In recent years, the gaming landscape has been dominated by superhero-themed titles, often offering vast open-world settings or intense fighting mechanics. While there’s much excitement for upcoming games like Marvel Tōkon and Invincible VS, the announcement of Dispatch from AdHoc Studio offers a refreshing twist on the superhero genre. Rather than embodying a traditional superhero, players step into the shoes of Robert Robertson, a former hero who must navigate the quirks of a dispatch center catering to less-than-stellar superheroes.
Overview of Dispatch
Dispatch invites players into a unique blend of humor and office life, catering to those who appreciate comedic television shows like The Office. In the game, Robertson, previously known as Mecha Man, finds himself out of action after his mech suit is destroyed. Struggling to find a new purpose, he takes a job at a dispatch center for superheroes, tasked with coordinating assignments for a team of rather unremarkable heroes. The demo, which provides a glimpse into his first day on the job, showcases an engaging narrative filled with absurdity and charm.
Gameplay Mechanics
The game’s humor is evident from the outset, featuring juvenile jokes that might appeal to a younger audience while also garnering laughs from older players. One of the earliest interactions includes giving a colleague a “bro fist” at a urinal—a perfect encapsulation of the game’s comedic style. During Robertson’s introduction to his colleagues, players quickly learn that he’s not leading a team of elite superheroes, but rather a “motley crew of dangerous fuck-ups.” This colorful cast of characters, each with their unique backstories and powers, is voiced by notable actors including Laura Bailey, Matthew Mercer, Aaron Paul, and Jeffrey Wright, enhancing the game’s narrative depth.
In contrast to traditional superhero games that focus on individual heroics, Dispatch explores the corporate side of superhero work. Players must manage team assignments and decide which hero is best suited for each job, such as intervening in a robbery or helping a child retrieve a balloon stuck in a tree. Each assignment requires players to think critically about the unique strengths and weaknesses of their team of misfit superheroes. The mechanics are designed to evoke a blend of strategy and humor, highlighting the absurdities of superhero antics in mundane situations.
Dialogue Choices and Narrative Depth
One of the standout features of Dispatch is its choice-based dialogue system, reminiscent of titles from Telltale Games. AdHoc Studio, founded by former Telltale developers, infuses this gameplay style into Dispatch, allowing players to make choices that can significantly influence Robertson’s relationships and the story’s progression. Players must make decisions under time constraints, enhancing the sense of urgency and engagement. The game also includes feedback systems where characters might remember the choices made, adding layers to the interpersonal dynamics. While the long-term impact of choices remains to be seen, the initial setup promises a fun and interactive storytelling experience.
Community Response and Future Prospects
The reveal of Dispatch at The Game Awards six months ago generated considerable buzz among fans eager for a fresh take on the superhero genre. As the game becomes available on Windows PC and other platforms later this year, the community is excited to see how AdHoc Studio balances humor with engaging gameplay mechanics. Interest is bolstered by the studio’s credentials, as their previous work on narrative-driven titles has set high expectations for this new project.
Technical Details and Availability
Currently, players can experience an early demo of Dispatch available on Steam. This demo lasts approximately 30 minutes, offering a taste of Robertson’s humorous workplace interactions and the unique gameplay the full title promises to deliver. Expected to launch on unspecified console platforms, Dispatch aims to capture a diverse audience beyond traditional superhero game players.
Quick Reference Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Character | Robert Robertson (Mecha Man) |
| Game Type | Comedy, Narrative Adventure |
| Voice Cast | Laura Bailey, Matthew Mercer, Aaron Paul, Jeffrey Wright |
| Gameplay Mechanics | Assignment management, choice-based dialogue |
| Demo Availability | Steam |
| Release Platforms | Windows PC and unspecified consoles |
As gaming continues to evolve, Dispatch stands out as a game that prioritizes narrative and humor, offering a unique take on the superhero genre. Players will have the opportunity to become part of a world that combines laughter with heroism, promising an engaging and memorable experience.