DAVE THE DIVER

 PC
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 226 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 143 out of 226
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 226
  3. Negative: 49 out of 226

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  1. tibzoid
    Jul 7, 2023
    6
    It's fine, it just gets dull after a while. This is not an astonishing, amazing, addictive game. They just spliced the '80s coin-op game Tapper onto a simple underwater foraging game. It feels polished but it just bored me after a while. I'm wondering why people gave it such glowing reviews.
  2. Acberger
    Jul 9, 2023
    6
    The game is really fun for a few hours or so, but beyond that, it gets dull very quickly.

    No care was given to balancing the cost/reward benefit of farming and producing certain dishes, so an early and easily farmed recipe ends up being the most profitable. All unique fish always spawn in the same exact locations, so there is no reason to explore any area more than once. The farming    The game is really fun for a few hours or so, but beyond that, it gets dull very quickly.

    No care was given to balancing the cost/reward benefit of farming and producing certain dishes, so an early and easily farmed recipe ends up being the most profitable. All unique fish always spawn in the same exact locations, so there is no reason to explore any area more than once. The farming aspect of the game is half-baked and tedious.

    The game is really fun as you explore deeper into the depths, but there is no reason to continue playing once you reach the end.    … Expand
  3. fr0me
    Jul 12, 2023
    6
    Game starts off very fun, but theres not much progression after getting staff.

    Wish there was more mechanics in the game, and more things to do while working in the restaurant. I feel like just a little bit more complexity would add a lot to this game, because how it is now it becomes very repetitive.
  4. ZeekZeon
    Jul 5, 2023
    10
    One of the best game I played in 2023. Perfect mixture of minigames, adventure and tycoon. Very addictive and characters are very very charming.
  5. Spyan
    Jul 4, 2023
    5
    Reminds me a lot of Dredge : a grindy, merely semi-ok phone game with repetive game loops that will keep you enternained for 3 days before you give up and uninstal. Not much incentive to finish the game. A mish mash of popular mechanics from ten other games that gets old pretty fast. Just like dredge : nothing to write home about and will be forgotten in about a monthg after its release.Reminds me a lot of Dredge : a grindy, merely semi-ok phone game with repetive game loops that will keep you enternained for 3 days before you give up and uninstal. Not much incentive to finish the game. A mish mash of popular mechanics from ten other games that gets old pretty fast. Just like dredge : nothing to write home about and will be forgotten in about a monthg after its release. Thank god it's cheap, but it still might be a little too expensive for what you get. This isn't worth twenty bucks.… Expand
  6. FlameHaze10
    Jul 3, 2023
    10
    Pros:
    - Gameplay
    - Characters
    - Ridiculous Story
    - Artsyle
    - Cutscenes
    - Bancho you beautiful man

    Cons:
    - Lionfishes at night

    Verdict:
    - Dave is good. Be like Dave.
  7. Dag8
    Jul 3, 2023
    10
    I am not a gamer but I fell in love with this game since one my friend became a big fan of it. It was even hard for me to decide to start playing something but once I started it i fell right into it. Played hours and didnt get tired of it. It provides detailed little joy to every chapter. Strongly recommend it to play.
  8. Gofrein
    Jul 1, 2023
    10
    Best game and GOTY 2023. No jokes. This is the real GEM.
    After such a trash games like dibalo4, this is an ambrosia.
  9. Cartoofel
    Jul 2, 2023
    7
    ---{ Graphics }---
    ☐ You forget what reality is
    ☐ Beautiful ✅ Nice ☐ Will do ☐ Bad ☐ Don‘t look too long at it ☐ MS-DOS ---{ Gameplay }--- ☐ Very good ✅ Good ☐ It's just gameplay ☐ Mehh ☐ Watch paint dry instead ☐ Just don't ---{ Audio }--- ☐ Eargasm ☐ Very good ✅ Good ☐ Not too bad ☐ Bad ☐ I'm now deaf ---{ Audience }--- ✅ Kids ✅ Teens ✅ Adults ☐ Grandma    ---{ Graphics }---
    ☐ You forget what reality is
    ☐ Beautiful
    ✅ Nice
    ☐ Will do
    ☐ Bad
    ☐ Don‘t look too long at it
    ☐ MS-DOS

    ---{ Gameplay }---
    ☐ Very good
    ✅ Good
    ☐ It's just gameplay
    ☐ Mehh
    ☐ Watch paint dry instead
    ☐ Just don't

    ---{ Audio }---
    ☐ Eargasm
    ☐ Very good
    ✅ Good
    ☐ Not too bad
    ☐ Bad
    ☐ I'm now deaf

    ---{ Audience }---
    ✅ Kids
    ✅ Teens
    ✅ Adults
    ☐ Grandma

    ---{ PC Requirements }---
    ☐ Check if you can run paint
    ☐ Potato
    ✅ Decent
    ☐ Fast
    ☐ Rich boi
    ☐ Ask NASA if they have a spare computer

