Prepare to experience soccer not just as a sport, but as a part of life in despelote.
Running as a unique and evocative slice-of-life adventure game, despelote has launched today. Developed by Julián Cordero & Sebastian Valbuena and published by Panic, this title is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 & 5, and PC for £11.99 (with a nice 10% launch discount active!).
We first caught wind of this intriguing title back in 2023 when it was announced, highlighting its focus on Ecuadorian culture and being a “soccer game about people.”
Now, players can finally immerse themselves in its world.
Quito Through the Eyes of a Child
despelote transports players to Quito, Ecuador, in 2001. You experience the world through the eyes and ears of eight-year-old Julián during a pivotal moment – the country is closer than ever to qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
This isn’t about managing teams or winning matches; it’s about feeling the energy of the city, the hopes of its people, and the simple joy of playing with a ball.
The game is described as a bittersweet and sometimes dreamy semi-autobiographical tale, offering a personal glimpse into youth and community spirit.
Kick a Ball, See What Happens
Gameplay revolves around first-person exploration and interaction, using a physics-based soccer ball as your primary tool:
- Explore Quito: Wander the dense streets and parks at your leisure.
- Interact with the World: Dribble, pass, and shoot your ball around town. The core mechanic encourages experimentation – kick the ball someone’s way and see how they react!
- Discover Activities & Mischief: The town is full of interactions, activities, and opportunities for playful trouble.
- Listen In: Engage with a vibrant world full of characters having funny and genuine conversations.
Award-Winning Atmosphere & Presentation
despelote aims for a powerful sense of place, utilising photos and audio recorded on location in Ecuador. This dedication to authenticity clearly paid off, as the game has already won an Independent Games Festival (IGF) Award for Excellence in Audio, alongside three other nominations including the Seumas McNally Grand Prize.
Expect a truly immersive soundscape that transports you to the heart of Quito.
The previously announced Nintendo Switch version will arrive at a later date.
Key Features
- Slice-of-Life Adventure: Experience 2001 Quito, Ecuador, through the eyes of an 8-year-old boy.
- Soccer About People: Focuses on interaction, atmosphere, and community spirit.
- Physics-Based Ball Interaction: Dribble, pass, and shoot to engage with the world.
- Semi-Autobiographical Tale: A bittersweet and dreamy story of youth.
- Authentic Sense of Place: Utilises real photos and audio recorded in Ecuador.
- Award-Winning Audio: Winner of the IGF Award for Excellence in Audio.
- Explore & Discover: Dense town full of activities, interactions, and mischief.
Experience Quito
despelote offers a truly unique and heartfelt gaming experience, shifting the focus from competitive sport to the human stories surrounding it.
If you’re looking for a charming, atmospheric adventure with innovative interaction mechanics, it’s available right now on the Xbox Store (and other platforms) for £11.99 (plus that 10% launch discount!).
Immerse yourself in the streets of Quito today. Our review is coming…
despelote Description
Despelote is a soccer game about people. Get immersed in the streets and parks of Quito through the eyes and ears of eight year old Julián. Dribble, pass and shoot your soccer ball around town, and see what happens when you kick it someone’s way. Feel the city change as Ecuador comes closer than ever to qualifying for the World Cup.
