Dispatch Season One Review

A week or so ago, I played through the first four episode of AdHoc Studio’s narrative superhero workplace comedy, Dispatch. In those impressions, I mentioned that the title has a chance to be a dark horse for Game of the Year, a title many games seem to already have in the bag. Well, after finishing the game and it’s eight action-packed episodes, Dispatch is well worth contention for such renown.

A Telltale Told Tall

For those who don’t know, Dispatch is a story-driven choose-your-own-adventure akin to Telltale Games’ titles like The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us. The story follows Robert Robertson III, the ex-superhero known as Mecha-Man. With his suit destroyed, he starts work at the SDN in hopes to fix his suit. In charge of a ‘reforming’ supervillain team, he’ll dispatch them on different missions and turn the bad into good, even the unchangeable. 

If you’ve played any Telltale game, the formula will be quite similar, as you’ll be faced with several dialogue and narrative choices that impact the story. Some are simple comments, other change the course of the story for the rest of the playthrough. Dispatch’s stakes only rise up a few times during the eight episodes, with a couple being game-changing. Those things do become noticeable in repeated playthoughs, but it doesn’t make the experience any less fun the second or third time around.

The X-Men Factor

As it is by some of the team behind Telltale’s best, the storytelling in Dispatch is top-notch. Each character is absolutely lovable and relatable, with no two feeling repetitive or similar to each other. From a short Irish boxer to a flying assassin with a fascination for knives, its crew is as colorful as they are memorable. It helps tremendously that the cast is perfect for their roles. Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul, who plays Robert, nails the sarcastic charm of Robert Robertson and embodied the tired-yet-motivated ex-hero to a T (or M, in Mecha-Man terms). Some other standouts include Invisigal (Laura Bailey), Blonde Blazer (Erin Yvette), Waterboy (Joel Haver), and Royd (Tanoai Reed). 

A great story not only has to keep you engaged, but to be enjoyable. You want to be on the journey, not that you have to be. Dispatch tells a narrative that keeps you on your toes the whole time in the best way possible. There really wasn’t many dull moments, with every episode getting bigger and bigger. While I did enjoy the pacing, I do think there wasn’t enough time for the main villains to shine, only becoming a big threat in the later half. Still, the characters, dialogue, and flow of everything was great, mixing drama and comedy all under a superhero guise. For a time when the superhero genre is a bit oversaturated, the adult-comedy and twist on the themes was refreshing.

Punk Rock, Indeed

In my impressions, I mentioned that I wasn’t sold just yet on the dispatching part of the gameplay. Now, I’m pleased to report that, with the last episodes, I felt like I was having a smoother time. Part of it was playing into the character’s strengths instead of making them an all-around pick. Plus, picking up on context clues and getting to know the characters’ likes and dislikes go a long way, even leading to some fun moments like Sonar meeting his idol and Punch Up winning a boxing tournament. 

Graphics-wise, it does feel reminiscent of an old-school comic book, now 3D. It does add to the charm of the title, as well as the in-your-face mature comedy. There were times where the animation can look a bit stiff or janky, especially during some fight scenes. Still, it does make for one of the most visually appealing and unique titles of 2025. It doesn’t shoot for realism and, frankly, it doesn’t have to. It’s fun, vibrant, and charming all wrapped into one super package.

I will say that Dispatch’s direction was very well done for a studio’s first published game. Yes, they did work on other Telltale titles, but it’s no less impressive just how well it works. Everything happens for a reason, it’s free of clog, and feel refined so that it all works together. It does feel like the team wants to do a second season, but didn’t want to leave loose ends uncovered. I, for one, would love to see it return and, should it nail it the next time, could have the reigning success The Walking Dead had back in 2012.

A Superb Job

If there’s any title worth playing this year, regardless of whatever gamer you are, it’s gotta be Dispatch. There’s something for everyone in it and, whether you like the acting, comedy, or gameplay, you’ll be satisfied. The journey from start to finish is one of the most memorable you’ll go on in 2025. While it isn’t perfect, it’s one I don’t think could’ve been done justice by anyone other than AdHoc Studio and the cast. If I had to describe it in one word, I think I’d call upon Phenomaman and call Dispatch ‘phenomenal’.