Dave the Diver Reviews

Dave the Diver is ranked in the 99th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10
Oct 27, 2023

In a year dominated by titanic, big-budget releases like Tears of the Kingdom and Mario Wonder, Dave the Diver steps up to the plate and knocks the ball clear of the park with a heaving swing. Its charming animations and writing supplement a mechanically dense experience that never stops dangling a new carrot to chase. It's one of the few games to come out this year that rivals Mario Wonder's all-out density and charm while doing something almost completely new. You owe it to yourself to pick up this outstandingly funny, enthralling, and weird gem.

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Atomix
Top Critic
90 / 100
Oct 25, 2023

If you didn't try this game a few months ago, I think it would be the right time to do so, especially because of the portable theme that makes it a relaxing experience to take on trips and distract yourself for a while.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

4.5 / 5.0
Jul 3, 2023

With so many elements of Dave the Diver, I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface since many other concepts bring even more to the table, including a fully functional phone, fish farming, and fun minigames. But, if you want to experience it in its entirety, you’ll have to swim your way to Steam to get this absolute gem of a game. I know I’m already hooked in, and it’s quickly become one of the best titles I’ve played this year.

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9 / 10.0
Apr 15, 2024

It might not come as a surprise, but Dave the Diver is just as good on PlayStation as it is elsewhere. If you're yet to experience this intoxicating combination of scuba, sushi and silly mini-games, there's really never been a better time – especially because you can snag it as part of a PlayStation Plus Extra subscription.

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91%
Dec 19, 2023

With its treasure trove of delightful features and characters, Dave the Diver is an absolute gem of a game.

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9.8 / 10.0
Oct 30, 2023

I wish I didn't have to review Dave the Diver because of how much I worry about letting too much of its best parts slip. It's a fantastic title that's worth "going in blind" simply because of how it continuously surprises players, including me. Its Switch port maintains its greatness, barring some slight visibility issues of the smaller fishies and the loading screens, so it's hard for me to recommend the Switch version if you're deciding on which platform to purchase Dave the Diver. However, one thing is certain: You should not miss out on Dave the Diver this holiday season. It's a pearl in an ocean of other holiday AAA titles vying for your attention.

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10 / 10.0
Jul 1, 2023

Dave the Diver from Mint Rocket is something to behold. The game features exploration, collection, side quests, an RPG backbone, and a restaurant simulator, all of which are beautifully balanced and connected. This is by far one of the better games of 2023 and shouldn’t be overlooked.

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GamingBolt
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Oct 30, 2023

Dave the Diver is an improbably addictive game that stands out as one of the most unique and memorable experiences in a year full of great titles.

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9 / 10.0
Dec 4, 2023

Dave the Diver is successfully combines two very different genres. The deep-sea diving is action packed, full of exploration and a great soundtrack. The restaurant-sim side is put together in a way that’s challenging without being overwhelming. I highly recommend this title!

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4.6 / 5.0
Aug 30, 2023

Dave The Diver is a true indie gem. The story acts as the glue that holds things together while most of the weight of the game is on the shoulders of gameplay mechanics that are gradually added, new areas that are unlocked in each chapter of the story, and new weapons and equipment that can be found in boxes scattered in the Blue Hole. This game is a simple delight like a cup of coffee in the morning or an ice cream in the summer heat; its true value is felt only when you taste it yourself.

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8.2 / 10.0
Jul 22, 2023

Dave the Diver is one of the most interesting games of this year. From such a simple concept – bring some fish to your restaurant! – the game keeps building on its gameplay and deepening the experience, captivating the player in an enjoyable and magnetic loop that you will find hard to jump off from.

Review in Italian | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Jul 15, 2023

Dave the Diver is a game with a distinctive style that demonstrates the potential of the medium with its comprehensive and varied gameplay. While the late-game mechanics may feel repetitive in the full version, the enjoyable fishing experience for the first ten hours makes it worth the price of admission.

Review in Chinese | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Jun 26, 2023

Dave The Diver will end up being one of those fundamental titles that people talk about in the same breath as Stardew Valley, where it achieves on nearly every front.

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BaziCenter
Arash Sefidi
Top Critic
9 / 10
Apr 17, 2024

Dave the Diver offers a unique gameplay experience, blending captivating storytelling, tough challenges, and deep-sea exploration; and while there is some room for improvements, it still manages to cast its magic and hook you up for the long run.

Review in Persian | Read full review

95 / 100
Apr 14, 2024

Dave the Diver is fun and charming, adopting a bold formula by blending distinct genres of management and simulation. This results in a title that constantly entertains and piques the player's interest. It's a pixelated spectacle with a small scope and gigantic results.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

9.2 / 10.0
Dec 21, 2023

Dave the Diver is a massive game but looks like it isn't. Its campaign takes well over 20 hours with an addicting gameplay mix of action, RPG, and restaurant management while constantly introducing new and fun gameplay mechanics. It keeps switching things up and always gives you exciting activities to engage in while delivering a gripping story. Get this title on your radar because Dave the Diver is a delight to play.

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GameSpew
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Jul 7, 2023

A triumph in just about every way, Dave the Diver is undoubtedly going to be one of 2023’s biggest success stories. This gorgeous adventure keeps you hooked no matter what you’re doing. Whether you’re serving up sushi, catching fish or exploring the depths of the oceans for long-lost secrets, you’ll struggle to pull yourself away. We just love it. Even if it does leave us craving sushi – but it’s a small price to pay.

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9.5 / 10.0
Oct 26, 2023

Dave the Diver is an unique experience that constantly throws something interesting and fun, even when you are 30-40 hours into the adventure. Is a game that made us smile from the moment it begins until the end, and the diversity of the gameplay is fantastic and fascinating.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Jul 21, 2023

Games are often referred to as mixing the right ingredients and mixing the best recipe. But in the case of Dave the diver, the ingredients and recipes on the plate are the most important thing, not metaphorically, but completely practically. And the resulting food tastes so good that you will lick your fingers.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

Nov 7, 2023

DAVE THE DIVER is a lovely little game that blends serving food, fishing, mini-games, and fun dialogue into one immersive package.

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