Building on its episodic TV-like structure from AdHoc Studio, Dispatch stands out among 2025's best for bold narrative choices and sharp humor. Critics praise unexpected moments—like a supervillain's explicit visual gag, a surprising hero kiss, and an over-the-top bar fight—that blend episodic storytelling with strategic gameplay, challenging norms and delivering vibrant entertainment.
Dispatch distinguishes itself through its audacious take on superhero tropes and office dynamics. As noted in Eurogamer's end-of-year coverage, the game opens with a striking visual: a toxic-drenched supervillain's visible penis, centered by the camera despite the nudity slider—narrative director Pierre Shorette called this "100 percent the meta-joke." In an interview, he highlighted players' shocked reactions: "Being able to see streams where people leave it on and then they're like 'what the fuck!' and freak out to hit pause and turn the censors back on: it's very funny. People are uncomfortable around dicks."
Early scenes showcase this boundary-crossing style. After confessing to kissing Phenomaman's ex-girlfriend—the Superman-like hero with super strength, speed, and flight—the protagonist expects conflict. Instead, Phenomaman delivers an unexpected kiss, adding layers of surprise. Naturalistic dialogue sparkles with wit, polished like an animated TV show through rehearsals for comedic and dramatic impact.
Gameplay adds depth with strategic puzzling and mission assignment—dispatching heroes to level up and find synergies. Kotaku lauded the bar fight sequence: a five-minute burst of violence and timed comedy, fueled by team camaraderie and a cheerleader-esque rap "Hoes Depressed," even inspiring karaoke rewrites of '90s hits like Meredith Brooks' "Bitch."
Eurogamer described Dispatch as a "prismatic burst of entertainment" full of verve, transcending episodic adventures. Its pursuit of surprise brings joy, recommending it to gamers and non-gamers as interactive storytelling at its best. Amid 2025's ambitious titles, Dispatch's humor, strategy, and flair solidify its acclaim.
