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Evaluation: Dave the Diver (Nintendo Switch)

by Ethan Marley
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Dave the Diver is a tricky recreation to explain. Part restaurant sim, half fishing journey, it’s all types of distinctive. Throw in some fascinating characters, witty dialogue, a thriller to resolve, and there’s just one factor it’s worthwhile to know: you’re in for a very good time with this one.

There’s a lot to say about this recreation; the place do I start? The story is intriguing, although it’s easy at its core. Dave is a deep-sea diver by commerce. He receives a name whereas on trip to assist out his previous buddy with a brand new sushi enterprise. It appears the native diving spots are plentiful with fish, and Dave’s skills are wanted to reel them in.

Meanwhile, an accident on the new sushi bar prevents it from opening, and the crew wants funds to make some repairs. Cue our pal Dave being roped in to serve the purchasers in addition to catch the meals.

It doesn’t finish there. It appears Dave’s status precedes him. He receives a number of calls from numerous events looking for help with all issues sea-related. Whether it’s a health care provider looking for historic artifacts to show the existence of an historic civilization or a professor looking for sure marine life for her research, everybody desires a bit of Dave.

Needless to say, there are two distinct sides to the Dive-the-Diver coin, each of which work collectively seamlessly to create a fascinating expertise. During the day, you enterprise out to sea in your boat and dive into the deep blue to catch fish and hunt for treasure. You can do two dives per day. Once night time rolls in, you’re off to the restaurant for the opposite half of the sport. Even although the gameplay is totally totally different, each parts mesh collectively in a approach that doesn’t break the move. 

Diving is performed from a facet view. Dave’s tank solely has a lot air, which additionally serves as a life meter. This implies that assaults from aquatic creatures deplete your air provide. If you run out, you lose all however one of many goodies you’ve caught. Having one meter retains issues easy by way of monitoring, but additionally means it’s a must to watch out how far you journey and the way recklessly you work together with sea life.

Dave the Diver - Nintendo Switch - screen 3

For instance, there are massive sharks. There’s a quest to retrieve shark meat for a specific buyer, so you’ll be able to’t keep away from this scary-looking meat eater perpetually. But while you first strategy, you can be mauled. It’s scary, nevertheless it teaches a priceless lesson: don’t go in unprepared. 

To this finish, you’re geared up with a harpoon. Most fish may be caught with one strike, although they have an inclination to maneuver away from you as you strategy, so there’s additionally a component of sneaking up on them. Tougher fish require stronger weapons, and these may be collected and constructed as you progress. Items like weapons let you turn into considerably braver as you navigate the depths of this underwater realm.

Treasure chests are dotted concerning the place, too. These include numerous objects to gather, together with weapon blueprints. More importantly, they often present air that tops up your tank. You’ll additionally discover escape pods that let you attain the floor rapidly, useful should you’re trapped removed from the floor and operating low on air. 

Dave the Diver - Nintendo Switch - screen 1

While it may be anxious to assemble every little thing you discover in a single session, the deep-sea adventuring a part of Dave the Diver is tremendous enjoyable. The solely draw back is that it feels prefer it’s over too rapidly, and I discovered myself hanging out to come back again for extra the subsequent day. But the restaurant facet of issues is equally gratifying. 

I’m not a lot for simulation video games, so I initially felt not sure concerning the restaurant part. Your time within the restaurant entails a number of parts, comparable to selecting menu objects, upgrading the decor, and serving prospects. It’s enjoyable to make use of your catches of the day to curate the menu, and it’s easy to do. You additionally improve as you progress, opening extra choices and slots. You actually can flip your restaurant into one thing superb. You’ll have to efficiently serve your prospects every night time to create a thriving enterprise.

Dave can transfer from left to proper to strategy prospects as they sit on the bar. The orders are robotically taken, so it’s largely a matter of retrieving the meals from the chef and delivering it. Occasionally, prospects may also order drinks, and Dave’s in command of pouring these. It have to be accomplished good, nevertheless it’s simple sufficient to attain an ideal each time. Then there’s a cleansing facet to wipe down the bar as soon as the client leaves. Again, this can be a easy endeavor, achieved by holding down the related button. What makes issues barely extra difficult is the time aspect. The prospects may be impatient, they usually begin getting offended should you take too lengthy. Late orders imply much less cash and a nasty status, so well timed supply is essential. 

Dave the Diver - Nintendo Switch - screen 2

Graphically, Dave the Diver sports activities a colourful aesthetic that mixes a cartoony fashion with a retro edge. Sprites purposefully seem barely pixelated, giving them a neat look. The music can be very good, notably whereas diving. It verges on retro as properly, with synth pop beats that sound just like the composer has taken cues from the late ‘80s. It’s stress-free and really cool.

Overall, Dave the Diver is a incredible title that efficiently combines two very totally different genres into one. The deep-sea diving is motion packed and stuffed with exploration. The restaurant-sim facet is put collectively in a approach that’s difficult with out being overwhelming. I extremely suggest this title!

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