Dispatch is a superhero adventure game by AdHoc Studio that pays homage to Telltale Games’ episodic storytelling. Set in a world where the protagonist, Robert Robertson III, also known as Mecha Man, loses his powers after his suit is damaged, he embarks on a new journey as a dispatcher, overseeing a team comprised entirely of former supervillains. Each character in this misfit ensemble brings their own personality and challenges to the table, creating a dynamic that adds depth to the game’s narrative.
The game’s mechanics revolve around Robert responding to various emergencies and managing his team’s actions from behind a computer screen. Players must assess calls for help carefully, considering each former villain’s stats—such as Combat, Vigor, Mobility, Charisma, and Intellect—before dispatching them to address the crisis. Successful missions earn experience for both heroes and Robert, allowing for upgrades and improvements as the game progresses.
While Dispatch successfully captures the spirit of superhero narratives and features an engaging character-driven story, it does have limitations. The choices in the game can feel illusory, as many major plot points occur regardless of player decisions. For example, when faced with the situation of cutting a team member based on performance metrics, players are ultimately bound to make a choice that doesn’t significantly alter the story’s trajectory.
Although the narrative might lack stark consequences, its writing shines through, bolstered by strong voice acting from notable actors. Relationships, especially the mentorship between Robert and Invisigal, one of the former villains struggling with her identity, provide essential emotional arcs that delve into themes of redemption and self-identity.
Dispatch’s mix of puzzle-like hero management and narrative-driven character interactions offers a fun and engaging experience, even if it does lean more towards an interactive television format rather than a fully responsive gaming experience. Its characters, particularly Robert and the ensemble of ex-villains, allow for heartfelt moments and comedic exchanges that keep players invested in their growth and the overall narrative. With its compelling world-building and engaging storytelling, Dispatch holds potential for further exploration, paving the way for possible future installments.
