The choose-your-own-adventure genre for video games has significantly faded into irrelevance in recent years. However, with “Dispatch,” an Indie game released by AdHoc on Oct. 22, the genre has resurged to popularity.

“Dispatch” received lots of hype for its engaging gameplay and downright iconic cutscenes, which are sprinkled throughout the game.

The game begins with the protagonist, Robert Robertson III, a third-generation superhero in his family, with his “mecha suit,” as he is a regular guy without it. His suit is destroyed in an explosion during a fight against the antagonist, Shroud, and his army, the “Red Ring.” Consequently, he becomes the manager of a group of misfit heroes called the “Z-Team.”

During the game, the user can control Robert’s actions in various events, ranging from a media conference in episode one all the way to decisions about Robert’s romantic life in episode four. Through the ability to decide the story’s direction, interactions become more personalized instead of following a linear story path that does not offer freedom and variety. 

The gameplay consists of tasks the player has to do, such as hacking and dispatching the characters to specific locations. Even though these mundane actions do not seem interesting to play, the satirical dialogue and absurd events keep them from being a chore. 

For instance, while trying to save Los Angeles from the “Red Ring,” the player simultaneously has to juggle a request for a comically long coffee order. In sinking and dire situations throughout the game, there always seems to be a lifeguard of humor to let the game’s story breathe for a bit.

However, the base of all of its buzz lies in its all-out cinema-level animation and storytelling. Unlike many other soulless cash-grab videogames, such as “Call of Duty” and “Madden,” AdHoc was able to successfully skyrocket this game due to their vibrant artstyle and bright narratives.

Another strength is the character writing, which creates a sense of real human connection. Invisigal and Robert are two of the most compelling characters, shown through the depth of their backstories and character development throughout the game.

In cutscenes, Robert and the rest of the cast are revealed as emotionally tender or having silly, unapologetic humor. The animation medium does an especially good job of conveying emotions that would otherwise go unnoticed in typical live-action superhero stories.

Furthermore, these characters are brought to life through the stellar dialogue and voice acting in Dispatch. The cast is diverse, ranging from well-catalogued voice actress Laura Bailey to newcomers, such as online celebrities Charles White and Seán William McLoughlin, known as MoistCr1TiKaL and Jacksepticeye, respectively. 

By casting recognizable internet personalities, the voice acting is welcoming, as hearing familiar voices provides a good contrast to an uncommon style of gaming. The scenes from the game all felt like natural conversations, with amazing delivery each time, rather than scripted, mediocre one-liners to fill each segment.

With all this in mind, it is no wonder that “Dispatch” has taken pop culture and the internet by storm. The game’s beautiful artstyle and animation, and well-written storylines make it clear that “Dispatch” is easily one of 2025’s top games and should be on everyone’s gaming bucket list. 

To repeat one of the most impactful pieces of dialogue in “Dispatch,” every gaming company should “Keep up.”