Workplace comedy about managing a team of eccentric heroes, "Dispatch" (HONKOWA Indie Pick Up!)
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/950/G095079/20251023031/
Editorial Department: YamaChan | 2025/11/09 22:00 (UTC)
Image Gallery No.001 thumbnail / Workplace comedy “Dispatch” managing a crew of eccentric heroes (Aoni Indie Pick Up!)
Price: 3,400 yen / Includes Japanese text Image Gallery No.009 thumbnail / Workplace comedy “Dispatch” managing a crew of eccentric heroes (Aoni Indie Pick Up!)
Once, there was a man who soared through the skies as the city’s guardian, Mechman.
But after being defeated by his archenemy, his wings shattered—along with his partner’s mechanized suit. His next destination? The command room of a superhero dispatch center—a place where he could only watch battles unfold on monitors in silence.
Now harboring revenge in his heart, he begins a new battle: leading a crew of eccentric heroes.
Today’s featured title, “Dispatch,” is a narrative adventure game developed by AdHoc Studio, founded by former Telltale Games staff. It’s branded as a “superhero workplace comedy.”
Robert Robertson, once a heroic Mechman, was defeated by his archenemy and lost his suit. Forced into retirement, he becomes a dispatch officer at a superhero placement center. His mission: manage a team of troublemaking ex-villains, solve citywide incidents, and wait for the chance to rebuild his suit and seek revenge.
The game is composed of two main elements. First, the story-driven narrative section, presented with high-quality animation. Here, choices during character conversations are crucial. Players face time-limited decisions that affect characters’ memories and ultimately shape future relationships and story developments.
The second element is the management section, where players fulfill their duties as a dispatch officer. They monitor events on a strategic map and assign the most suitable heroes based on abilities, skills, and current circumstances. While players don’t directly intervene in missions after deployment, success or failure determines how much experience heroes gain—and thus, how they grow.
Seamless Integration of Story and Strategy
The standout feature of this game is how its story-driven adventure and strategic management are not separate elements, but organically intertwined into a single cohesive experience. Choices in the narrative section alter relationships with heroes, which in turn influence dispatch decisions in the management phase. Conversely, mission outcomes generate new stories and character development. This mutual interplay gives players’ decisions depth and weight.
High Production Quality as a Playable Animation
One major highlight is the game’s stunning voice acting and smooth animations. The vivid expressions and dynamic dialogue of characters are so immersive that players may forget they’re playing a video game—feeling fully drawn into the story.
Unique Concept and Compelling Characters
The premise of a “superhero workplace comedy” stands out among other superhero stories. Instead of playing as the shining hero, players experience the narrative through the perspective of a behind-the-scenes dispatch officer who has suffered setbacks. The team they manage consists of former villains, each carrying flaws and past regrets. With a script that masterfully blends serious themes with light-hearted humor, players will empathize with these imperfect characters and grow alongside them.
“Dispatch” is an exceptional fusion of story-driven adventure and strategic management simulation. Its production quality rivals that of top-tier anime series, enhanced by outstanding voice acting that deepens immersion in the world. This game is ideal for players who want to deeply engage with character relationships and narrative progression—or those seeking a dense, story-rich experience akin to a foreign drama.