Key Highlights
- AdHoc Studio offers a unique twist on the superhero genre with “Dispatch,” an episodic choice-driven narrative adventure game.
- The first two episodes of “Dispatch” have been released, with more coming through November 12th.
- The game focuses on Robert Robertson III as a desk-based dispatcher managing a team of reformed supervillains.
- Despite the promising animation and voice cast, some players find the game’s interactive elements lacking in depth and consequence.
A New Take on Superhero Stories: Dispatch Offers Fresh Perspective
The entertainment landscape is dominated by superheroes, with franchises like Watchmen and The Boys pushing the boundaries of self-criticism. However, AdHoc Studio aims to breathe new life into this saturated genre through its debut narrative adventure game, “Dispatch.” Set in an office environment rather than on the battlefield, “Dispatch” provides a unique angle that sets it apart from traditional superhero narratives.
Gameplay and Story
In “Dispatch,” players take on the role of Robert Robertson III, a down-on-his-luck hero without any superpowers. As a dispatcher for Superhero Dispatch Network (SDN), Robert’s primary responsibility is to manage a team of reformed supervillains who handle a variety of emergencies. The game is divided into episodic segments, with the first two episodes available now on PS5 and Steam.
The narrative unfolds through a series of quick choices that players make regarding which character to dispatch for specific scenarios.
For example, you might choose between sending the crypto-bro manbat or the charismatic popstar with magic light powers. These decisions affect the outcome of emergencies, which in turn impact various attributes like combat and charisma.
While the animation is described as stunning, similar to high-budget adult animated shows, the interactive elements are somewhat limited. Quick-time events, though optional, do not significantly alter the story’s trajectory, leading some players to question their purpose within the game design.
Animation and Voice Cast
The game boasts a strong animation style reminiscent of popular titles such as Invincible and Arcane. The voice cast includes renowned actors like Aaron Paul, Laura Bailey, Jeffrey Wright, and Travis Willingham. This high-quality production value is what initially captivates many players but also raises the bar for interactive depth.
The story is set in motion when Robert, known as MechaMan, starts his first day at SDN following a traumatic experience with his father’s murder. The game’s writing and character development are praised for their nuanced portrayal of non-powered heroes navigating a world dominated by superpowered individuals.
Early Impressions and Future Prospects
While the animation and voice acting are impressive, some players remain uncertain about the full potential of “Dispatch.” The game’s narrative choices have limited consequences so far, leading to questions about whether these early episodes truly represent the depth of storytelling AdHoc Studio aims to achieve. As more episodes become available, it will be interesting to see how the interactive elements evolve and whether they provide a compelling experience beyond their initial setup.
“Dispatch” is currently in its early stages, with players hoping for a richer interactivity that complements the high-quality production values. Whether AdHoc Studio can deliver on its promises remains to be seen as more episodes are released over the coming weeks and months.
