Dusk Diver

Dusk Diver is a solid Musuo-style hack-and-slash action game that throws you into some massive battles with a fun and flexible combat system at your disposal.

Dusk Diver inevitably invites comparisons to both Persona and Yakuza. Yet this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as while it doesn’t have the thematic aspirations of the former or the writing and attention to detail of the latter, the decent combat and low-key charm make it an overall pleasant experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Unfortunately, the game doesn't live up to its inspirations, mostly due to its linear nature and to the overall simplistic combat system, which is further harmed by the game's lack of fluidity. The result is a game that feels like a half-achievement and which could be much better if it had spent just a bit more time on the drawing board.

Making a great use of its inspirations on musous in its combat and telling a good and fast story that never extends its duration beyond what it should, Dusk Diver is a game with surprising origins and inspirations that manages to deliver a fun and complete product, even though it is limited and with some technical issues.

Dusk Diver is a game that promises a lot with it's gorgeous visuals, but the combat ultimately falls short. Its basic combo system and missable story are not enough to even come close to some of this year's stellar action titles.

We are facing a game that tries to drink directly from the Persona and Bayonetta sagas, but it stays halfway, and not only because of its relative low budget compared to these. A simple combat system, repetitive enemies, and certain farming mechanics subtract too many points from a game that anime fans might like.

Dusk Diver was a lot of fun to play. While it does feel incomplete from a story perspective (heck, there’s even an extra inventory tab that looks like it’s for crafting materials, not that I ever picked anything up that went in there), it doesn’t feel “unfinished” as a game. There’s glitches and some wonky translations, but the characters were funny and the gameplay certainly had a solid foundation. Ultimately I finished the game thinking “I want more” rather than “it’s finally over”, and that’s pretty telling right there. I really hope to see a sequel in the future, where I can take Yumo and her flaming hair out into the world once more.

Dusk Diver struggles to make a memorable impact due to its story and gameplay failings. This is not helped by its technical issues. Nevertheless, despite its blandness, there is some charisma beneath the surface thanks to a memorable supporting cast and a clear sense of passion in its world's conception. It's difficult to recommend it, but for those who do give it a go, there is a noteworthy personality here that keeps things ticking.

Dusk Diver is a beautiful, fun and flawed experience that fails to provide bang for its buck. If you're a die-hard fan of this style of beat-em-up you may be able to look past the game's lack of content.

Perhaps it would have been possible to expect some more complexity and depth in the fighting, but being so fun and direct, the truth is that it does not end up missing. A remarkable work that knows how to make its way into a genre and an argument so busy.