Dispatch (video game)
A superhero workplace comedy about a dispatcher managing reformed villains.
Dispatch is an episodic adventure game released in 2024, created and published by the American studio AdHoc Studio. It is a superhero workplace comedy in which players control Robert Robertson III, once known as the superhero Mecha Man. After his mecha suit is destroyed in battle, he takes a job as a dispatcher for a team of villains who are being reformed into heroes. The voice cast includes Aaron Paul, Jeffrey Wright, Erin Yvette, Laura Bailey, Travis Willingham, and Matthew Mercer, along with content creators jacksepticeye, MoistCr1TiKaL, Joel Haver, and Alanah Pearce, and rapper Yung Gravy.
The game consists of five episodes, released on PlayStation 5 and Windows during October and November 2024. Versions for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 followed in January 2025, with an Xbox Series X/S version arriving in July 2025. Critics gave the game generally favorable reviews.
**Gameplay**
Dispatch is an adventure game where player choices influence the story through dialogue trees during conversations. A key gameplay element involves navigating a superhero team across the Superhero Dispatch Network (SDN) map to respond to crimes and events. Players must strategically decide which hero or heroes to send based on their stats and traits, while also managing cooldowns. A hacking minigame requires navigating pathways and completing quick time events.
**Synopsis**
**Setting**
The game takes place in an alternate Los Angeles where superpowers are common, dividing society into "supers" (those born with powers like flight or invisibility, or with unusual appearances) and "normies" (those without powers). While some superheroes work independently, most are employed by the Superhero Dispatch Network (SDN), which offers services and protection to subscribers.
**Plot**
Robert Robertson III, following his father and grandfather as the pilot of a mech suit built by the latter, seeks the killer of his father: the supervillain Elliot Connors, also known as Shroud. He is lured into a trap by Shroud's gang, the Red Ring. Robert escapes but discovers a bomb planted on his mech suit. He survives, but the suit is heavily damaged, and he is deeply in debt from maintaining it. He announces his retirement to the press.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Dispatch
- Developer
- AdHoc StudioAnimation provided by Igloo Studio. PS5 version ported by Plastic Fern Studios. Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions ported by PlayEveryWare.
- Publisher
- AdHoc Studio
- Director
- Nick Herman · Dennis Lenart · Chris Rebbert
- Producer
- Natalie Herman
- Designer
- Charles Marcolim
- Programmer
- Seth Kingsley
- Artist
- Derek Stratton
- Writer
- Pierre Shorette · Suzee Matson · Ashley Jeffalone · Chad Rhiness · Chris Rebbert
- Composer
- Andrew ArcadiAdditional music by Skyler Barto
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Platforms
- PlayStation 5 / Windows / Nintendo Switch / Nintendo Switch 2 / Xbox Series X/S
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Dispatch is set in an alternate Los Angeles where superpowers are commonplace, dividing society between 'supers' and 'normies.' The player controls Robert Robertson III, a third-generation superhero who loses his mecha suit to a bomb planted by the villain Shroud. Forced into retirement, Robert takes a job as a dispatcher at the Superhero Dispatch Network (SDN), where he manages the Z-Team, a group of reformed supervillains. The game's story involves Robert rebuilding his suit, uncovering the truth about his father's killer, and navigating relationships with characters like Blonde Blazer and Invisigal. Invisigal was formerly known as Invisibelle, and Sonar is a human with enhanced hearing and sonar abilities, not a man/bat hybrid.
Reader's Guide
Dispatch is significant as a narrative-driven adventure game that blends superhero tropes with workplace comedy. Its cast includes notable voice actors such as Aaron Paul, Jeffrey Wright, Laura Bailey, and Matthew Mercer, as well as content creators like jacksepticeye and MoistCr1TiKaL. The game's choice-based gameplay, dialogue trees, and strategic hero dispatch system set it apart. With over 4 million copies sold and generally favorable reviews, Dispatch demonstrated the viability of episodic releases and the appeal of a comedic, character-focused superhero story. Its legacy includes expanding the reach of indie-developed adventure games and showcasing diverse voice talent.
Did You Know?
- Rahul Kohli was originally considered for the role of Robert Robertson III.
- The game includes a hacking minigame where players navigate pathways and complete quick time events.
- Invisigal, voiced by Laura Bailey, was formerly known as Invisibitch and can turn invisible while holding her breath.
- The Z-Team member Sonar is a highly intelligent man/bat hybrid and a Harvard graduate.
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