into making Dave the Diver an enjoyable, bugless experience - I ran into virtually no glitches or problems.”
- “For a game that released just now, it is really a full package; it's not buggy as someone would expect from a new game, there are a handful of things that need fixes which the team is always making new hotfixes for as soon as possible, so they definitely care about Dave the Diver.”
- “Unfortunately still buggy; some achievements don't register even after completion, which is very frustrating.”
- “The game used to only freeze every 25 minutes, but now it freezes every 5 minutes.”
- “Game is extremely buggy, with fairly frequent crashes.”
optimization
76 mentions
25 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with many players praising its smooth performance and minimal bugs, particularly on platforms like the Steam Deck. However, some users report occasional performance issues, especially on Mac, and note that crowded areas can lead to frame drops. While the game excels in providing a fun and engaging experience, there are calls for further optimization and graphics settings to enhance performance across various devices.
- “For such a simple game, there is a lot of strategy and optimization that goes into every night of running the sushi bar.”
- “The graphics are breathtaking, and the game's optimization ensures a smooth and visually stunning experience.”
- “Looks great, good mix of 3D and 2D, fun and vibrant colors, runs well despite my dinky laptop which is not made for gaming, that means a lot to me that it's optimized so well.”
- “Do not buy this, it is so poorly optimized and laggy that it is literally unplayable.”
- “The game is fun but is poorly optimized on Mac.”
- “What I would recommend be looked into and/or fixed: optimization is a problem with this game, in the sense that in crowded areas my frames drop and especially in the ocean people's village.”
character development
53 mentions
36 % positive mentions
58 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is generally well-received, with many players appreciating the unique and charming character designs that enhance the overall experience. While some reviews note that character development may not be the primary focus, there are instances of growth and depth among the characters, particularly in relation to the engaging story and gameplay mechanics. Overall, the combination of humor, personality, and immersive environments contributes to a satisfying narrative experience, despite some critiques regarding the depth of development for certain characters.
- “The personalities and character developments are unique and interesting.”
- “The plot is nuanced and (generally) sweet, the character development is great, and the mechanics and facets of the game all complement one another like layers of flavor, which is really the point, I think.”
- “A ton of fun stuff to do, real character development, incredible story and character writing, and unending possibilities of gameplay with changing scenarios.”
- “The characters are charming/quirky, but the visual designs are carrying them as character development is not the focus, nor is there much room in the game/quests.”
- “There is 0 character development across the course of the game, and one of the characters in particular desperately needed some.”
- “Quite a few of them even undergo some character development, but given the large cast, there is not all that much focus on them.”
monetization
41 mentions
7 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
39 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many users praising its absence of microtransactions, loot boxes, and pay-to-win mechanics. Players appreciate the reasonable price point and the game's commitment to providing a complete experience without the interruptions and predatory tactics often found in modern titles. Overall, the game is seen as a refreshing departure from typical monetization practices, offering a full and enjoyable experience for its cost.
- “In lieu of a sea of monetization these days, this game is an absolute unicorn!”
- “Very charming and feature-packed game with no microtransactions, would recommend!”
- “If you are longing for a game that doesn't have microtransactions, a horrid grind, and greed written all over it, then pick this game up; the price is amazing for what you are given.”
- “Get ready for all the predatory microtransactions and scummy monetization tactics.”
- “The cut-scenes/interruptions feel like ads in a mobile game that I was desperate to have an option to pay so that I wouldn't have to deal with them anymore.”
- “Granted, I see all the little places Nexon can sneak in their usual nonsense down the road, but they seem to have actually let the developer just make their game this time; no microtransactions, no loot boxes, no upgrades that have a chance of damaging my gear if I don't pump premium currency into a roulette wheel.”