Dispatch Review: A Superhero Story That Defies Expectations
▼ Summary
– Dispatch is an episodic, choice-based narrative game about former villains seeking redemption, revitalizing the interactive story genre with its heartfelt adventure and lovable characters.
– The game combines an interactive narrative with strategic gameplay, requiring players to manage a team of heroes by assigning them to missions based on their attributes and handling mini-games.
– Its story is structured like an animated TV series, featuring eight episodes with impactful player choices that shape relationships and outcomes, particularly with characters like Invisigal.
– Dispatch features a distinctive animated art style and an all-star voice cast, with character development and team dynamics being central highlights of the experience.
– The game includes accessibility options like a Cinematic Mode to disable quicktime events and offers a more relaxed playthrough, though some narrative elements, like the main antagonist’s presence, feel underdeveloped until later episodes.
Dispatch revitalizes the interactive narrative genre with a refreshing take on superhero storytelling, blending workplace comedy with genuine heart and strategic gameplay. This debut title from AdHoc Studio proves that episodic, choice-driven adventures still have immense potential, delivering an experience that feels both nostalgic and innovative. Far from another gritty deconstruction of heroes, the game focuses on redemption and second chances, following a retired hero tasked with managing a team of former villains.
The premise feels surprisingly original despite familiar trappings. You play as Robert Robertson, the once-celebrated Mecha Man, now working as a dispatcher for the Superhero Dispatch Network. His new charge is the Z-Team, a wonderfully chaotic group of ex-villains and anti-heroes trying to prove they can be forces for good. The narrative structure, unfolding across eight tightly paced episodes, successfully mimics an animated series, complete with a vibrant art style that leaps off the screen like a living comic book.
Where Dispatch truly shines is in its character work. The Z-Team is comprised of distinct, fully realized personalities, from the anxious Waterboy to the devilish Malevola. The excellent voice cast, featuring talents like Aaron Paul and Laura Bailey, brings incredible depth and humor to every interaction. Your choices as Robert significantly shape his relationships with this found family, leading to genuinely heartfelt moments that explore themes of trust and self-worth beyond one’s past mistakes.
Gameplay extends beyond simple dialogue selections. During dispatch shifts, you engage in a satisfying strategic layer where you must assign heroes to missions across Los Angeles. This involves matching character attributes and synergies to mission requirements, leveling up your team, and navigating mini-games. It’s a clever system that makes you feel invested in your team’s growth and success, offering more player agency than traditional narrative adventures. For those preferring a more relaxed experience, a Cinematic Mode disables quick-time events.
While the core story is compelling, some narrative threads feel underexplored. The primary antagonist, Shroud, lacks presence until the later episodes, and Robert’s own backstory, particularly his relationship with his father, leaves room for deeper exploration. The romantic subplots, while enjoyable, are limited to just two characters and can feel somewhat predetermined. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise superbly crafted journey.
Dispatch stands out as a heartfelt and clever superhero story that prioritizes character over cynicism. It masterfully captures the spirit of classic Telltale games while introducing engaging management sim elements. For anyone who has missed immersive, choice-driven narratives or simply craves a superhero tale with more laughs and heart than brooding darkness, this game is an absolute delight. It’s a testament to the genre’s enduring appeal and a promising start for AdHoc Studio.
(Source: TechRadar)
