Dusk Diver (2019)

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.