Dispatch Review – Gaming’s New Superhero Saga

What feels like my favorite superhero show isn’t on TV at all; it’s the game Dispatch. All eight episodes of the first season are available now, and it’s a unique experience that blends interactive storytelling with strategic management.

The story follows Robert Robertson III, who loses the “spark” that made him the superhero Mechaman. He’s then reassigned to an emergency dispatch position at a superhero company in Los Angeles. I found his story incredibly compelling and was rooting for him from the start. His new job should be simple, as he can hack into systems to assist the heroes he sends out. He also has the insight to dispatch the right hero for each crisis.

However, there’s a catch. Robert is put in charge of a team of rehabilitated, low-tier villains who are now reluctant heroes. They are the worst performers, they don’t respect him, and they actively want to see him fail. This team of misfits isn’t concerned with saving the citizens of LA, their focus is anywhere but doing a good day’s work. This sets the stage for Dispatch, an episodic video game chronicling Robert’s life after his time as Mechaman.

What Kind of Game is Dispatch?

Dispatch is a story-centric game driven by dialogue, reminiscent of titles from the former Telltale Games. If you’ve never played those, imagine a more interactive version of a TV show. But Dispatch offers much more depth than a typical show. For instance, it allows for a deeper exploration of relationships. I was impressed with how the game handled Robert’s efforts to earn the trust and loyalty of his team. It also gives players a significant amount of freedom to build closer bonds with certain characters, a level of autonomy not always present in dialogue-focused games.

The small story arc with Waterboy was particularly memorable. Initially, Waterboy is uncharismatic and portrayed as a bit of a loser, despite having a useful, if strange, hero skill of vomiting water at will. Through Robert, I made the choice to bring Waterboy onto the team, giving him a chance to prove himself.

How Do Choices and Relationships Matter in Dispatch?