    ---{ Difficulty }---
    ☐ Just press 'W'
    ✅ Easy
    ☐ Easy to learn / Hard to master
    ☐ Significant brain usage
    ☐ Difficult
    ☐ Dark Souls

    ---{ Grind }---
    ☐ Nothing to grind
    ☐ Only if u care about leaderboards/ranks
    ✅ Isn't necessary to progress ☐ Average grind level ☐ Much grind ☐ You'll need a second live for grinding ---{ Story }--- ☐ No Story ☐ Some lore ✅ Average ☐ Good ☐ Lovely ☐ It'll replace your life ---{ Game Time }--- ☐ Long enough for a cup of coffee ☐ Short ✅ Average ☐ Long ☐ To infinity and beyond ---{ Price }--- ☐ It's free! ☐ I would pay double ✅ Worth the price ☐ If it's on sale ☐ If u have some spare money left ☐ Not recommended ☐ You could also just burn your money ---{ Bugs }--- ✅ Never heard of ☐ Minor bugs ☐ Can get annoying ☐ Embraced the Bugs ☐ The game itself is a big terrarium for bugs ---{ ? / 10 }--- ☐ 1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3 ☐ 4 ☐ 5 ☐ 6 ✅ 7 ☐ 8 ☐ 9 ☐ 10    … Expand
  10. Luar35
    Jul 4, 2023
    10
    I found the game very fun and with a lot of content and it looks very good.
  11. createje
    Jul 7, 2023
    10
    This game has very good

    The various contents and BGM were so good. I got a little bored in the fish village, but I got over it and went to the next chapter, so I was able to enjoy it again.
  12. markoul
    Jul 11, 2023
    10
    I don't believe anything can surpass Dave the Diver in 2023.

    Truly, the indie GOTY of 2023.
  13. DavidFCorreia
    Jul 3, 2023
    10
    This is one of the best games I ever played. What a incredible journey this is!! For me a real GOTY contender!
  14. Chrizical
    Jul 3, 2023
    9
    a beautiful game one of few where you can tell the publishers had fun making it, so do i playing it
  15. Pancakemaster
    Jul 7, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the best games i have played in the last few years. Tons of things to do, no rush to complete the story, lots of side quests and story lines. I have been addicted since i got this. cant wait to see what else the devs add to the game.… Expand
  16. TheSHChronicles
    Jul 8, 2023
    9
    Dave the Diver is an exceptional game as it combines addictive gameplay, stunning graphics, and a captivating underwater world that will keep you hooked for hours. The only thing lacking, for me, is a more extensive storyline. But, don't let that stop you from diving in and experiencing the thrilling adventure that this game has to offer!

    Our Full Review:    Dave the Diver is an exceptional game as it combines addictive gameplay, stunning graphics, and a captivating underwater world that will keep you hooked for hours. The only thing lacking, for me, is a more extensive storyline. But, don't let that stop you from diving in and experiencing the thrilling adventure that this game has to offer!

    Our Full Review:
    https://www.theshchronicles.com/post/dave-the-diver    … Expand
  17. Pionator
    Jul 7, 2023
    10
    GOTY indie of the year, en este juego tienes un montón de cosas que hacer y así como vas jugando cada vez te da mas y mas por hacer. El apartado artístico la historia es increíble y muy enriquecedora.
  18. True_Nerd
    Jul 5, 2023
    10
    The main character is very ugly, but that has its own charm. It's fun, so I'm giving it a high score, but please, let's make the character pretty
  19. Spamax
    Jul 6, 2023
    10
    Dave the Diver is a solo RPG and casual adventure game that plunges players into the depths of the ocean, offering a captivating experience of exploration and discovery. With a unique blend of daytime fishing and nighttime sushi restaurant management, the game features a variety of enjoyable mechanics and an intriguing narrative that keeps players immersed for hours on end.

    The story of    Dave the Diver is a solo RPG and casual adventure game that plunges players into the depths of the ocean, offering a captivating experience of exploration and discovery. With a unique blend of daytime fishing and nighttime sushi restaurant management, the game features a variety of enjoyable mechanics and an intriguing narrative that keeps players immersed for hours on end.

    The story of Dave the Diver is a true gem in this genre. Players are invited to join Dave, the charismatic protagonist, and his quirky friends as they uncover the secrets of the mysterious Blue Abyss. The plot is filled with thrilling twists and moments of great emotional impact, keeping players engaged from start to finish. The narrative is skillfully crafted, and each character has their own story and personality, making the journey even more compelling.

