Despelote: The Ultimate Nostalgia Game of…

One of art’s most remarkable abilities — or possibly just a quirk of the human mind — is its power to transform uniquely personal experiences into universal narratives. Despelote is an autobiographical, semi-documentary game that captures what it was like to grow up in Ecuador during the nation’s inaugural successful World Cup qualifying campaign in 2002. But beyond that, it encapsulates the essence of childhood: the games we play, the bouts of boredom, the passions we develop, the myths we create, the outsider’s perspective on adulthood, and how the adult world shapes our identities. It’s truly a breathtaking experience.

Despelote is crafted by Julián Cordero and Sebastian Valbuena, and it’s rooted in Cordero’s childhood in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, particularly reflecting the nation’s deep-seated passion for football during that era. It’s a piece steeped in memory, though memory can be elusive. At one point, Cordero shares in a voiceover that Ecuador’s World Cup qualification stands as his first clear recollection from when he was four. While his memory is vivid, he wishes for a broader perspective, thus the game portrays him at eight years old. Despelote takes the shape of the memory he dreams of having.

Despite its brief nature, Despelote is rich in authenticity and detail, providing an immersive experience. This first-person narrative game is short yet deceptively simple, taking only a couple of hours to complete. (It’s currently available on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, with a Switch version on the way.) As Julián, you navigate through the family home, the school, and the local park, playing football with friends. You participate in a wedding, batting balloons into ceiling fans, overhear your parents’ discussions, and enjoy hide-and-seek with your sister, while your mother guides your movements, sometimes sending you out or beckoning you to return.