Superhero strategy game Dispatch races past 500k wishlists thanks to Steam demo

Working as a dispatcher in a call centre sounds like a rather mundane premise for a new strategy game. Sure, managing an increasing number of jobs and allocating the right amount of resources to attend each one could slot into a loose RTS or management sim framework, but it doesn't exactly fill you with excitement. That is unless you're dealing with a squad of superheroes. The upcoming Dispatch puts you in command of some spandex-wearing supers, sending them out to help citizens in need. Thanks to its unusual concept, stunning visuals, and a recent Steam Next Fest demo that blew players' socks off, it's now zoomed its way up the Steam wishlist charts.

I remember seeing the very first trailer for Dispatch at last year's Game Awards and thinking: 'I don't know what this is, but I want it.' I was then extremely surprised to learn that it's vying for a spot on our best strategy games and best management games lists. You play as Robert Robertson, the unfortunately named superhero that's forced out of action after the destruction of his mech suit. While stuck on the sidelines, he works at a dispatch centre where he must direct a team of eight superheroes to the various emergencies that are reported.

Each situation requires specific skills to navigate successfully, and that means sending the best hero (or heroes) for the job. Each character has different levels of proficiency across five core skills - combat, intellect, charisma, mobility, and vigor - and you must match them up the best you can with the requirements of each emergency.

That alone sounds like the makings of a fun little strategy game, but Dispatch offers up so much more than that. As you can see from its trailers, there are plenty of beautiful, cartoon cutscenes that tell Robert's story during his time at the call centre. The character designs are awesome, the writing is quippy and comedic, and there's some great voice acting to boot from what we've seen so far. With its focus on narrative, it may not come as a surprise to learn that developer AdHoc Studio is made up of plenty of talent from the now shuttered Telltale Games, which created some outstanding story-driven games like its episodic The Walking Dead series.

June's Steam Next Fest event ushered in the first chance for players to give Dispatch a go, and it's not only enjoyed an incredibly popular demo, but it's left an impression too. AdHoc reports that Dispatch's demo was downloaded more than 300,000 times, and that's resulted in a tsunami of wishlists. The studio says that it's now been wishlisted over half a million times, and a quick look at Steam's charts show it sitting in 44th spot ahead of some major upcoming PC games like Crimson Desert, Silent Hill f, and State of Decay 3.

If you're reading this and thinking 'damn, I wish I played this demo while I had the chance during SNF,' I've got great news for you - the demo wasn't time-gated, and is still available to download and try. You can do so right here. As for when you can play the full game, Dispatch is set to launch some time before the end of 2025.

To make sure those cinematics sparkle, consider an upgrade for your setup by looking at our picks for the best gaming monitor. Alternatively, check out some more sensational indie games that we will always urge people to play.

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