Despelote Reviews
Despelote is far from being a title that draws attention for its gameplay or challenge. It comes with a very different proposal for a very specific audience, but that does not diminish the credit of its experience. For those who enjoy curious excerpts from parallel realities to ours, which were previously only possible through television documentaries, you will be quite surprised by this game, even if it doesn't last long.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
A beautiful portrait of a 2001 neighborhood in Quito, Ecuador, taking advantage of the deep personal connections the gaming medium is best for, despelote seamlessly imprints itself on the player's mind.
It is a story full of love and poetry, which brings into play the point of view of an inanimate object, that ball which is the true protagonist of the story , to which we constantly return throughout the story. It is also a story that teaches us how unimportant winning is.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Despelote is one of the year’s most fascinating indie games, one I can recommend without much hesitation.
Despelote is a game that offers a piece of life to the player. And as a player we become aware that the only game in Despelote is the “Fifa” that we sometimes play on the family TV (and the only thing that has achievements). It is a Walking simulator of a child but it is not childish. In two hours it offers impressive narrative class that is not for everyone, because it moves away from what is traditionally considered a video game. But there can't be a better medium to express what it intends.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Despelote's story might not sound appealing to anyone who doesn't like footy, but the themes and messages make it well worth checking out.
Despelote is not awful… it’s just very confusing. I appreciate the interesting premise and presentation, but it’s just somewhat devoid of elements that make it a proper “game”. Even the football-related gameplay (or what little of it is present) feels clunky and shallow. I also think the story could have been more focused on the innocence and lack of urgency in the life of a child – it would have made it a lot more relatable.
despelote is more than just a simple game, it's a beautiful and interactive presentation of a people who have been incorporating football into their culture. With a great pace and extremely well done dialogues, the game keeps your attention and curiosity as it introduces the player to Ecuador. All this from the point of view of an 8-year-old kid with a passion for soccer.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Despelote will extend its hand to the player and invite them on a Virgil-like walk through the ever-increasing tension that permeated Ecuador in 2001. While the gameplay is not adrenaline-fuelled, its earnestness serves to be equally captivating and the primary motivation to see the game through.