Best Games Like Dispatch – Minority Mindset

Dispatch quickly became popular, and for good reason—it’s not just a fleeting trend. The game features a truly engaging story and a memorable group of quirky characters.

This game has quickly become popular with both new players and long-time fans of AdHoc’s work at Telltale. Despite its success, it unfortunately wasn’t nominated for a Game Award.

I’m not going to dwell on whether or not Dispatch received the recognition it deserved. Instead, for those who loved the game, I’ve put together a list of similar titles that capture the same great qualities as Robert and the Z-team’s adventure.

I’m not just going to list all of Telltale’s games and pretend that solves the issue of inclusivity, so you don’t have to worry about that.

10. 1000xResist

Glory to ALLMOTHER

Okay, so hear me out – I know Dispatch seems like a weird comparison, but if you really connected with the feels that game gave you, ignoring 1000xResist would be a mistake. Seriously, put the funny office stuff aside, and you’ll find a similar emotional core.

This popular science fiction story is known for its thoughtful and mature approach, exploring difficult topics such as personal identity, the effects of trauma, the breakdown of society, and questions about the meaning of life.

Okay, so if you’re expecting the typical Dispatch story where things happen to you, 1000xResist is different. It’s way more about exploring the world around you – you’ll be digging through memories, finding clues, and solving puzzles to actually move the story forward. It’s less ‘on rails’ and a lot more hands-on, which I’m really excited about!

9. AI: The Somnium Files

Kaname Date’s Bizarre Adventures

I really enjoyed playing AI: The Somnium Files, which a friend suggested – even though I didn’t actually own it! And if you’re hesitant about visual novels, remember that Dispatch also offers an engaging, interactive story.

In AI: The Somnium Files, you play as detective Kaname Date. He teams up with his unusual partner, Aiba, to solve a complex and deeply personal mystery. The investigation takes a unique turn, requiring them to delve into people’s subconscious minds and memories – similar to the gameplay in 1000xResist.

The heart of the game lies within the Somnium Dives, and completing them is key to unlocking the path to the true ending. If you’re new to visual novels, they might seem daunting, but the incredible writing makes it worthwhile. You’ll enjoy the witty back-and-forth between Kaname and Aiba, as well as the intriguing neo-noir world and the memories they uncover.

8. Heavy Rain

Hunt The Origami Killer

Heavy Rain by Quantic Dream isn’t everyone’s favorite, and it has a few flaws, but I still really enjoy it. Plus, it felt important to include at least one of their games on this list.

Okay, so Heavy Rain definitely tries really hard to get you involved, and sometimes it’s a little… awkward, honestly. It can be unintentionally funny! But if you’re looking for a game that’s all about the story and letting you feel like you’re really in it, it’s still a really good pick. It’s a solid narrative experience overall.

While it doesn’t move quite as quickly as Dispatch, this game offers four different storylines centered around catching a dangerous killer. Your choices matter and genuinely change how the story unfolds, so it’s worth checking out. Just be aware that, given its age, the voice acting and gameplay might feel a little old-fashioned at times.

7. Road 96

A Bumpy Yet Cozy Ride

I recently discovered Road 96, and it’s fantastic! I was looking for a game with a strong story and choices that matter, similar to Dispatch, and this delivers. It’s been a wild and engaging road trip experience so far.

This game offers incredible replay value thanks to its unique gameplay. You’ll embark on a road trip with ever-changing routes and meet new people along the way. Each encounter and decision you make can significantly alter the story, making every playthrough different.

Whether it’s the connections between the characters, or what happens at each location they visit, you can always expect something surprising – whether strange or heartwarming – to occur.

The game’s only slight challenge might be keeping track of resources while you’re playing. However, it’s really best experienced firsthand – it’s hard to describe how satisfying it is to play repeatedly and see how the game changes with each run.

6. 911 Operator

Like SDN—Minus The Superheroes

If you, like me and my colleague Elena, enjoyed the way Dispatch let you manage teams and send them on calls, then 911 Operator offers a very similar experience.

The main difference between the two is that 911 Operator offers a more comprehensive and strategic approach to emergency response compared to the more relaxed style of simply dispatching calls.

In this scenario, you’ll be directly in charge of a larger team of emergency personnel, coordinating their actions and making sure they have the equipment and vehicles they need, all as events unfold.

