Dave the Diver: A Pleasant Fishing Trip
The biggest surprise of 2023 is a game called Dave the Diver. We’re not kidding. While the game’s name might give you some indication that it’s not exactly pushing gaming boundaries, its viral success and overwhelmingly positive reception are less expected. Despite its simple premise – a portly protagonist named Dave wants to catch fish during the day and serve them at his sushi restaurant at night – Dave the Diver has won over both critics and players alike with its steady stream of surprises.
A PC Gamer reviewer gave the game a 91%, a score that’s rarely handed out these days. The site writes, “I’ve never played a game that’s felt so consistently surprising. From the moment I stepped out of my boat on the beach all the way until the credits rolled, I was constantly being delighted by something new I had found, or something I’d just managed to accomplish.”
Metacritic has given Dave the Diver an 89, while Steam user reviews have it at an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating. Approximately 86,000 players dive into the game every day, spearing triggerfish and fending off manta rays.
While Dave the Diver may not be doing anything particularly new in terms of gameplay mechanics, its execution sets it apart. The game constantly adds new elements to its core loop, keeping players engaged and surprised.
From weapon crafting to vegetable farming to boss fights, Dave the Diver offers a wide variety of gameplay experiences. The introduction of new systems is also gradual, allowing players to discover and adapt to each one before moving on to the next.
The game also features hilarious, anime-inspired cutscenes that accompany the unveiling of each new element. From mermaids to krakens, the game’s art style is charming and vibrant, adding to its unassuming nature. This is certainly the most pleasant fishing trip I’ve ever been on.
In a year that’s seen the release of many big budget games that overwhelm players with a multitude of activities, Dave the Diver takes a more measured approach. The setting of the game, a tropical environment, adds to its unassuming nature. You’re simply a fisherman for a restaurant, a far cry from the typical power fantasies of gaming.
This simplicity makes every new layer and surprise in the game all the more delightful. It’s a game that pits elves and Jedi against a protagonist who could easily be your dad’s best friend, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
As the year progresses, Dave the Diver is sure to spark passionate discussions in the gaming community. It’s proof that even the most unassuming games can capture your attention and imagination. There are few sure bets in gaming, but Dave the Diver is certainly one of them.
