The New Classics #55: Dusk Diver

 

The Backstory: You’d be forgiven for not having heard about Dusk Diver until now. It’s a Chinese Hack’n’slash with a 54 score on Metacritic, who sailed to our shores courtesy of PQube — I adore Pqube, but no resounding success has ever come from their overflowing drawers of niche games. They did a lovely job with the Day One edition, granted; nonetheless, I fully expected not to be blown away by Dusk Diver. 

 

 

The Game: Maybe these low expectations were precisely the reason DD actually blew me away — but honestly, I don’t think so. I think it has more to do with the supremely clever in medias res introduction, which allows you to get a feel of combat for as long as you fancy — before rewinding and launching the story from the start. It also has a lot to do with the charming cast of characters, the trippy music and the gorgeous aesthetics — all flashy neon colours and sharp lines. 

 

 

Last but not least, my being blown away has everything to do with the fighting system and the physics. The latter are top-notch, with just the right density and bouncy resistance from foes; as for the former, it offers the whole real-time shebang— aiming, weak & strong attacks, dash, jump, special attacks, you name it. There doesn’t seem to be much gameplay apart from, well, fighting; but who cares when fighting feels so good?

 

 

The Verdict: There’s nothing I love more than to have a huge crush on a game, especially when I expect the exact opposite — and well, Dusk Diver humoured me. I luv it, and it’s definitely joining The Collection!