The game might not have a strong story, but it really shines with its exciting and intense moments. Some situations are so unexpected, they’ll keep you completely hooked and on the edge of your seat, even when things get chaotic.

5. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

A Must-Play Sci-Fi Time-Travel

While the initial experience might feel a little different, if you loved the strong narrative in Dispatch, you’ll likely enjoy 13: Sentinels. Just be prepared to invest time and focus, as it unfolds like a novel.

This game isn’t driven by player choices, but what makes it special is how the different characters’ stories connect and surprise you.

It’s hard to talk about the story without giving away key details, but beyond that, the game also lets you control units on a map to defend against waves of giant monsters, adding a real-time strategy aspect to the gameplay.

The game lets you switch between different characters’ stories, gradually uncovering how all thirteen tales connect. This complex sci-fi story about time travel is brought to life by Vanillaware’s beautiful and distinctive art style, visible in everything from the character designs to the stunning environments you’ll explore.

4. Slay The Princess

You Can’t Fix Her, Trust Me

This might be a bit different than what you’re used to, but I highly recommend checking out Slay the Princess – it’s a choice-based game with surprisingly deep and thoughtful writing that you might not have heard of.

You have a single, terrifying task: kill the Princess trapped in a cabin, or the world will be destroyed. It sounds straightforward, but the game quickly becomes a psychological horror experience. You’ll discover complex storylines, different versions of the Princess, and multiple identities for both the narrator and the main character.

Players used to Dispatch might find the game’s complex storytelling and the need to understand different versions of the Princess a bit confusing or demanding.

If you enjoyed games where your decisions significantly changed the story, you’ll likely be able to handle the somber and gloomy atmosphere of Slay the Princess.

3. Tales From The Borderlands

Smooth Moves, Rhys

I had to include a Telltale game, and for me, it absolutely had to be Tales from the Borderlands. It’s a story-driven game released in episodes, set in the world of Borderlands.

I love this game primarily because of its characters and how they interact with each other throughout the story. I was genuinely upset when they didn’t reunite in a later Borderlands title, and even more so when Gearbox decided to remove one of them from the series.

Leaving personal troubles aside, Tales from the Borderlands lets you follow the story of Rhys, along with his companions Vaughn, Sasha, and Fiona.

The writing style is similar to that of the Dispatch series, and longtime Borderlands fans like myself will enjoy seeing familiar faces pop up – some appearances are particularly shocking and will leave you hoping a certain character survives.

2. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

See You In Hell

I recently enjoyed playing Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, a game created by DontNod – the studio known for popular story-driven games like Life is Strange.

I absolutely love this game – it’s hard to put into words! It really captures the feel of late 90s and early 2000s media, with a gritty coming-of-age story and a fantastic soundtrack blending dreamy ambient pop with the energy of Riot Grrrl punk.

If you enjoyed the emotional depth of Dispatch and its romantic storylines, and if you appreciate the suspenseful, sometimes unsettling atmosphere of Stephen King, then you should definitely check out Lost Records. This two-part story focuses on four main characters and offers a powerfully moving, yet slightly ominous, experience.

The game’s ending felt a little rushed, but the powerful story and well-developed characters more than made up for it.

1. Life Is Strange

Bay or Bae

To complete my gaming streak, especially with Lost Records right behind it, I ended with my absolute favorite game of all time: the original Life is Strange. It perfectly captures what my teenage years were like in the mid-2010s.

I love both the second game and the Before the Storm prequel, but the original Life is Strange is what most people consider to be a truly special story in gaming.

This game offers everything players enjoyed in Dispatch, including engaging and well-developed characters and a story that generally stays focused, though your choices can lead to different paths.

Look, Chloe isn’t always the most lovable character, I get that. But honestly, the time she and Max spent together, and all those surprisingly sweet moments between the world-ending stuff? They’ve stuck with me like those old photos you flip through, bringing back all sorts of feels. It’s like looking back at a really memorable part of my gaming history.

I grew so fond of both characters that reconnecting with the grown-up Max in Double Exposure felt like a highlight, and really helped make up for the game’s weak storyline.

If you haven’t experienced this game yet, you’re in for a treat! I wish I could play it again for the first time – DontNod’s storytelling is truly captivating and I’d love to be amazed by it all over again.

2025-12-04 16:42