Dispatch’s Strategy Game Style Is Exactly What Telltale Was Missing

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Dispatch boasts a fantastic story and memorable characters, but what really sets it apart is its team-based strategy gameplay – something Telltale games were always known for. It clearly builds upon the foundation of Telltale titles like Tales from the Borderlands and The Wolf Among Us. The game excels at combining a focus on relatable characters with an engaging world, a strength Telltale always had. While the moment-to-moment gameplay feels similar to classic point-and-click adventures like Return to Monkey Island, it avoids becoming repetitive.

AdHoc Studio’s debut game, Dispatch, builds on the storytelling strengths of games like those from Telltale, but with a fresh approach to gameplay. Instead of directly controlling a character and exploring environments, you manage a team of superheroes and guide them through missions. This might sound potentially tedious, but it actually creates a surprisingly engaging and clever experience. It seamlessly blends the story and characters into gameplay that’s easy to pick up but difficult to stop playing. Dispatch delivers what Telltale games were always missing and demonstrates a promising future for the developer.

Dispatch’s Primary Gameplay Mechanic, Explained

Although the heart of Dispatch is its compelling characters and story, the way you actually play the game – sending heroes to deal with emergencies – is surprisingly enjoyable. You’re first introduced to the gameplay in the first episode, as Robert Robertson tests the system before starting his job at the SDN. Essentially, Dispatch has you directing heroes across a city map whenever something unexpected happens.

Every emergency call is different – one moment it might be a lost balloon, the next a large-scale drug operation. As the player, you decide which of your heroes is best suited for each mission, considering their unique abilities and traits. Missions aren’t always straightforward, and unexpected issues can arise, requiring quick thinking and creative problem-solving with your team.

The effectiveness of missions can vary based on the hero assigned – and sometimes, the right hero can even completely resolve a situation with a special option. After each mission, heroes return to headquarters to rest and prepare for their next assignment. While players first experience this system with experienced heroes, the core gameplay really becomes clear in the second episode when they start working with the Phoenix Program’s Z-Team.

The characters constantly argue and compete for the spotlight, and will even reject tasks sometimes. Gameplay switches between strategic planning and quick, simple hacking challenges – think code-breaking with button presses and fast-paced chases reminiscent of Pac-Man. It’s easy to learn, and players quickly get the hang of it. Success requires careful planning and the ability to adjust to changing situations, like hero cooldowns and timed missions with unexpected twists. The game strikes a perfect balance between being engaging and challenging, and I found this approach incredibly enjoyable.

Dispatch‘s Dispatch System Is Perfect For The Game Around It

Telltale Games was well-known for consistently delivering story-driven games before forming AdHoc. Many of the people who worked at Telltale also founded AdHoc, which is why the new superhero game puts so much emphasis on characters and storytelling. However, like Telltale’s previous games, gameplay mainly involves Quick-Time Events and investigation. The game Dispatch also uses Quick-Time Events, and its action sequences feel similar to those found in those earlier titles.

Telltale Games typically relied on traditional puzzle-solving, using a point-and-click style that wasn’t poorly made, but often felt uninspired. Players could often go through the motions of the puzzles while eagerly waiting for the story to continue. Dispatch breaks from this pattern.

Dispatch focuses on the core strategy of managing your team. This is a great addition to the game, blending tactical RPG elements with business simulation in a way that really works. As heroes complete missions, they gain experience, and their individual skills and traits can either help or hinder success, depending on the task at hand.

Honestly, one of the coolest things about this game is how the characters relate to each other. It’s not just handed to you – you really have to listen to what they say and how they act. Figuring out who works well together (and who definitely doesn’t!) is key to succeeding on missions. It’s a brilliant way to make the story and the gameplay feel connected, without one overshadowing the other. It keeps things balanced and makes you feel like a real strategist.

I Want More Of Dispatch‘s Gameplay, Stat

What makes Dispatch truly stand out is how engaging the core gameplay of sending heroes on missions is – it’s just as captivating as the excellent superhero story. The game perfectly blends its focus on characters with simple, effective strategy. As heroes level up, they get stronger and learn new skills for each session, but missions can also lead to injuries or internal conflicts within the team.

The core ideas of the game are introduced quickly in the first couple of chapters, and things only become more interesting as you progress. Soon, I found myself completely invested in developing my heroes’ skills and watching the relationships between them unfold. It’s a fantastic blend of engaging story and gameplay that stays accessible while consistently adding depth.

The decisions you make while playing affect how you see the team and Robert’s character, offering a unique take on team-based strategy RPGs. The game is well-designed and works really well. If there’s one thing I’d like to see, it’s more opportunities to manage and develop your team. With only eight episodes currently available, the game feels like it’s built for expansions or a sequel. I hope AdHoc continues to blend engaging gameplay and storytelling in future games, building on the strong foundation of Dispatch.

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2025-10-23 21:41