Dispatch opens with an irresistible twist on the superhero formula. After a career-ending defeat, former mech-suited hero Robert Robertson finds himself behind a desk rather than on the front lines – working at a dispatch center for the very heroes he once fought alongside. What unfolds is a sharp blend of satire and sincerity, exploring what it means to stay heroic when stripped of power and status. The writing captures this tension with wit and empathy, turning mundane office chatter into moments of surprising humanity while poking fun at the bureaucracy of heroism itself.
The story’s biggest strength lies in its ensemble. Every hero and ex-villain under Robertson’s supervision feels distinct, thanks to excellent performances from a standout voice cast. Aaron Paul and Laura Bailey lend personality and depth to the banter-filled exchanges, while smaller characters often steal scenes with offbeat quirks. The script balances humor and vulnerability well, though occasional punchlines come too quickly, undercutting the more emotional moments. Even so, the dialogue-driven scenes consistently reveal warmth beneath the comedy, keeping the narrative grounded in character rather than spectacle.
Gameplay blends interactive storytelling with light management strategy. Players monitor a city-wide map of emergencies and choose which heroes to deploy, juggling personality clashes, cooldowns, and the ever-present risk of failure. Sending the wrong person can spark chaos both in the field and back at HQ, creating a clever feedback loop between narrative and mechanics. This design keeps every choice meaningful – not just in shaping relationships but in how each episode unfolds. It’s a satisfying mix that rewards forethought and curiosity rather than reflexes.
Moment-to-moment control feels tight and deliberate, even during quick-time sequences and minigames that punctuate key missions. On PS5, inputs are smooth and responsive, while adaptive triggers lend a small but welcome touch of immersion to the action beats. Menus can be a little cumbersome during time-sensitive moments, especially when navigating upgrades or assigning tasks under pressure, yet the overall flow of play remains steady. These systems mesh well with the story’s rhythm, allowing players to decide how involved they want to be in the tactical layer without losing sight of the narrative focus.
Visually, Dispatch delivers a colorful, comic-inspired aesthetic that fits its tone perfectly. The exaggerated animation and punchy color palette make its version of Los Angeles feel vibrant and self-aware, while stylized lighting and comic panel transitions give scenes a distinct rhythm. The audio design is equally strong, with sharp comedic timing and ambient office chatter selling the idea of a chaotic hero call center. On PS5, the presentation feels slick and cinematic, offering a level of polish that complements the game’s episodic structure. Still, the pacing sometimes stumbles between cliffhangers and quiet downtime, leaving certain story arcs waiting for resolution a bit too long.
Some of Dispatch’s lighter systems and pacing quirks occasionally hold it back. Tutorials gloss over a few mechanics, and the early hours move briskly enough that new players may need time to adjust to the game’s juggling act between management and narrative. Likewise, the tone occasionally veers between parody and sincerity without always finding the ideal balance. Yet these rough edges rarely overshadow the charm of its concept or the appeal of its characters. Beneath the workplace humor is a thoughtful look at burnout, redemption, and identity in a world obsessed with heroism.
Across its first two episodes, Dispatch establishes a confident foundation. AdHoc Studio’s blend of branching storytelling, management gameplay, and rich characterization feels fresh within the superhero genre, especially when paired with a cast capable of carrying both comedy and emotional weight. Despite a few uneven transitions and interface quirks, the PS5 version stands out for its polish and responsiveness. If the remaining episodes can maintain this balance of heart and humor, Dispatch could become one of the year’s most distinctive narrative adventures – proof that even the heroes behind the headset can save the day.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 