Despelote's creators tell a remarkable, pseudo-autobiographical tale about football and Ecuador - but also one about the act of remembering.
WTMG's Leo Faria: "Despelote is not awful… it’s just very confusing. I appreciate the interesting premise and presentation, but it’s just somewhat devoid of elements that make it a proper “game”. Even the football-related gameplay (or what little of it is present) feels clunky and shallow. I also think the story could have been more focused on the innocence and lack of urgency in the life of a child – it would have made it a lot more relatable. Maybe turning this autobiographical tale into a game wasn’t the best idea, as an experimental animation featuring the exact same art style would have made it stand out even more."
The presentation detailed the seven upcoming indie games that were selected by Tribeca judges to be showcased during the 2023 Tribeca Festival.
“This year, Tribeca’s games selections showcase creators who explore identity, emotion, and a sense of place through their games,” Tribeca’s VP of games and immersive Casey Baltes said in a statement last month.
“We are proud to highlight a range of cultural perspectives with exceptional artistry and storytelling from voices all around the world that will captivate audiences and stay with them long after the experience is over.”
The 2023 Tribeca Games selection features demos for seven narrative-rich games. Here are our first impressions of all of the previews.