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Despelote

Despelote is a soccer game about people. 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.

Community

Storyline

The game consists of three “days,” with each one taking place at a different phase in the player’s life. As you get older, so do the characters in the world around you. Your interactions with them, as well as your relationship to soccer itself, change dramatically with time.

Trailers

Screenshots

Overwhelmingly Positive

899 Steam reviews

Review History

Reviews

899 total

≥h

Steam User 5353STEAMRecommended

combined with personal narrative and national soccer event, the experience is like growing up as part of the community. It is very artistic in its presentation way of cinematic arts.

Mar 30, 2026·3h·Verified

Steam User 2673STEAMRecommended

Wonderful game! The art style and story telling are exceptionally unique.

Mar 27, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 6749STEAMRecommended

短评｜Despelote：一脚踢回2002，属于拉美小镇的足球童年

这不是竞技足球游戏，而是一场沉浸式时空旅行。以孩童视角走进2002世界杯前夕的厄瓜多尔，街头野球、市井烟火与举国沸腾的足球狂热扑面而来，作为中国玩家也能瞬间共情那份纯粹的热爱。

第一人称探索细腻治愈，踢球互动轻松有趣，小镇氛围还原度拉满，没有硬核操作，只有童年与足球最本真的快乐。流程短小却后劲十足，用最温柔的方式，讲好了一段属于一个国家、一个孩子的足球记忆。

Mar 27, 2026·3h·Verified

Steam User 0812STEAMNot recommended

[h1]Despelote. Quando a memória é poderosa, mas o jogo não acompanha[/h1]
[b]“Entender uma obra não significa, necessariamente, gostar de vivê-la.”[/b]

[h2]1. Um jogo sobre memória, não sobre futebol[/h2]

Despelote não é um jogo de futebol, pelo menos, não no sentido tradicional, ele é sobre crescer, sobre lembrar, sobre como eventos aparentemente pequenos se tornam gigantes na nossa memória, ambientado no Equador durante a classificação histórica para a Copa de 2002, o jogo coloca você no papel de uma criança vivendo aquele momento, mas ao invés de focar no esporte em si, ele foca no impacto cultural, emocional e cotidiano que o futebol tem na vida das pessoas, você anda pelas ruas, escuta conversas, interage com o ambiente de forma simples, quase banal e é justamente aí que está a força do jogo, le entende algo muito específico, memórias não são lineares, nem objetivas, elas são sensações, e nisso, Despelote acerta muito.

[b]“Despelote não quer que você jogue futebol, ele quer que você lembre do que ele representa.”[/b]

[h2]2. Quando a mensagem é clara e funciona[/h2]

Existe uma sinceridade muito forte na forma como Despelote constrói sua narrativa, as conversas parecem reais, os momentos parecem vividos, nada soa artificial ou exagerado, o jogo captura perfeitamente aquela sensação de infância onde o mundo é grande, mas ao mesmo tempo íntimo, onde política, esporte e vida adulta existem ao redor, mas são absorvidos de forma fragmentada, você não entende tudo e isso é proposital, porque a proposta não é explicar o contexto histórico de forma didática, é fazer você sentir como era viver nele e isso funciona, existe valor aqui, existe intenção, existe sensibilidade.

[b]“Despelote não conta uma história, ele recria uma lembrança.”[/b]

[h2]3. Gameplay repetitiva, quando a interação perde o sentido[/h2]

O problema é que, enquanto a mensagem funciona, a jogabilidade não acompanha, as interações são extremamente limitadas e, com o tempo, começam a se repetir sem evolução significativa, andar, chutar bola, ouvir diálogos, tudo isso funciona nas primeiras experiências, mas rapidamente perde impacto, não há aprofundamento mecânico, não há variação real, não há progressão significativa e isso pesa, porque o jogo depende muito dessas pequenas interações para sustentar sua proposta, quando elas se tornam repetitivas, a experiência começa a perder força, você entende o que o jogo quer transmitir, mas começa a sentir que já vivenciou tudo que ele tem a oferecer e aí entra um problema difícil, a mensagem continua interessante, mas o ato de jogar deixa de ser.

[b]“Quando a interação não evolui, a experiência estagna.”[/b]

[h2]4. Visual, estilo intencional que nem sempre funciona[/h2]

O estilo visual de Despelote claramente busca algo específico, simplicidade, abstração e uma sensação quase documental, mas essa escolha pode afastar, os ambientes são minimalistas, os personagens pouco detalhados, e tudo parece construído mais como representação do que como um espaço vivo, a ideia faz sentido dentro da proposta, afinal, estamos lidando com memória, não realidade objetiva, só que, na prática, isso pode gerar desconexão.

[b]Falta impacto visual,
falta identidade mais marcante,
falta algo que prenda o olhar.[/b]

Quando combinado com a repetição da gameplay, isso se intensifica, o jogador não encontra nem variedade mecânica, nem estímulo visual suficiente para sustentar longos períodos de atenção, o estilo é coerente, mas não necessariamente envolvente.

[b]“Nem toda escolha artística cria conexão, às vezes, ela cria distância.”[/b]

[h2]5. Quando entender não é o mesmo que se envolver[/h2]

Despelote é um daqueles jogos que você respeita mais do que gosta, você entende o que ele quer fazer, você reconhece o valor da proposta, você percebe a autenticidade da experiência, mas isso não garante envolvimento, existe uma diferença importante entre, compreender a mensagem, e querer continuar interagindo com ela e o jogo acaba ficando preso nesse espaço., ele é interessante como conceito, é sensível como narrativa, mas limitado como experiência interativa e isso gera uma sensação curiosa, você termina (ou abandona) o jogo com mais admiração do que prazer.

[b]“Despelote prova que nem toda boa ideia se transforma em um bom jogo.”[/b]

[h2]6. Contexto importa, um indie pequeno, uma experiência pessoal[/h2]

Também é importante reconhecer o contexto de Despelote, esse não é um jogo com grande orçamento, equipe extensa ou ambição comercial tradicional, ele nasce como um projeto extremamente pessoal, quase íntimo, construído com recursos limitados e uma visão muito específica do que quer ser, e isso muda a leitura, muitos dos pontos negativo, a repetição da gameplay, o visual simplificado, a falta de variedade, não vêm necessariamente de descuido, mas de limitações reais de produção, dentro desse cenário, o jogo até impressiona pelo que consegue transmitir com tão pouco, existe mérito nisso, mas ao mesmo tempo, reconhecer esse contexto não apaga a experiência individual de quem joga.

Aqui entra algo importante, nem toda obra precisa funcionar para todo mundo, pode até parecer injusto criticar um projeto tão pessoal e limitado em escala e, de certa forma, é mesmo, mas ainda assim, a experiência precisa se sustentar para quem está jogando e, nesse caso, ela simplesmente não conecta, não por falta de entendimento, mas por falta de envolvimento.

[b]“Despelote pode ser exatamente o jogo que ele quer ser, só não é o jogo para mim.”[/b]

[h2]7. Conclusão, uma lembrança bonita, mas difícil de jogar[/h2]

Despelote é uma experiência que acerta no que quer dizer, mas tropeça na forma como escolhe dizer, ele entende memória, infância e contexto cultural de forma genuína, ele consegue transmitir sensação, intimidade e autenticidade, mas falha em sustentar isso como jogo, a repetição da gameplay e o visual pouco envolvente acabam criando uma barreira entre o jogador e a experiência, você entende, você respeita, mas não se conecta totalmente, no fim, fica a sensação de algo importante… mas não necessariamente prazeroso de viver.

[b]“Despelote é uma boa memória, mas nem toda memória precisa ser jogada.”[/b]

Mar 27, 2026·2h·2

Steam User 3983STEAMRecommended

Few games manage to convey a cultural moment, a historical time in the charming way that despelote has done it. Drop all the "am I going the right way?" "How do I progress this story?" etc. Just be a kid again, use that point of view and see where your curiosity takes you - that's when I had the most fun with despelote.

Mar 25, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 4549STEAMRecommended

i really love this game i think it's beautiful and captures this time capsule feeling but its also sort of uncapturable. the transition between childhood and the events wrapped around football and this feeling of being locked in and people talking and youre absorbed in the game is real. the scene where theres time pass, with the tv is a great scene. ahhhh i love it. play it if youre thinking about it its worth it

Mar 25, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 2983STEAMRecommended

I would give this game just barely a thumbs up. It is an interesting time and place for the setting but it lacks a true story. There is no beginning middle and end. No swelling up of intensity. It is simply snippets from someone's life they wanted to share with the world. Kind of interesting but not very fun to play. Wish my lizard brain rot brain could have enjoyed it more.

Mar 25, 2026·2h

Steam User 7687STEAMRecommended

Fantastic movie-length interactive narrative game.

Despelote captures the pandemonium of Ecuador in 2001 when they first qualified for the world cup. A moment that paints the streets with chatter and whimsy. And you experience this as a kid, whose biggest concern in life is kicking a soccer ball. With simple movement and kick mechanics, you idly explore vignette moments that make up our characters memories. School days of eagerly waiting to play with your friends at recess, a wedding where kicking a balloon fills in for a ball, a party years later with your friends. Moments that are rooted in formative, but distant memories, of a time and place you vaguely remember, and emotions you long to feel.

An excellent example of how art can transcend culture to make you feel nostalgic for a time and place you've never been; an ethos mirrored by the final stretch of the game (which also has an awesome visual twist of sorts).
Everyone has memories and feelings to share, and the more we share, the more we can appreciate the totality that is the human experience.

Banger Soundtrack too.

Mar 25, 2026·3h·Verified

Steam User 2091STEAMRecommended

вайбик документалки от лучшего друга

Mar 23, 2026·3h·Verified

Steam User 4903STEAMRecommended

A compelling slice-of-life narrative centered around the qualifications for the 2002 World Cup.

Mar 23, 2026·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 2100STEAMRecommended

Very short but worth every moment. A memory beautifully rendered and full of life. Highly recommended.

Mar 23, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 6019STEAMRecommended

is FIRE 😭

Mar 23, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 1940STEAMRecommended

Un viaje a la infancia

Mar 23, 2026·4h·Verified

Steam User 8415STEAMRecommended

One of the most immersive Experiences i ever had with this medium.

Mar 22, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 2306STEAMRecommended

i like

Mar 22, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 2777STEAMRecommended

Tino Tini's Soccer '99 is fire

Mar 22, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 0158STEAMRecommended

i love everthing about this game

Mar 21, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 7531STEAMRecommended

Made me cry 10/10

Mar 21, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 3019STEAMRecommended

El juego mas entrañable que he jugado en mi vida.

Estoy llorando ahora mismo y ni siquiera soy ecuatoriano y mucho menos me gusta el fútbol, "DESPELOTE" me hizo revivir momentos hermosos de mi vida que por alguna razón mi cerebro eliminó por completo, mas que un juego para mi es un fragmento, un instante del tiempo atrapado en un .exe.

Es genuinamente la obra mas honesta que he experimentado recientemente, cuyo motor principal no es otro mas que el amor; el amor por un pais, por un deporte, por una epoca, por una cultura pero por sobre todas las cosas el amor por ser latinoamericano.

Mar 21, 2026·2h

Steam User 8275STEAMRecommended

PANIC!!!

Mar 20, 2026·14h·Verified

Steam User 9873STEAMRecommended

Esta muy bonito el juego

Mar 20, 2026·3h·Verified

Steam User 6702STEAMRecommended

What a beautiful game. I must confess, I am neither Hispanic nor do I know much about soccer, and so I was concerned this story would be lost on me. I am pleased to say, at least a small part of the creator's feelings got through to me. I was moved by this piece of art.

It's difficult to quickly recommend to everyone, but I do think there's something special that's captured here in despelote. It's something that's pretty relatable to many on a more... pedestrian level. It's something very honest, but uses few words to speak to the player. It's a very short game at maybe 1-2 hours, and reminds me of many small indie films I've seen, although I think the game uses the medium of being a game appropriately.

I don't feel right rating this game in any way, but I did very much enjoy this game. Thanks for sharing, Julian.

Mar 19, 2026·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 4454STEAMRecommended

10/10 lets you draw a frog

Mar 15, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 5204STEAMNot recommended

Assez ennuyeux

Mar 15, 2026·1h·Verified

Steam User 9250STEAMRecommended

latino simulator, muito nostalgico

Mar 15, 2026·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 6990STEAMRecommended

cevichocho cevichocho ay!

Mar 14, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 2625STEAMRecommended

an absolute gem. if you let yourself get immersed in its world, it is an unforgettable experience.

Mar 14, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 7566STEAMRecommended

Good short game with a really cool and unique concept and execution that depics how it is to grow up in Ecuador where football is everything. A moving story with really good artistic direction!

Mar 12, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 7329STEAMRecommended

Very touching remember-em-up, play through memories of 2001 Ecuadorian sports hysteria through the eyes of a little boy who was also completely caught up in it.

It reminds me of Y tu mama tambien, when the camera drifts away from our main characters and shows the audience something that’s more of a document of that place and time rather than something to advance our main character’s plot. That, but as a game, with basic futbol mechanics occasionally popping up. What a mix. And they NAILED it.

The environment looks like the way old memories feel. The general shape of things are clearly recognizable but the fine details are fading into nothingness like a sun-bleached photograph. Your friends and family you can remember clearly, as well as the cranky old man who feeds pigeons in the park, but there are definitely people and places that will eventually fully be forgotten. It’s like you see the in-between stage of forgetting memories just by looking around, real cool effect.

Reflections and reminiscing by the narrator really drew me in and there are a few moments where I thought on my own childhood, far far away from Quito, Ecuador, doing and thinking the same things as our main character. We are all not so different. Beautiful game.

Mar 12, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 7402STEAMRecommended

A gorgeous game which establishes such a strong vibe through its playful use of camera perspective, dreamy low-fi visuals and hues, and amazing attention to soundscape details. A little window into a moment in time, of a nation through a young persons eyes. Wonderful!

Mar 12, 2026·5h·2·Verified

Steam User 3239STEAMRecommended

Ceviche was so good that I kicked la belota all the way to sky

Mar 12, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 7068STEAMRecommended

Does a good job capturing those *childhood vibes*

Even with the dot on, it made me pretty motion sick though :(

Mar 12, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 0414STEAMRecommended

An enjoyable short game. Reflecting life in Ecuador in the early 2000's and as a child. I haven't played a game that depicts childhood quite like this. Very good and worth playing.

Mar 11, 2026·1h

Steam User 1406STEAMRecommended

Sin ser alguien totalmente ecuatoriano más que la nacionalidad y par de años de infancia, realmente este juego transporta a una experiencia sospechosamente entrañable. Se siente totalmente como esos recuerdos fugaces de días que por alguna razón consigues recordar tras tantos años.
Me hace sentir cierta envidia de ojalá haber tenido una infancia tan marcada/definida como esta y sin realmente llorar el juego me ha puesto bastante emocional.
Ha sido una experiencia.

Mar 11, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 3319STEAMRecommended

[h1] childhood and nostalgia simulator, with a bit of walking [/h1]

[h2] pros [/h2]
[*] unique art style using a mix of hand-drawn human characters and environments made of photorealistic archival photographs
[*] impressive audio design - ambient sounds, incidental conversations between NPCs, and a suitable soundtrack
[*] the football minigame is charming, and doesn't overstay its welcome; this minigame can also be accessed as an extra option after completing the game
[*] game mechanics and story are a good fit for each other. the football-kicking provides a gameplay excuse to move the player around, while the vast amount of things to see and do in each section gives the impression of moving around a living world despite the constraints of game design
[*] genuinely interesting ideas of how to present a story in first person
[*] has what can be called a "documentary quality" - the game captures a small piece of lived history, even if the overall narrative is a fictional retelling of the developer's own lived experience
[*] runs well enough on modest GPU setups
[*] different outcomes in each scene can be achieved depending on how you adhere to in-game time limits - these don't have any bearing on the course of the story, but which allow you to play the role of a responsible or carefree child

[h2] cons [/h2]
[*] one scene near the end with motion sickness, where [spoiler] you take on the perspective of a football, and the camera rolls - even turning your perspective upside down at times [/spoiler] , however this scene is short-lived
[*] the timer is somewhat elastic, with the first few "minutes" of a given timer lasting much longer than the last few "minutes"; this can affect your time management in a section, and will probably only really bother any players who like being punctual
[*] the narrator shares some of their own personal circumstances in the story, which detracts from the story being told - perhaps less personal context could have been more impactful to the presentation, as it can lead to a different reading of the game's narrative
[*] football minigame and first-person kicking controls are a bit imprecise on a dualsense controller, but seem to be slightly improved on a third-party hall-effect controller
[*] for players who cannot follow conversations in Spanish, it may be difficult to follow subtitles on screen while also maintaining attention on the football minigame or first-person sections
[*] may be more graphically intensive compared to many other indie titles, requiring stronger PC hardware to run

[h2] summary [/h2]
[*] short (2-3h) experience about childhood, nostalgia, and the experience of remembering a place and time
[*] plays great on a controller
[*] a game about soccer, rather than a game for soccer fans

Mar 11, 2026·4h·2·Verified

Steam User 5216STEAMRecommended

Incredibly nostalgic and I'm not even Ecuadoran myself

Mar 11, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 0988STEAMRecommended

Super sweet narrative game. Really worth your time

Mar 10, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 9992STEAMNot recommended

Геймплей отсутствует(((

Mar 9, 2026·2h

Steam User 5239STEAMRecommended

It evokes a sense of nostalgia for events and places you've never been to. The visual style and music are excellent and greatly enhance the immersion. The only disappointment is the lack of a Russian localization.

Mar 9, 2026·2h·3·Verified

Steam User 3590STEAMRecommended

足球标签下我最喜爱的游戏（情感又一次战胜了策略！^ ^
正如电影中有作者电影的标签，这款游戏完全可以称之为作者游戏。2001年的厄瓜多尔，国家队首次闯入世界杯外围赛的关键时刻，全国屏息。但游戏没有宏大叙事，只有孩子的视角——也就是创作者Julián的视角：杂货店角落里的电视机，街边随时开踢的野球，整座城市集体的情绪。
OST里有真实采样的街道声音，模糊的童年记忆用扫描技术重新显影。它同时在要求你观看、交互、聆听，用三种方式进入一段已经发生过的时光，一个通过记忆和回忆重新创造的世界。

Mar 9, 2026·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 9532STEAMRecommended

Furbito explicado para quien no sabe de furbito.
Ha conseguido que busque una peli ecuatoriana y que vea la clasificación de Ecuador del mundial de hace 25 años.
Más nostalgia en 2 horas que en la bibliografía de "Yo fui a EGB".

Mar 8, 2026·2h

Steam User 9977STEAMRecommended

Интересная интерпретация того как можно донести историю и чувства человека. Арт стиль и подача уникальные и для как человека далекого от мира футбола было интересно это увидеть. В целом неплохая игра.

Mar 8, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 1427STEAMNot recommended

Even though I loved the art style and the story, I think this would work better as a comic book. Most of the time I felt clueless about what to do and experienced motion sickness. Kicking the ball in the intended direction is challenging as well (with controllers).

Mar 8, 2026·1h·Verified

Steam User 0979STEAMRecommended

Lloré, el juego pega y usa muy bien la infancia y el factor nostalgia.

Mar 8, 2026·2h·2·Verified

Steam User 1052STEAMRecommended

目前为止最好的足球独立游戏，关于世界杯，关于童年，关于回忆。despelote游戏制作人的父母指导了[基多双雄]这部电影，这是厄瓜多尔电影史上第一部登上三大电影节的影片。也正如这部游戏，厄瓜多尔在世界舞台上一直是第三世界，但是足球可以连接一切，可以飞过胡里安的童年，可以飞过基多广场的野餐布，可以飞过商店门口的雪花电视。韩日世界杯以后，厄瓜多尔连续晋级五次世界杯，最好的成绩是十六强。他们的球迷一直以国家队为荣，回到游戏最后，当胡里安把球踢飞，基于2024年3D扫描技术而保存的基多广场，从一个2D画风的游戏里面跳脱出，震撼感无以言表。最后我想说，足球，真的可以跨越记忆，跨越民族，跨越世界，最后跨越每个人的时间。
ps.感谢参与汉化的所有工作人员
游戏片尾曲：epílogo-Panico

Mar 7, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 5733STEAMRecommended

Fulbo, Messi, tercera, muchachos

Mar 7, 2026·3h·3·Verified

Steam User 5880STEAMNot recommended

This is a perfect example of what it means for video games to be art. Nostalgic aesthetics, unique gameplay (first person story driven soccer?), transitions, voice acting, it's all phenomenal.

But it only takes 60-90 minutes to finish the game. It felt like a demo. The promo videos on this page show pieces of almost every scene in the game.

I started replaying it to make different choices, but, there's not so much to it. Instead of the teacher yelling at me to get back to class, he yelled at the kids outside to get back to class.

"it told the story it needed to and nothing more" cool, then sell it for a few bucks instead of a base price of ten.

I would have loved a few more stories of Julián within that timeframe, or even him much older and skipping school or at soccer camp or even a chapter as an adult.

Mar 6, 2026·3h·3·Verified

Steam User 5497STEAMRecommended

Un gran juego realizado por Ecuatorianos. Es una parte de nuestra historia no solo en el ámbito deportivo, también lo es en parte de muchos sucesos que estaban ocurriendo en aquellos tiempos en el país. Sobre la jugabilidad en el modo libre, que por cierto es donde se hacen la mayoría de logros en el juego, al principio es un tanto caótico poder manejar el balón. Luego de practicar un poco, los logros salen solos. Recomendado.

Mar 6, 2026·3h·Verified

Steam User 4310STEAMRecommended

Having lived my early childhood in Ecuador and at the exact time the game takes place just hits different. So many moments, environments, things and sounds brought me back to being there and made me feel things no other game ever has before.

Mar 6, 2026·4h·4·Verified

Steam User 3485STEAMRecommended

Simplemente increíble, el juego más humano y real que he jugado nunca. En 2 horas me hizo sentir todo tipo de emociones, simplemente con su simpleza y honestidad. Estos son los juegos que verdaderamente hacen enorme al gaming.

Mar 5, 2026·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 4375STEAMRecommended

An intimate and short game where I felt like I really got to experience someone else's memories. I didn't realize the importance of the world cup to Ecuador in the early 2000s and it was cool to feel it through the lens of a kid who just was so impacted by the culture of the sport and seeing how it affected everyone around him, the visual direction is great and the sound direction is even better.

Mar 5, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 7227STEAMRecommended

Please just play this game! Especially if you like any sort of indie games and unique short stories, of if you want to experience a documentary like experience in a game!

Mar 5, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 5374STEAMNot recommended

I really tried to love this game (because I love playing football), but it just didn't click for me.
Felt like I was just trying to get through it rather than have fun with it.
The game felt underwhelming as both a story and as a game.

Can't even rate the game out of 10 since i haven't completed it. Maybe the story got better later on, or maybe it's just not the game for me. I wouldn't recommend the game personally.

Mar 4, 2026·1h·2·Verified

Steam User 1298STEAMRecommended

é muito sobre futebol, e ao mesmo tempo, muito pouco sobre futebol. belíssimo!

Mar 4, 2026·3h·Verified

Steam User 5375STEAMRecommended

8.0 / 10

Mar 3, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 2865STEAMRecommended

Es una experiencia que me tocó de cerca porque, aunque no soy ecuatoriano, soy pastuso, prácticamente el vecino más cercano. El juego se siente como vivir el diario de un país atravesado por la pasión de un Mundial. Me gustó mucho.

Mar 3, 2026·2h·2·Verified

Steam User 2336STEAMRecommended

Soy Guatemalteco. Naci en 2003 y desde entonces he vivido 6 clasificatorias para el mundial. Nunca hemos logrado clasificar a un mundial. Tambien creci con la frase "jugamos como nunca, y perdemos como siempre" y esta frase aplica para casi todo relacionado al deporte en este pais, o incluso al arte o la politica "Votamos como nunca, y perdemos como siempre". Pero de vez en cuando logramos tener una alegria, o una ilusion. En los juegos olimpicos de lodres 2012, Guatemala gano su primera medalla olimpica y recuerdo levantarme a las 4 de la mañana para ir a estudiar, no con las tipicas noticias de "Persona en estado de ebriedad atropellada en la madrugada", "Persona asesinada a tiros luego de un robo de telefono", me levante viendo la imagen de un atleta mordiendo una medalla, en el camino al colegio la radio iba gente hablando del suceso. Fue un dia alegre por lo que logro recordar y ahora todo el mundio queria salir a correr o a intentar ganar una medalla y poner al pais en alto. Luego de eso se enviaron mas atletas para los juegos de Rio y de Tokio, quiero creer que fue el efecto de la medalla. Para los juegos de Tokio Kevin Cordon, un jugador de badminton, logro llegar a las semifinales. Luego de su clasificacion, al dia siguiente salian los niños a jugar badminton con lo que fuera que tuvieran a la mano, botellas, rocas, o hacian sus propias raquetas, y aunque Kevin no logro ganar su medalla, por al menos unos momentos, el pais dejo de ser el pais con al menos 8 homicidios al dia, y se volvio la cuna del badminton. Luego volvio a pasar en los juegos olimpicos de 2024 en Francia, donde conseguimos la primera medalla de oro, y la primera medalla de bronce.

Puede que no sea Ecuatoriano, y nunca haya jugado en el parque La Carolina, pero aun asi me logre sentir identificado con el mensaje o la idea de Despelote. Esa ilusion de ver a tu pais en lo mas alto del mundo, gente que comparte tu comida, tu forma de hablar o que se crio en mas mismas calles que tu, VIVIR esos momentos, donde por un momento nos olvidamos de todo lo que esta mal, y solo nos interesa creer y seguir apoyando... Incluso este mismo juego me hace sentir orgullo, ver gente que comparte mi mismo idioma, que vive en el mismo continente y que (de cierta forma) comparte nuestras mismas emociones, hace que me olvide de mis problemas y diga "que chevere".

Llore con esta experiencia, no porque sea algo triste, pero porque por al menos dos horas logre volver a ser ese niño que no queria ir a la boda de mi tia, que salia a jugar futbol con mis amigos y nos tocaba jugar con botellas porque no nos alcanzaba para comprar una pelota, volvi a ser ese niño que se sentaba con ilusion a ver jugar a la sele esperando y creyendo que algun dia iba a poder escuchar mi himno en un mundial...

Si steam, recomiendo este juego.

Mar 3, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 2213STEAMRecommended

厄瓜多尔最后一个emo男孩

Mar 3, 2026·2h·4·Verified

Steam User 4278STEAMRecommended

juegazo

Mar 2, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 9507STEAMRecommended

A short and charming game about navigating the world as a child. Playing this as an adult from Ecuador adds a powerful emotional resonance. The game captures the feelings of being a kid interacting with an external world that moves much fast but every now and then it coincides with your own childlike perception.

Mar 2, 2026·1h·Verified

Steam User 6530STEAMRecommended

As an Uruguayan living in America, who was unable to experience the culture of my home country, I've learned a lot more about Latino culture and social issues--specifically one of an Ecuadorian. It was really crazy hearing the experiences of Ecuadorians during the World Cup qualifiers--hearing names like Diego Forland who'd my parents cheered for as I grew up mentioned as 'antagonists.' While rooting for your side, you always forget what others may be going through. It was very eye opening, and I'm glad that their qualification was so impactful and allowed more soccer opportunities and resources for the community.

The voice acting is very natural and pleasant, also very understandable for someone who simply learned Spanish from listening to their parents. The themes/subplot of mental health, the parents divorce, passion, bullying, and substance abuse were very powerful. The art style changes and jumps in time were almost startling, having me at the edge of my seat as I never knew what to expect in any scene. Seeing the jump to the 3D map was insane.

I liked how the gameplay was more sluggish when you were a kid as you're more clumsy with the ball. Though, turning while dribbling was kind of a pain in the ass.

Overall, what a wonderful experience! Great game.

Mar 1, 2026·2h·4·Verified

Steam User 9233STEAMRecommended

Short but charming, despelote is admittedly lacking in the gameplay department, but more than makes up for with its creativity, unique visual style, and authentic glimpse into a time and space rarely depicted in not just video games but media as a whole.

Feb 28, 2026·2h

Steam User 6822STEAMRecommended

A short first person story set in Ecuador around the turn of the century about soccer, family, and growing up. Oodles of style. There's not really a strong narrative thread, instead it's just about individual moments and immersing you in a time and place. it does a really nice job of that. A wonderful lil game that I'll likely revisit at some point.

Feb 28, 2026·2h·9

Steam User 3223STEAMNot recommended

The graphics are unique and the VA is quite good, however, I didn't find the other aspect of the game that interesting unfortunately...

There's not a lot of story going on, and the gameplay and side interactions are meh.
Maybe my expectations were very high due to the overwhelmingly positive reviews, but my rating for the game is 5/10. Not for me.

Feb 25, 2026·1h·1·Verified

Steam User 1805STEAMRecommended

I barely played this game so far, I already have a good feeling about this. Maybe I'm not a small Julian, but I remember being lil ol polish kid, and "being a part" of the whole 2012 euro event - it kind of reminds me of those times. It's been only 25mins of this game and it has already reminded me of how ultimate and wonderful kicking the football with all the force you had in your feet... felt. Can't wait for more.

Feb 24, 2026

Steam User 2695STEAMRecommended

nostalgia latina e lágrimas

Feb 24, 2026·3h·1·Verified

Steam User 0024STEAMRecommended

Do you have memories as a kid that feel "fuzzy?" This game somehow perfectly portrays that feeling. It's incredibly creative and heartfelt. As someone who also has fuzzy memories watching the 2001 World Cup qualifiers, the narrative of this game, especially the switching between past and present day narration, really resonated with me. But you don't need to be Latin American, speak Spanish, or even be a fan of fútbol to enjoy this game. If you're a fan of art and deeply human stories, you'll really enjoy it!

Feb 22, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 7746STEAMRecommended

slice of life que pega demais qualquer um nessa cultura do futebol

Feb 22, 2026·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 5456STEAMRecommended

Not much substance in terms of gameplay (or story, really) but it makes you nostalgic for a certain time and place. The soundtrack is absolutely sublime.

Feb 22, 2026·23h·5

Steam User 7881STEAMRecommended

Das Malen in diesem Spiel ist absolut unmöglich. Egal, was man malen will, es wird nicht zu erkennen sein.

Hat das Spiel gleich doppelt so realistisch gemacht.

10/10 (Im Ernst, holt euch JETZT SOFORT dieses Spiel!!!!)

Feb 21, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 2167STEAMRecommended

El juego se siente muy orgánico porque te transporta a ese entonces, está bonito apoyen a los ñaños.

Feb 21, 2026·3h·Verified

Steam User 5619STEAMRecommended

A fun little game with a lot of hidden side stuff that gets you pulled into the side stories of those around you. Music is great with an interesting art style. Also found myself learning a lot about Ecuador and its history.

