Despelote tells a familiar story that is the reality for a lot of South American countries: economic unrest, unstable governments, political coups and violent grabs for power. But you still keep going. You still go to school, go to work, meet friends, walk your dog, scream for your favourite sports team. What Despelote highlights is that sports are about national pride, banding together with other people, and allowing yourself to experience joy, hope. They’re important muscles to flex in what is becoming a more complex, violent, and oppressive world. We need to practice feeling joy, remind ourselves a better world is always possible. This game won’t be for everyone, but you’ve got little to lose from a less than two-hour game. So why not give it a try? Shoot your shot. You might even score.
While this game may exude a git gud air from its presentation, don’t be fooled. Shotgun Cop Man isn’t looking for players to break keyboards or smash controllers. It feels like it earnestly wants its players to enjoy a slickly designed power fantasy and have fun. I am delighted to have games that strike the sweet spot of being inventive and rewarding without going into rage-quit territory. It’s a quick, accessible precision/action platformer that I think you should definitely check out.