Dispatch

Courtesy of an excellent, funny, and heartfelt superhero story that peeks at life behind the mask, Dispatch has made a late charge at the year’s top gong with a scintillating and near flawless eight-episode run, all the while bettering even Telltale’s hallowed best.

Dispatch is a successful experiment, a return to episodic narrative that doesn't aim for nostalgia but for reinvention. It is a superhero story told from an unprecedented perspective, closer to daily life than to spectacle. It is a title capable of making you laugh, making you think, and, at times, even moving you. A game that, without the need for booming plot twists or special effects, still manages to captivate and leave a lasting impression. AdHoc Studio thus delivers a surprising, mature, and self-aware debut, and their game proves that the Telltale-style narrative model can still work, when supported by solid writing, a stellar cast, and a clear vision of what they want to tell. Episode after episode, it manages to build a small, great world that is believable, human, and unforgettable. And, above all, it proves that sometimes the true heroes are not those who fight, but those who listen, decide, make mistakes, learn, and keep trying. A masterpiece!

Dispatch’s first two episodes are a strong start to AdHoc’s vibrant episodic series. It may not reach the heights of Telltale’s classic titles yet, but it’s slowly shaping up to be a strong superhero adventure with a lot of heart and soul packed into its characters. With 6 more episodes left, I can’t wait for it to break my heart.

After I beat Dispatch, I felt a new void in my chest; I wanted to see more of these characters interact. There were countless moments where I felt invested in the story to such an extent that I was almost emotional. There are very few games I’ve played in my life that have pulled that off, and I am thrilled to say that Dispatch joins that list. The game doesn’t just revitalize the genre that Telltale innovated: it is easily one of my new favorite games released this year. In fact, when all is said and done, it may end up as one of my favorite games, period. I cannot wait to see what AdHoc does next, but I will be counting the days until we can see more of Z-Team.

Dispatch Episodes 1 and 2 make for the perfect launch of this superhero workplace comedy. The sharp, well-written dialogue delivers plenty of hilarious moments that’ll keep you laughing throughout. While gameplay is limited, what’s here is thoughtful and engaging, seamlessly blending story and interactivity. Though elements of the classic Telltale formula remain, Adhoc has refined them into a well-paced adventure that leaves me genuinely excited for what’s next. With new episodes dropping in pairs each week, the road ahead looks bright.