DAVE THE DIVER

The store page itself does not do the game justice of how much actual content there is in Dave the Diver.
Has a lovable, lighthearted, and silly style of humor, from cutscenes to gameplay. It does not reveal the depth and ridiculous amount of different minigames hidden either as side quests or woven into the main progress all at once, instead it keeps popping up the new content just when you would think you are about to reach the end.
My final verdict, though rated using a more personal scoring system:
I like it so much I actually wrote this review, the only review in many years.

Everyone's experience with Dave The Diver :
- Doesn't understand why a pixelated fishing game is so well rated.
- Buy the game without much confidence.
- Find The fishing part fun enough to continue.
- Start doing Skyrim quests, fight Dark Souls bosses, collect Pokemon cards, visit Zelda temples, see people get "Ratatouilled" with your dishes, manage restaurants teams, crops vegetables, keep chickens, hunt Godzilla, play Tamagotchi, become billionaire, bet on seahorses races...
- Come back here to tell the others to join the cult.
You are next.

You know how sometimes you're with the lads, then you tell them you're off to bed but you're actually playing that single-player game you're addicted to? This is that game.

This game is one of my favorites from the last few years. However recently they keep releasing timed DLCs, the second of which is also paid. You've missed the first one already. If you don't like these kinds of practices then you probably don't want to buy this game.

Dave the Diver is one of those rare gems that arrives without a massive marketing blitz, yet leaves a lasting impression thanks to its unexpected depth, charm, and sheer creativity. Developed by Mintrocket, this hybrid game mixes exploration, restaurant management, and quirky storytelling into a surprisingly cohesive package. It shouldn't work—but it absolutely does.
You play as Dave, a delightfully pudgy diver who’s roped into helping run a sushi restaurant. By day, you dive into the ever-changing Blue Hole to catch fish and uncover underwater mysteries; by night, you manage the restaurant—prepping ingredients, upgrading your gear, and serving customers. It’s a satisfying gameplay loop, turning the mundane into magic.
Fishing feels tactile and rewarding, with a range of weapons and tools to experiment with. Each dive is slightly different thanks to procedural elements and a day-night cycle, which keeps things fresh without feeling repetitive. Combat is simple but engaging, and there’s an impressive roster of sea life to encounter—some majestic, some terrifying.
Restaurant management could have easily been an afterthought, but it’s surprisingly robust. You design the menu, balance customer demand, and unlock new recipes. It’s got that addictive “just one more day” energy. The sushi chef, Bancho, is a stoic culinary genius whose intense passion for food gives the game a lot of its personality.
Then there’s the story. What begins as a simple business venture spirals into a borderline absurd, yet endearing, plot involving marine biologists, sea people, and corporate conspiracies. The writing is humorous and self-aware, leaning into its silliness without ever becoming grating.
The art style is a standout. The pixel graphics are rich with detail, and the animations breathe life into every character and creature. The underwater sections in particular are beautifully lit and atmospheric, backed by a mellow, lo-fi soundtrack that complements the oceanic vibe perfectly.
Dave the Diver is a genre-defying, joyful oddity that’s hard to put down. It mixes chill vibes with high-stakes moments and never takes itself too seriously. Whether you’re harpooning a shark or nervously watching sushi orders pile up, the game strikes a near-perfect balance of fun and frustration.
A must-play for fans of creativity and cozy-core chaos. Dive in—you won’t regret it.
Rating: 9/10

Dive by day, serve sushi by night... seems simple enough, right?
And it really is. But surprisingly, it's all the little fluff and fillers that give this game it's true substance. That and the genuinely unique story, vibrant characters and cut scenes that have me smirking.
Usually I hate fluff and filler but this game does it right. It actually adds something to the game, instead of just being there for show. Same with the characters. They each have their own story and add to the gameplay in some way. You have silly little apps on your phone that you manage, and they all have different features and tasks. You work through the chapters and quests, advancing the story and building your reputation while earning money on the sushi market. You can customize your menu, staff, restaurant and can learn new recipes along the way. You can similarly customize your kit when you are diving during the day. The daytime runs almost feel a bit rogue like, collecting and upgrading gear actively on the expedition. You run out of oxygen, you lose everything.
The addition of the phone and the apps offers so much utility and variety. I am never bored by the loophole. Everyday is a bit different. I like how the story just flows naturally with everything, very smooth progression system. The fluff and filler (side quests, the phone apps) don't feel burdensome. You complete a lot of them as you progress through the story, hand in hand.
Way to keep it engaging every step of the way *thumbs up*
(and you get to save cute little dolphins from pirates...bonus points, YAY!!)

Yes, definitely play it.
Its management, fun storytelling, satisfying & addictive gameplay, boss battles, collecting, mini-games, upgrading, exploration, relaxing & sometimes terrifying combat. Not to mention the stunning combination of 2D & 3D pixel art.
Usually KBM but for Dave? Grab a controller, put your feet up and just chill...