At first glance, this comedy/superhero game takes pieces from other decide your destiny games like Until Dawn and Life is Strange, using dialogue branches and quick time events to alter how the main character's (Robert Robertson) relationships change with the superheroes/ supervillains he is managing. But it takes this to another level with the mundane workplace environment twist and managing skill points. After losing his mech-suit in battle, Mecha Man, as he was formerly known, now works at a dispatch centre, working with ex-supervillains, helping to not only rehabilitate them but also rebuild his suit to have a chance at revenge. And to top it all off, the cover art for Dispatch is literally just Robert and the other characters in a bathroom, purely for the fun of it.
The game features an impressive roster of voice actors from MoistCr1TiKaL and Jacksepticeye (Sonar and Punch Up) to Matthew Mercer and Jeffrey Wright (Shroud and Chase). There is debate around the quality of Jacksepticeye's microphone online, as some argue that it does not have the same depth as others, maybe as he potentially used his own microphone rather than a studio one, but this is absolutely nothing to put you off buying the game, as it is hardly noticeable. The emotion and personalities of each character really shine through; it definitely adds a polished feel to the game, along with the decision to release 2 'episodes' each week: it makes the whole game feel like you are interacting with an animated movie. What makes this game so unique too, is having to actively manage who goes out to prevent fires, fights and even common workplace drama. Not only is it important to choose which hero is right for the job, but having to deal with workplace romance, ex-troubles and events that will have dire consequences on your team and the whole city.
The emotion and personalities of each character really shine through; it definitely adds a polished feel to the game, along with the decision to release 2 'episodes' each week: it makes the whole game feel like you are interacting with an animated movie.
The story line is creative and funny, massively helped by the whole team over at Critical Role, the popular American team of voice actors playing tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons. This is their first game the company has been involved with, and also did a 'one-shot' Dispatch-inspired campaign to help promote the release. The game is also available as a Deluxe Edition, giving you access to not only the full game but a 100+ page digital art book and 4 digital comics replicating the art style of Marvel and DC comics featuring all the characters from the game. I would highly recommend giving this game a go, it has a little something for everyone and already has a 'very positive' rating on Steam, suggesting the hype from announcement day has indeed lasted until release.
The game is rated 18 featuring some nudity, strong language and cartoon violence, and is available on PS5 and Windows for £24.99.