Dispatch review: The superhero workplace comedy you can control — Multiple endings and epic hijinks

For fans of narrative-driven adventures, AdHoc Studio’s Dispatch delivers a fresh, irreverent take on superhero storytelling, blending workplace comedy with interactive TV in a way few games have achieved before. From the moment I started playing, I had my doubts about returning to the episodic release format and the inclusion of celebrity streamers in the voice cast. By the second episode, though, all skepticism evaporated.

Dispatch spans eight episodes, each offering a mix of chaos, humor, and heart. Players follow Robert Robertson, a washed-up hero formerly known as Mecha Man, voiced brilliantly by Aaron Paul. After his mech suit is destroyed in a humiliating defeat, Robert lands a new gig as a dispatcher for a team of misfit superheroes-for-hire. From helping residents retrieve missing pets to preventing city-wide disasters, it’s a job that requires equal parts strategy, patience, and diplomacy.

The game’s charm lies not just in its premise, but in its characters. AdHoc Studio enlisted a diverse cast, including Jacksepticeye and MoistCr1TiKaL, who shine despite having more streaming than acting experience. Even Flambae, a villain-turned-hero designed to irritate players, becomes surprisingly endearing, especially during a hilariously inappropriate karaoke performance mocking Robert’s shortcomings.

Unlike typical superhero fare, Dispatch is far from family-friendly. Expect discussions of adult humor, in-office rivalries, and a fair share of chaos—colleagues throwing punches, sabotaging missions, and indulging in workplace antics that would make HR blush. Yet beneath the irreverence, the story emphasizes growth, second chances, and the value of found family. Heroes, villains, and loners alike grapple with their past failures while striving to do better.

The interactive aspect is where Dispatch shines. Episodes play like animated superhero cartoons, featuring tight scripting, polished art, and cinematic presentation reminiscent of Telltale adventures—but without the point-and-click mechanics. Players influence outcomes through dialogue choices and limited actions that can affect romances, team composition, and character arcs. Two distinct love interests—Invisigal, a foul-mouthed punk, and Blonde Blazer, Robert’s boss—add layers to the interpersonal drama, though the game’s strength is more in platonic relationships and team dynamics than romance.

Minigames and dispatcher mechanics further enhance engagement. Each “shift” requires assigning heroes to tasks based on abilities and personality traits. Prism excels at music-themed missions, while other characters shine under different conditions. QTE brawls punctuate the episodes, offering flashy, fast-paced action that adds variety without overwhelming the story. Some players may wish for even more interactivity, but the balance between narrative focus and gameplay works for most of the season.

Behind the scenes, Aaron Paul describes the experience as both challenging and rewarding. The branching narrative meant recording multiple outcomes for every interaction, keeping voice performances consistent while reacting to player-driven choices. Paul notes that no single ending feels definitive, leaving players intrigued about potential future adventures for Robert and his team.

Overall, Dispatch is a triumph of interactive storytelling—a clever, irreverent, and heartfelt series that combines superhero action with workplace absurdity. It’s a reminder that character-driven narratives can thrive in the gaming medium, and it leaves fans hopeful for a second season.

FAQs

Q: What is Dispatch about?
A: Dispatch is an interactive superhero workplace comedy where you manage a team of misfit heroes, making choices that affect their missions, relationships, and story outcomes.

Q: Who voices the main character, Robert Robertson?
A: Aaron Paul voices Robert Robertson, aka Mecha Man, the washed-up superhero turned dispatcher.

Q: How many episodes does Dispatch have?
A: The first season has eight episodes.

Q: Can players affect the story?
A: Yes, dialogue choices and actions can change team dynamics, romances, and mission outcomes, leading to multiple possible endings.

Q: What kind of gameplay does Dispatch feature?
A: It combines interactive TV-style storytelling with QTE brawls, dispatcher minigames, and team management mechanics.