Dispatch vs Esoteric Ebb
Both deliver smart writing and branching choices, but one is an episodic superhero sitcom and the other a tight 12-hour D&D detective story.
Updated 12d ago
AdHoc's Telltale-DNA reborn — Dispatch is a superhero workplace comedy where dispatch decisions cascade across episodes, and the writing earns every callback.
Killer 12-hour cleric-investigation indie that earns 100% recommend — Esoteric Ebb wraps Disco-Elysium-style writing around D&D bickering-ability-scores combat.
By the numbers
Prices checked Aug 7; they move faster than we refresh, so confirm on the store page.
Recent-review figures are Steam's own last-30-days window, read Aug 7.
| Measure | Dispatch | Esoteric Ebb |
|---|---|---|
| Value Esoteric Ebb wins on value | ||
| Price now | $29.99 Steam | $19.99 −20% · GamesPlanet US |
| All-time low | $23.99 | $17.59 |
| Cost / hour | $3.51/hr $29.99 · 9 h main story | $0.96/hr $19.99 · 21 h main story |
| Off its low | +25% low was Mar 2026 | +14% low was May 2026 |
| Main story | 9 h | 21 h |
| Health Dispatch wins on player health | ||
| Steam reviews | 98% 182k reviews | 95% 9k reviews |
| Recent reviews | 96% 3k votes · vs 98% lifetime | 95% 573 votes · vs 95% lifetime |
| Peak players | 3,571 Jul 2026 · ↑ 4% MoM | 1,116 Jul 2026 · ↓ 38% MoM |
| Launch peak | 5% of Oct 2025 launch peak · as of Jul 2026 | 24% of Mar 2026 launch peak · as of Jul 2026 |
| All-time peak | 124,407 Nov 2025 | 4,568 Mar 2026 |
| Support | ||
| Last patch | 4 weeks ago | 4 months ago |
| Patch cadence | 2 in last 90 days | 0 in last 90 days |
| Steam Deck | Platinum | Platinum |
Shared scale — same months across the bottom, same player-count axis up the side, so the two lines are directly comparable. A shorter line means a younger game.
What players say
Patterns from long-haul reviewers, taken from each game's verdict. Not live sentiment — each side is dated below.
Dispatch
The sharp writing and natural character chemistry keep high-playtime players invested across multiple playthroughs.
Missing a cutscene skip or fast-forward option is the friction that hampers replayability for dedicated players.
from our May 2026 verdict
Esoteric Ebb
Dialogue depth and political themes reminiscent of Disco Elysium are what keep veteran players engaged.
The immense text volume and unconventional combat system pose the primary friction for long-haul players.
from our May 2026 verdict
Key differences
Which one is for you?
Pick Dispatch if
- You were a Wolf Among Us / Walking Dead loyalist waiting for AdHoc's next narrative.
- You want choices that actually compound across episodes, not just flavor text.
- You enjoy episodic pacing and can play in chapters rather than one sit-down.
Pick Esoteric Ebb if
- You loved Disco Elysium and want a tighter, funnier successor with ability checks.
- You're a Pratchett/Gilliam fan curious about D&D-shaped CRPG storytelling.
- You prefer a 12-hour, no-DLC single-player experience at a $20 price point.
Bottom line
Choose Dispatch if you want a long-form episodic comedy with real consequences; pick Esoteric Ebb if you want a dense, shorter CRPG with skill-check humor.