With only the first two of its eight episodes released, Dispatch is already a compelling narrative adventure that feels like a modern successor to the Telltale Games of the 2010s. A hybrid of interactive TV show and puzzle game, this superpowered workplace comedy immediately engages with its eclectic cast of characters, clever minigames, and witty dialogue. While a final verdict awaits the full series, the initial story threads from AdHoc Studio are intriguing, showing significant promise.
The game is set in an alternate Los Angeles where superhumans and mythical beings are commonplace. Some use their powers for good, while others pursue villainy. To manage the chaos, an organization called the SDC offers a private security service for citizens. The protagonist, Robert Robertson—also known as the hero Mecha Man—sees his career derailed when an explosion destroys his suit. He is reassigned to a desk job as a call center operator for a small SDC branch. Based on his first day, his predicament is instantly captivating, raising questions about how this mundane role will affect his heroic ambitions.
Dispatch‘s gameplay is divided into two distinct parts. Much of the experience involves navigating beautifully animated scenes, selecting dialogue options, and completing quick-time events reminiscent of series like The Wolf Among Us and Life is Strange. Key decisions trigger the classic “X will remember that” notification, a nostalgic but effective touch. So far, choices feel meaningful, with even seemingly minor comments creating surprising ripple effects whose long-term impact remains to be seen.
The remainder of the game is spent in the titular role of a Dispatcher, where the gameplay shifts to a point-and-click puzzle interface. From a computer screen, players monitor a city map where timed missions appear as alerts. Each available hero has a unique stat matrix, and players must analyze the mission requirements to assign the best individual or team for the job. Success yields stat boosts for the heroes, creating a satisfying feedback loop. The game expertly balances the tongue-in-cheek banter of the team with the genuine stress of saving citizens against the clock.
This core loop is enhanced by a hacking minigame where players guide a 3D object through a cybernetic maze under a time limit. These puzzles are often integrated into high-stakes events happening elsewhere in the city, effectively heightening the tension. The game’s “augmented episode” format works well, supported by a script that is both witty and satirically sharp, delivered convincingly by its ensemble cast.
Adding to the complexity is Robert’s team, which is composed entirely of former villains attempting to reintegrate into society. The concept of morally ambiguous superhumans has been explored before, but Dispatch sidesteps clichés with a blend of crude humor and sincere character interactions. In one instance, after a “hero” punches Robert, he can either report her to his boss or cover for her. Choosing the latter leads to a surprisingly warm moment of camaraderie, demonstrating a measured writing style that builds a believable, emotionally resonant world.
The characters introduced so far are memorable and layered. Standouts include Invisigal (Laura Bailey), a quippy and defiant young woman with a mysterious past; Blonde Blazer (Erin Yvette), the SDC leader whose noble exterior conceals deep insecurities; and Chase (Jeffrey Wright), a foul-mouthed, retired hero. As the protagonist, Robert Robertson is brought to life by Aaron Paul’s nuanced performance, making him feel flawed yet deeply human.
After just a quarter of its story, it is too early to judge where Dispatch is headed. However, the foundation is strong, from the hero-leveling mechanics to Robert’s personal struggles. The world is thoroughly enthralling, and the narrative leaves players eager to see how his professional and personal conflicts will unfold in the remaining episodes.
