Dispatch (Episodes 1 and 2) Review

Dispatch Review – Episodes 1 & 2

Test games dominated the interactive storytelling scene throughout the 2010s, with each installment capturing the spirit of the source material while significantly expanding those worlds. After the studio's shocking collapse, most of the team disbanded and formed Adhoc Studios. Their first release Senddoesn't just aim to pick up where Telltale left off; he strives to develop the formula. Based on the first two episodes, I think they did just that.

Mekhamen is a famous hero of the generation; his father fought for peace, and his grandfather before him. With such a legacy behind him, it was only natural that he would follow in their footsteps. Although his heart is in the right place, he lacks any real powers and relies entirely on his mecha suit to fend off threats. After the suit was severely damaged in a brutal battle, he was forced to hang up his robotic boots early. Lost and directionless, he soon stumbles upon an unexpected new path: a desk job.

Saving the day while sitting at your desk

You take on the role of the man behind the heroes – the Controller. Your job is to assign missions to a ragtag team of misfits, including reformed villains, while crimes pop up on your screen. Each mission requires a specific set of skills, so you will need to assess the personalities of your team and select the right candidate for the job. Understanding your crew is critical as their qualities directly impact the success of the mission. But it's not just about choosing the right hero; Mid-mission, unexpected dangers may arise, forcing you to make quick decisions about how your team should respond.

It's a fun system that seamlessly interweaves story and gameplay while putting choice at the forefront. During these segments, you hear the characters banter as they decide who is right for the job or try to complete mini-games. This keeps the narrative front and center throughout the process, which keeps you invested. This and other simple game mechanics are scattered throughout. While there is an option to turn off quick events, I preferred to leave them enabled as they add a nice level of immersion. Since you don't directly control the character, the gameplay mostly revolves around these moments, and they are all implemented well.

Fast, fun and personal

Since you're not wandering around the environment looking for things to interact with, it allows Adhoc Studios to dictate the pace, and they do it masterfully. With each episode running just under an hour, each story in Dispatch feels like an exciting journey from start to finish, free of any additional content. Its television format, releasing two episodes weekly, offers a refreshing approach that breathes new life into a dormant genre. If these first installments are any indication, Dispatch is paving the way forward.

Each of your characters is full of personality, adding a nice, boisterous flavor to your conversations. The writing is brilliant, with hilarious lines that will make you laugh out loud. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the stellar cast brings the lines to life, delivering memorable and wonderful performances that make the story deeply engrossing. Aaron Paul takes on the lead role and perfectly portrays a man struggling to cope with the forced change in circumstances. Despite the restraint and frustration, there is a warmth to his performance that helps you connect with the protagonist.

The style and presentation are fantastic. Each character model is beautifully rendered and animated, giving the actors a real sense of life. There's a level of polish here that was often lacking in Telltale's earlier work, helping Dispatch stand shoulder-to-shoulder with TV titans like Invincible, which clearly informs its sharp, mature storytelling. While the game leans into familiar tropes and pays homage to the genre, it's surprising how fresh everything feels. The combination of flawed characters, a stellar script and a gripping storyline creates a truly engrossing experience.

Heroic New Direction

Episodes 1 and 2 of Dispatch will be the perfect launch for this workplace superhero comedy. The sharp, well-written dialogue creates plenty of hilarious moments that will keep you laughing throughout the film. While the gameplay is limited, it's thoughtful and fun, seamlessly blending story and interactivity. While elements of the classic Telltale formula remain, Adhoc has turned it into a fast-paced adventure that has me genuinely curious about what's to come. With new episodes coming out in pairs every week, the road ahead looks bright.

***PS5 code was provided for this review***