Dave the Diver: A Game That Transforms the Cutscene Experience
I’ve been on a bit of a crusade against videogame cutscenes lately. After several disappointing experiences with them in big-budget games, I was left a bit sour, wondering why developers couldn’t just let players immerse themselves in the gameplay instead of forcing them to watch cinematic sequences. However, Dave the Diver, a fishing and restaurant management game, has completely changed my perspective on this controversial topic.
As a purist, I rarely want to see a game’s protagonist just standing there delivering dialogue without any player control, and I dislike it when developers force players to watch cinematic sequences to advance the plot. But when a game like Dave the Diver incorporates well-animated and infused with intense anime vibes cutscenes that enhance the overall gameplay experience, I can’t help but be captivated.
The cutscenes in Dave the Diver are a standout feature for me. They are so well-executed and brief that I am tempted to fill this entire article with gifs showcasing their incredible scenes, but I don’t want to spoil the surprises for potential players.
I have been playing Dave the Diver non-stop for over 20 hours, which is a testament to its captivating nature. The cutscenes often occur during seemingly low-stakes moments in the game, turning mundane tasks into intense and delightful experiences. For example, the protagonist may simply be asking the chef to enhance a recipe, but the cutscene transforms it into an epic culinary adventure.
Other times, cutscenes shine when a VIP customer visits the restaurant and requests a specific dish. These scenes showcase the chef as an anime hero in the kitchen and allow the customer to have a transcendent dining experience.
Most of the cutscenes in Dave the Diver are fairly short and concise, never leaving players frustrated or impatient. They make me feel like I’m watching an anime and being taken on a journey through an interactive medium. The actual anime art in this game is incredible, but I’ll let you discover that for yourself.
From the restaurant management aspect to weapon crafting and diving exploration, Dave the Diver’s cutscenes add depth and excitement to various gameplay elements. If you’re interested in experiencing these captivating cutscenes for yourself, Dave the Diver is currently available on Steam at a discounted price until July 13.
So, despite my previous crusade against cutscenes, I have to admit that Dave the Diver has completely changed my perspective and made me appreciate the artistry and impact of well-executed cutscenes. To all the game developers out there, take note of Dave the Diver’s success and consider the potential of cutscenes done right.
