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despelote

despelote

Nintendo
Released

Release Date: May 1, 2025

Singleplayer

A first-person football adventure game. The action of despelote takes place in Ecuador in 2001. We play as an 8-year old Julian, kicking the ball and interacting with various people and objects from the world. The boy wants to spend time celebrating the country's chance to qualify for the football World Cup.

8.4

OpenCritic

9.8

Steam

Rate It!
Ratings
[1:47] - Gameplay Trailer Videos: 1
Screenshot Images: 8
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despelote is an adventure game that allows us to play as an eight-year-old Ecuadorian celebrating the possibility of his country qualifying for the World Cup in 2001. The game is the result of collaboration between independent developers - Julian Cordero and Sebastian Valbuena.

Gameplay

In despelote we watch the events from a first-person perspective (FPP). During the game, we traverse Quito, the capital of Ecuador, kicking a ball in front of us. By ing the ball to different people, we engage with them in various interactions and get to know their reactions, as well as find out what they have to say.

Among the characters we meet on the city streets, we can find both peers of the protagonist (Julian), as well as adults. Not everyone shares the hero's enthusiasm, especially when he starts to misbehave.

The story told in the game has a bittersweet and of a partly biographical character.

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Platforms:

PC Windows

PC Windows

PlayStation 4

PlayStation 4

Xbox One

Xbox One

Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch

PlayStation 5

PlayStation 5

Xbox Series X/S

Xbox Series X/S

Developer: Julián Cordero

Publisher: Panic Inc.

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Features

System Requirements

System Requirements for despelote Video Game:

PC Windows

PC / Windows

Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core i7-7700HQ / AMD FX-8350, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, 8 GB HDD, Windows 10.

Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-8600K 3.6 GHz / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce GTX 1660 / 4 GB Radeon RX 580, 8 GB HDD, Windows 11.

Ratings

Game Ratings for despelote Video Game.

8.4

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 91% of Critics. There are 20 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

GameLuster: 9 / 10 by Mateusz Niewierowski

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.

Full Review

The Outerhaven Productions: 4 / 5 by Sean Garmer

Despelote is a short narrative adventure told through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy, as he goes through life while the nation around comes to grips with finally seeing a major sports dream become reality for the first-time in Ecuador's history. The autobiographical tale gives players the freedom to tailor Julian's memories of this momentous time. Encouraging exploration through the joy of kicking a ball. Although the story itself may not resonate with everyone, the way you experience those two hours is in of itself special.

Full Review

Cultured Vultures: 8 / 10

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.

Full Review
98%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (205)

STEAM
Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

  • Authentic and Personal Narrative: Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke nostalgia and capture the essence of childhood experiences in Ecuador, particularly around the football culture and the excitement of the national team's World Cup qualification in 2001.
  • Unique Art and Sound Design: The game features a striking visual style that blends 3D graphics with hand-drawn elements, creating a dreamlike quality. The audio design, including ambient sounds and a nostalgic soundtrack, has been praised for enhancing the immersive experience.
  • Relatable Gameplay: Players appreciate the simple yet engaging mechanics of kicking a ball and interacting with the environment, which reflect the carefree nature of childhood. The emergent gameplay allows for spontaneous interactions that feel genuine and alive.
  • Cultural Representation: Reviewers express gratitude for the representation of Ecuadorian culture and childhood, emphasizing the importance of such narratives in gaming.

The main cons of the game

  • Limited Gameplay Mechanics: Some s found the gameplay to be simplistic and lacking depth, with interactions feeling minimal after a while. The ball control mechanics were described as clunky by a few players, leading to frustration.
  • Short Duration: The game's length (approximately two hours) was seen as a drawback by some, with players wishing for more content or a chapter select feature to revisit their favorite moments.
  • Potential Barriers for Non-Football Fans: While many enjoyed the nostalgic elements, some reviewers noted that those without a connection to football or Ecuadorian culture might not find the same level of engagement or emotional impact.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to s

  • Expanded Gameplay Options: s suggested the inclusion of a free roam mode or more interactive elements to enhance the gameplay experience. A "New Game+" feature that allows players to replay sections or engage in mini-games would also be welcomed.
  • Improved Dialogue and Interaction Depth: Some reviews indicated that the dialogue could be more compelling, with a desire for richer interactions and less repetition from NPCs.
  • Technical Improvements: A few players pointed out issues with audio balancing and gameplay fluidity, suggesting that these aspects could be refined for a smoother experience.

Summary

  • Overall, "Despelote" is celebrated for its heartfelt storytelling and unique cultural representation, though it faces critiques regarding its gameplay depth and length.

Summary generated on:

BG3 Interactive Map