    Visually, Dave the Diver is a feast for the eyes. Despite being a 2D game, the graphics and animations are stunning, with intricate details and vibrant colors. The underwater environments are beautifully rendered, conveying a sense of depth and mystery. The visual effects are spectacular, especially during fishing moments and while preparing sushi in the restaurant. The soundtrack perfectly complements the game's atmosphere, immersing players in a complete experience.    … Expand
  20. speedwagonn
    Jul 7, 2023
    9
    This game has very good vibes, it's a very therapeutic game to just relax to. It's not really as tedious as some of the comments are suggesting.
  21. MetacriticOnur
    Jul 7, 2023
    8
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  22. DinboNomad2z2
    Jul 1, 2023
    7
    The game is ascetically beautiful and fun. Would like this trend more from Nexon as they are widely known for being P2W monetization. Would like it to have more clarity as to what information are being collected through this game.
  23. TheW4tchT0wer
    Jul 8, 2023
    3
    I thought it would be fun, but the exposition/mechanic dump in the opening hours really soured my experience. I spent as much time watching cutscenes and having dialogue spewed at me as playing the game, it felt like. The alternating management/action sections sounded interesting in the reviews I watched, but playing them was much slower and more monotonous than I would have anticipated.I thought it would be fun, but the exposition/mechanic dump in the opening hours really soured my experience. I spent as much time watching cutscenes and having dialogue spewed at me as playing the game, it felt like. The alternating management/action sections sounded interesting in the reviews I watched, but playing them was much slower and more monotonous than I would have anticipated. It's definitely the kind of game for which I'm thankful that Steam offers a 2 hour refund window.… Expand
  24. dubesor
    Jul 14, 2023
    9
    A fun, charming and sometimes goofy diving SIM & light arcady restaurant manager.
    I was enjoying this one a lot, there are quite a lot of mechanics unlocking as you progress through the story. Playthrough takes around 30 hours, double this for completionists who want to max everything.
    At the end game it can overstay its welcome since some minigames take way longer than the story to    A fun, charming and sometimes goofy diving SIM & light arcady restaurant manager.
    I was enjoying this one a lot, there are quite a lot of mechanics unlocking as you progress through the story. Playthrough takes around 30 hours, double this for completionists who want to max everything.
    At the end game it can overstay its welcome since some minigames take way longer than the story to complete. There are some missing QoL features for certain locations that I won't mention to keep it spoiler free. Overall it has minor flaws but is a very good game regardless.    … Expand
  25. Neoptolemus0925
    Jul 2, 2023
    10
    NEXON does not have the best reputation, but for this once, they deserve credit for creating the MINTROCKET to support the development team behind this amazing game.
  26. roozbehfocus
    Jul 2, 2023
    10
    just Amazing Game i really enjoying..
    Story...Gameplay..everything is fantastic
  27. dolbung
    Jul 7, 2023
    9
    as a pixel game lover, dave the diver was the best pixel game i've ever seen.

    if you love pixel-and healing game?
    play it!!
  28. Wavew
    Jul 5, 2023
    1
    Un verdadero coñazo. Si recordáis "moonlighter" viene a ser lo mismo pero en aburrido, aquí pasamos de una tiendita heredada a un bar de sushi con un cocinero gilipollas.

    El juego nos lleva por railes privándonos de cualquier decisión, lo que se convierte en una rutina constante de baja, mata, sube, vende. Una decepción que sigo sin entender que tenga tan buenas criticas. A evitar    Un verdadero coñazo. Si recordáis "moonlighter" viene a ser lo mismo pero en aburrido, aquí pasamos de una tiendita heredada a un bar de sushi con un cocinero gilipollas.

    El juego nos lleva por railes privándonos de cualquier decisión, lo que se convierte en una rutina constante de baja, mata, sube, vende.

    Una decepción que sigo sin entender que tenga tan buenas criticas.

    A evitar a toda costa.    … Expand
  29. arianiLeep
    Jul 1, 2023
    10
    Fantastic mixture of management sim and underwater adventure that you never thought you would want. Each elements are not too deep but well balanced. It's the best value you can get with $20.
  30. unisoft
    Jul 4, 2023
    10
    It's the most fun game I've ever played this year.
    I hope to meet this game at the GOTY 2023. really good game.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PC Game of 2023
21
#21 Most Discussed PC Game of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 44
  3. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. XboxEra
    Nov 20, 2025
    95
    Dave the Diver is an excellent, enormous title that is best left as vague as possible. Go in without looking too deeply into it and be ready for dozens of hours of some of the best that video gaming has to offer.
    Read full review
  2. GameMAG
    Nov 26, 2023
    90
    Dave the Diver is an eventful experience where every new dive is an adventure of its own that always come hand in hand with an unexpected plot developments.
    Read full review
  3. Destructoid
    Sep 26, 2023
    90
    In a world full of fear and uncertainty, Dave the Diver is here to offer a lighthearted story and engaging gameplay. It doesn’t try to follow trends or emulate big AAA titles. It doesn’t have an in-game shop to try to get you to spend more money. It’s simply a silly, fun game about a diver named Dave, and I can’t put it down.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »