'Despelote' Review (Xbox): For The Love Of The Game

Julian Cordero's Despelote is a captivating journey through his childhood memories in Quito during the early 2000s, a time marked by Ecuador's remarkable achievements in sports. The game masterfully weaves together Cordero's recollections of the five crucial soccer matches leading up to Ecuador's first World Cup appearance in Korea and Japan. It's not just a sports story; it's a poignant exploration of a unique cultural landscape.

Despelote's visual style is breathtaking. Director Sebastián Valbuena employs a striking two-tone color palette reminiscent of Schim, overlaid with a distinctive pixelated effect, creating a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere perfectly suited to the nostalgic theme. Crisp black and white highlights punctuate these blurry memories, focusing on key elements of Cordero's life: family, friends, and, of course, soccer balls.

The game begins with a retro-style soccer videogame tutorial, cleverly introducing the game's core mechanic. This seamlessly transitions into the 3D world of Cordero's memories, starting with Ecuador's nail-biting victory over Peru.

The narrative unfolds across five acts, each centered around a different match. These acts are framed by everyday moments—school, parties, babysitting—before immersing the player in Cordero's neighborhood, encouraging exploration and interaction. The core gameplay involves playful interactions with a soccer ball (or other objects), adding a charmingly unstructured element to the experience.

The beauty of Despelote lies in its depiction of ordinary life. Conversations are refreshingly relatable: discussions about altitude's impact on soccer, a mother's gentle interest in the game, a friend's boastful claims, and local fans analyzing the match through a shop window.

Cordero's understated narration is a key strength. His initially reserved tone, reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film, gradually reveals the game's emotional depth. He shares his life with a genuine, conversational style, making the player feel like a close friend. The narrative subtly weaves in significant historical context—hyperinflation, blackouts, even a bizarre anecdote about a soccer coach—without overwhelming the youthful perspective.

Further details of the plot would spoil the experience, but Despelote excels in its portrayal of childhood and the human condition. The final act delivers a truly unforgettable moment, deeply personal and moving. Cordero masterfully pays tribute to the inspirational figures who shaped both his life and Ecuador's aspirations.

Even for those unfamiliar with Ecuadorian soccer, Despelote resonates with its universal themes of nostalgia and cherished memories. The game's journey is as rewarding as its destination, mirroring the Ecuadorian team's experience in the 2002 World Cup. While minor control issues and a directional audio glitch exist, they don't detract significantly from the overall experience.

In just two hours, Despelote delivers a powerful and moving experience. Cordero's personal story, combined with Valbuena's stunning art, the authentic sounds of Quito, and Cordero's relatable narration, perfectly captures the simple joys and formative experiences of childhood—even the seemingly mundane act of kicking a ball around with friends.

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