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Play OverviewPlay Overview

Despelote (2025) is a football adventure where you get immersed in the streets and parks of Quito through the eyes and ears of eight-year-old Julián. Dribble, pass and shoot your soccer ball around town, and see what happens when you kick it someone's way. Feel the city change as Ecuador comes closer than ever to qualifying for the World Cup.

Play involves exploring the streets, parks and buildings of Ecuador. Along the way, you kick a ball around with your friends. The conversations you have evoke a story of hope and expectation under the shadow of a financial crisis. The world is monochrome, and the characters are hand-drawn. The pixelated effect lends the game a retro feel, like looking through the lens of an old camera or watching an old home movie.

You kick the ball and move using the sticks. You can call for the ball from your friends. As you play, you inevitably annoy the locals, also trying to enjoy the park. All the while, you overhear them talk and discuss to the world (and to the ball). In fact, each person reacts to the ball in different ways, which often moves the story along.

Despelote is a semi-autobiographical game about how football can impact a place and its culture. It combines exploration and mischief, and the fading of memory.

Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked Despelote 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 8 weeks ago.
Kids not old enough for this yet? There are lots of games similar to Despelote. Here are some similar younger-rated games:

Play StylePlay Style

This is an Adventure and Communication game with Action, Narrative, Simulation and Sports elements. This is a single-player game.

 
You can play this game in the following styles:

DurationDuration

Play Time: This game will take between 2 hours and 2 and a half hours to complete.

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

Rated PEGI 16 for Strong Language and Use of Alcohol/Tobacco.

Skill Level

6+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content. The simple premise of waiting for school to end, to be able to go and play, is appealing to young children. The controls are quite simple, and the relaxed gameplay means you don't need fine control to interact with it.

CostsCosts

Despelote usually costs £11.49 to £11.99.
 

Despelote

XBox Store Xbox X|S £11.99
Steam Store PC £11.99
PlayStation Store PS5 £11.49
PlayStation Store PS4 £11.49
There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 01/05/2025

Out Now: PC, PS4, PS5 and Xbox X|S

Skill Rating: 6+ year-olds

Players: 1

Genres: Adventure, Communication (Action, Narrative, Simulation and Sports)

Accessibility: 0 features documented (Tweet Developer )

Components: 3D First-Person and Hand-Made

Developer: Despelote Game (@DespeloteGame)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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