Dave the Diver on Nintendo Switch has captivated me since launch, and the Anniversary Edition enhances an already incredible experience. This isn’t just another fishing game; it’s a delightful blend of exploration, resource management, and surprisingly deep RPG elements all wrapped in a charming art style. I spent countless hours exploring the vibrant underwater world, managing my sushi bar, and uncovering the mysteries of the Blue Hole. The Anniversary Edition builds on that solid foundation, adding exciting new content that keeps the game fresh and engaging.

The core gameplay loop revolves around diving into the Blue Hole, a procedurally generated underwater world teeming with life. You’ll encounter a wide variety of marine creatures, from adorable pufferfish to menacing sharks. Hunting these creatures provides the ingredients for your sushi bar, where you’ll craft and sell dishes to earn money and upgrade your equipment. The Anniversary Edition adds new species, and even more challenging hunting encounters. The addition of boat and character skins from Guilty Gear -Strive- adds a welcome layer of customization to your diving and restaurant experience. The rhythm game mini-game, also based on the Guilty Gear soundtrack, is a fun diversion and surprisingly well implemented.

The game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, both in handheld and docked modes. I experienced very few frame rate dips, even during the busiest moments of intense underwater battles and preparing complex sushi orders at peak times in my Midnight Sushi Bar. The visuals are charming and colorful, perfectly capturing the whimsical atmosphere. The controls are intuitive and responsive, making diving and managing the sushi bar a breeze, though the inventory management could feel a little cramped at times.

While the game is generally well optimized, I did occasionally notice some minor texture pop-in during more intense diving sessions, particularly in the deeper, less explored areas of the Blue Hole. However, this didn’t significantly detract from my overall enjoyment.

Pros:

• Unique and engaging gameplay loop.
• Charming art style and vibrant underwater world.
• Satisfying progression system.
• Smooth performance on the Nintendo Switch.
• Great new additions in the Anniversary Edition.

Cons:

• Occasional texture pop-in.
• Inventory management could be improved.
• Some minor balancing issues in later game stages.

Dave the Diver Anniversary Edition is a fantastic addition to the Nintendo Switch library. The engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and satisfying progression make it a must-have for anyone looking for a unique and enjoyable gaming experience. While it has a few minor flaws, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. I wholeheartedly recommend Dave the Diver Anniversary Edition to anyone looking for a fun and addictive underwater adventure.