Since the 2023 debut of Dave the Diver, game director and CEO Jaeho Hwang has embraced the creative freedom to experiment with unique crossovers between his popular management sim and various iconic franchises. However, on June 18, Mintrocket is shifting gears by launching its first substantial original DLC. In a recent interview, Hwang described In the Jungle as less of an add-on and more akin to a standalone spinoff or a compact sequel.
“Our goal was to provide dedicated fans with a genuinely fresh experience within the Dave the Diver universe,” Hwang explained. “We decided to move away from the traditional DLC model of simply tossing in a few extra missions or weapons; instead, we’ve boldly overhauled the foundational systems of the game.”
The expansion, titled In the Jungle, transplants Dave and his crew from the familiar Blue Hole to a vibrant freshwater jungle lake. This new environment houses a mysterious, ancient civilization and a host of unique aquatic life. Because fresh-caught river fish don’t suit traditional sashimi menus, the iconic Bancho Sushi is rebranded as Bancho Grill to cater to the local Utara Village population. Navigating the locals’ guarded nature requires players to engage in dialogue and complete favors to earn their trust and build a thriving customer base.
“The original game is a largely passive affair where you wait for customers to arrive at your restaurant,” Hwang noted. “In this expansion, players must be proactive, moving throughout the environment to keep the momentum going.”
This active approach extends to the revamped time management system. While the base game split days into rigid segments for diving and serving, In the Jungle offers a 12-hour window of flexibility. Players can spend their time exploring Utara Village or diving, provided they wrap up their daily activities before the evening restaurant rush. To prevent players from losing track of their primary objectives, the developers introduced periodic reminders, as diving now carries a fixed two-hour penalty regardless of the time spent submerged.
“We experimented with longer diving durations, but it felt overly punishing and made the village gameplay feel rushed,” Hwang said. “We ultimately tuned it to strike a more natural balance.”
The DLC blends familiar faces with new allies. Sato returns with more digital cards to hunt down, and the game introduces a party mechanic that allows Dave’s associate, Cobra, to join him on excursions. While Momo the cat remains at the main restaurant, players will be introduced to Marone, a stray puppy who assists in hunting, allowing for the inclusion of bird meat on the new menu.
“We enjoy incorporating mini-games, but we’re mindful of pacing,” Hwang added. “The integration of a Duck Hunt-style mechanic works because it’s tied directly into the narrative of gathering ingredients within the forest.”
With an estimated playtime of 10 hours, In the Jungle represents a significant milestone for the team. “This DLC is vital for us because it allows us to expand our lore and offer a deeper, more cohesive story rather than just a fleeting event-based diversion,” Hwang concluded.
Source: Polygon
