One Of 2025's Best Games Is Only Seemingly About Soccer
Briefly

Despelote, a poignant narrative adventure game set in Quito, Ecuador, invites players to reflect on memory and identity through the lens of soccer. The protagonist, eight-year-old Julian, embodies the obsession many children have for sports, reminiscent of common childhood experiences. Amidst the excitement of Ecuador’s first World Cup qualification in 2002, players navigate Julian’s life, facing both joyful memories and past pains, highlighting how our life experiences craft who we are. The game elegantly combines vibrant storytelling with visual elements to explore deeper emotional themes.
Despelote is a game about soccer, but also about memory, presenting a charming slice-of-life adventure set in Quito, Ecuador, that emotionally resonates with players.
As you play through Julian's world, the game reflects on the painful and nostalgic memories that shape our identities, illustrating how we often overlook tough experiences.
Read at Inverse
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