Despelote Review: A Stunning Dive into Soccer Fandom | Games

vIDEO games have been portraying soccer since the 1970s, yet they seldom dive into the realm of fandom simulation. While players can engage in the whole international tournament through the FIFA series, the games rarely depict how competition seeps into the daily lives of supporters, how entire communities become engulfed in World Cup mania, and how it transforms into a national obsession. The quintessential experience of a major match for most is encapsulated in those glorious moments of shared excitement, along with the sounds and sights of real life, whether on television or massive pub screens in the company of friends and family.

This is where Despelote steps in, a beautifully crafted game that transports players back to childhood and memory, all set against the backdrop of Ecuador’s historic 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign. Julian, an 8-year-old football enthusiast—essentially a semi-autobiographical character based on the game’s co-designer Julian Cordello—witnesses his team’s thrilling win over Peru. However, four more matches stand between Ecuador and the World Cup finals in Japan and Korea. The game unfolds as a series of intimate, immersive scenes, allowing Julian to navigate through life, balancing his responsibilities and daydreams during various life moments such as shopping trips, car rides, and school lessons.

A critical scene unfolds in a town square or during a family gathering, where Julian finds himself in a space of freedom and agency. He listens intently to adult conversations, observes an elderly man feeding pigeons, greets the shopkeeper, and enjoys moments of play with friends. The world is rendered in a single-color photograph that evokes nostalgia and simplicity.

As the gameplay evolves, Julian’s childhood experiences transition into reflections on teenage gatherings and newfound responsibilities. The socio-political context of the World Cup campaign is woven into the narrative; Ecuador was grappling with a financial crisis, causing rampant inflation and the collapse of businesses. Discussions about the tournament permeate everyday life, impacting everything from street conversations to weddings.

Additionally, other facets of Ecuadorian culture and life are beautifully integrated into the experience. Explore music, cuisine, and the resurgence of the local film industry through *Leyteros*, directed by Sebastián Cordero, creator of the 1999 crime films *Latus*, *Latones*, and *Julianne Cordero*. In this way, real life interweaves seamlessly with the gaming world, reminiscent of a poetic and self-referential Agnès Varda film. One endearing sequence even features Julian captivated by a hooky simulation on the family console.

Despelote evokes some of the remarkable works in independent narrative game design, such as *Unfinished Swan*, *Gravityborn*, and *Virginia*, yielding a thrilling experience. Though centered around one young boy in a uniquely crafted Ecuador, it captures the almost universal influence of football as a unifying social narrative. The Dutch 1974 team, Maradona’s genius in 1986, Gascoigne’s legendary goal against Scotland in Euro 96—all these moments contribute to a collective spirit. As the final qualifying match approaches, a palpable excitement and tension emerge, prompting reflections on the creative process itself, beyond the confines of traditional gameplay. This experience is both engaging and formally innovative, packing significant depth into two hours of gameplay, posing more profound questions about memory, simulation, and identity than many expansive 100-hour epics.