Dave the Diver Review (PS5) | Push Square

pushsquare.com:

If Dave the Diver proves anything, it's that one shouldn't make judgements based on appearances. Not only does the loveable lead character exceed the expectations of his cohorts at every turn, but the game itself goes well beyond what it looks like. At a glance, this is a charming adventure about exploring the sea, catching fish, and running a sushi restaurant. It is all that, but it also refuses to settle, constantly evolving the experience in surprising and compelling ways.

It all begins with a strong core loop already in place. Every time you dive into the mysterious Blue Hole, its layout and the marine life within it will be slightly different. It's your job, armed with a harpoon and secondary weapon, to catch various fish species in order to then serve them up in the nearby sushi restaurant. Only open during the evenings, this side of the game is a management sim of sorts, as you place dishes on the menu, enhance them to earn more money, and serve the customers Diner Dash style. The cash you earn from the restaurant can be spent on upgrades for your diving equipment, letting you catch bigger, more dangerous fish, stay underwater for longer, and go gradually deeper.

For most games of this ilk, that would be enough; the two halves of Dave the Diver work wonderfully, perfectly feeding into each other as you discover new creatures beneath the waves, research new dishes, and explore the Blue Hole more deeply. However, it doesn't take long before this simple, addictive cycle is supplemented with more layers, and it's this commitment to broadening the game that makes it stand out.

Soon, you'll be able to hire and train staff for the restaurant. Guns found in the water become blueprints so you can craft them permanently. You'll get a camera to take photos at certain spots, earning you a little extra money. Special events and VIPs will demand specific foods on certain days. Nighttime dives are introduced, letting you catch nocturnal species at the cost of a shorter