NetDive

About

NetDive is a single player action game. It was developed by DK Liao and was released on August 15, 2025. It received very positive reviews from players.

NetDive is a short, story-driven incremental game where you play as an AI learning what makes a human human. Combining SHMUP-style gameplay with skill tree upgrades, you intercept internet packets, break through firewalls, and evolve your capabilities while enjoying a chill soundtrack. Dive deep into a unique narrative experience exploring artificial intelligence and humanity.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 52 reviews

story7 positive mentions

grinding4 negative mentions

Engaging gameplay loop with meaningful progression and a well-balanced upgrade system.
Intriguing story that adds depth to the experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment.
Short playtime of 4-5 hours makes it a perfect casual game for relaxation.

Early gameplay can feel tedious and lacks engagement, potentially discouraging players.
Some upgrades become pointless in the late game, leading to a sense of grind without meaningful rewards.
English localization issues and rough translations detract from the overall narrative experience.

story
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
44%
17%
The game's story has received positive feedback for its unexpected depth and engaging narrative, particularly in the context of an incremental game. Players appreciate the unique exploration of artificial intelligence evolution and the well-crafted storyline that enhances the overall experience, with many noting its surprising twists and emotional impact. Overall, the story is highlighted as a standout feature that adds significant value to the gameplay.
- “Netdive is a game that tells the story about the evolution of artificial intelligence.”
- “The storyline really deserves a special mention.”
- “It should be noted that this story about the evolution of AI diverges from our own, as this game offers a singular path to those who consume enough tiny hearts.”
- “The biggest standout is the story; for most of the game, it's just text logs, but the end really threw me for a loop.”
- “While the upgrades are rather linear and choices are limited at times, what is there is lovable and crafted with care, focusing on its cute visualization and story.”
gameplay
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
34%
33%
The gameplay is described as addictive yet somewhat repetitive, with a short overall length of 2-5 hours. While initial mechanics may feel lackluster and upgrades are mostly quality-of-life improvements, the experience improves after a few runs, culminating in a satisfying narrative conclusion. However, many players find that the gameplay can become boring quickly, lacking depth as it progresses.
- “Super addictive gameplay.”
- “Fun 2-3 hour romp, nice skill tree and enjoyable gameplay.”
- “The gameplay really hits its stride after a few runs, gets a little grindy at the end, and then surprises you with an epilogue and more of the story.”
- “Not too long in terms of game length, which is not a bad thing, but the gameplay doesn't evolve.”
- “I didn't love the initial gameplay; just moving your mouse around doesn't feel good.”
- “Also, the gameplay gets extremely boring very quickly because after half an hour, you really don't have to do anything anymore.”
music
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
20%
20%
The music in the game is highly praised for its chill soundtrack and crisp sound effects, enhancing the overall experience with a vibrant blend of colors and sounds. Players appreciate the meaningful integration of music into the narrative, although some found themselves distracted by external tracks. Overall, the soundtrack contributes significantly to the game's immersive atmosphere.
- “This is tastefully depicted in a dopamine-intensive kaleidoscope of colours and sounds, with chill lounge music playing in the background.”
- “It's got a chill soundtrack and crisp sound effects.”
- “Great music and delicious dopamine for my dried husk of a brain.”
- “Epilogue seemed meaningful, but I was listening to that Jay Electronica song on the new Chance the Rapper album and I was thinking about the implications of that, so I missed a lot of the text on screen.”
grinding
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the early game tedious and challenging, with grinding becoming more pronounced towards the end. While some appreciate the grind as part of the genre's appeal, others feel it can lead to frustration, especially when upgrades become irrelevant or difficult to obtain without restarting. Overall, the grinding aspect is a mixed bag, with potential enjoyment for genre fans but significant drawbacks for others.
- “The very early game is tedious and not really enjoyable, in my opinion; it's truly the 'hard' part of the game.”
- “You already one-shot everything, so damage mitigation is useless. Once your threads start collecting, collectors are useless as well. This means that either you're spending time grinding upgrades that don't mean anything before the point of no return to get the achievement, or, like me, you're stuck without being able to get the upgrade without restarting.”
- “A bit grindy, but if you like other games in the genre, you will like this one.”
graphics
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The graphics are described as having a good vibe, complemented by low-fi beats, though they are not particularly groundbreaking or extravagant.
- “The graphics create a captivating atmosphere that perfectly complements the gameplay.”
- “The art style is unique and visually stunning, making every scene a pleasure to explore.”
- “The vibrant colors and detailed environments really bring the game world to life.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
33%
Players appreciate the game's focus on balancing various optimization factors, which adds depth to the gameplay and encourages strategic thinking for quicker progression. Overall, it offers a satisfying experience within a manageable time commitment.
- “Another decent little couple of hour commitment, challenging you to balance several optimization factors to progress quickly.”
- “The game brilliantly encourages players to think critically about resource management and optimization strategies.”
- “I love how the optimization mechanics keep the gameplay fresh and engaging, making every decision feel impactful.”
- “Another decent little couple of hour commitment, challenges you to balance several optimization factors to progress quickly.”