Feb 20, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 5906STEAMRecommended

C'était très fun, immersif, varié et novateur de bout en bout.
Il retranscrit bien l'expérience de l'enfance.
Le trailer ne lui fait pas justice. Y'a pas mal de moments géniaux très différents les uns des autres, qui vont vous faire dire "Ah ouais p****n ça marche de ouf et fallait y penser de mettre ça dans le jeu dis donc"
Grosse bouffée d'air frais qui vaut le coup, MEME pour 13 balles et 2h30 de jeu tout mouillé... C'est dire.

Feb 19, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 2397STEAMRecommended

Mais uma experiência interativa que propriamente um jogo, mas muito interessante e que bate diferente pra quem é latino-americano e gosta de futebol.

Feb 19, 2026·3h·Verified

Steam User 1907STEAMRecommended

Really great little indie game. It has a strong sense of intent; I understand it completely as an attempt to capture the feeling of being in Ecuador when the country qualified for the world cup. That atmosphere, along with showing us the life of Julián as a kid roughly during this time, made for an insightful slice of life tale.

I really liked the conversations characters had with each other and how natural they felt. Especially near the end when Julián is hanging out with his friends, the voice acting and dialogue felt completely natural.

The actual football-ing is finiky but in a way that feels right. It's complex but not confusing or frustrating. It's just straining enough that I'm never sitting comfortably just clicking buttons to click. The attempt at Versimilitude (i used big word I learned) is quite affective.

The visual choice which you can see on all the advertising and screenshots makes sense in context of being a blurry memory of time long gone. Really affective. For as simple as the character models were, They communicated well enough for me to enjoy and engage with this experience.

As art, it's a pretty good experience. If you are a fan of walking simulators or just curious to hear what someone's experience was like growing up in World Cup era Ecuador, check it.

Feb 17, 2026·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 9499STEAMNot recommended

Honestly I did not understand what was the big deal about the game...almost 90 percent of my library consists of indie games and I like walking simulators and story focused games. This one though? It was pretty boring, just a collection of mundane daily happenings, maybe that was the point? I am not sure what to make of it.

Feb 14, 2026·2h·2·Verified

Steam User 2086STEAMNot recommended

I won't call this game "aimless", like I saw in other reviews, I think the "aim" is to go around with child-like wonder and look at things, kick things, play ball, mess with stuff, etc.

Running around can be fun, don't get me wrong. Unfortunately, there are scenes where you very quickly run out of interesting things to do, and have to just wait until it's time for the scene to end, or you run out of time very quickly, and don't have enough time to see everything. I get that that's part of the "being a child with limited time", but I don't think it was executed well enough.

The dialog thing they do, where people speak over each other, is charming at first, but they do it for nearly every single voiceline in the game, and it very quickly gets overwhelming, since the game often asks you to pay attention to two or three people talking over each other while having to kick a ball at the same time.

The small playtime also wouldn't be an issue, I'm very much an advocate of smaller, more meaningful experiences and one of the reasons I tried this game was it's shorter playtime.

However, after barely 100 minutes of playtime combined with the steep asking price of 14 euro at the time of writing, for a game that was so boring and overwhelming that I couldn't finish it in one session, I have to give this a negative review.

YOU might like the game, especially if you like football and/or played football as a kid and/or have wanted to 3D scan your childhood neighborhood. but definitely don't buy this game on a blind recommendation like I did.

Feb 12, 2026·2h·1

Steam User 7089STEAMRecommended

Quick little experience, but very cool. Less of a game and more of an insight about how shared cultural values can bring people together through economic adversity. Need more of this!

Feb 12, 2026·3h·2·Verified

Steam User 9302STEAMRecommended

The effervescent qualia of childhood wrapped in a love letter to Quito. The stylization is an especially brilliant move, made all the more beautiful when the curtain is pulled back.

Feb 11, 2026·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 5618STEAMRecommended

This was an insightful little game. More creative than it needed to be. It was fun to feel like a kid again. Also, it reminded me fondly of when the Utah Jazz went up against the Chicago Bulls (with Michael Jordan) in 1996 and 1997. I related, and it was nice to relive that feeling again. I recommend. My playthrough was about 3 hours.

Feb 10, 2026·3h·1·Verified

Steam User 8507STEAMRecommended

好玩，妹妹可爱捏

Feb 8, 2026·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 9713STEAMRecommended

very interesting how something to simple can have such a meaningful impact on a person

Feb 8, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 3972STEAMRecommended

An excellent interactive story. This is not a game in the traditional sense and shouldn't be judged like one. The point of the (very basic) gameplay mechanics is to help us immerse ourselves in a narrative that has elements of autobiography and documentary. This is the story of a child that loves football (the real football of course) and his experiences in a particular time that was very special for his nation. It's a journey back to childhood that many will relate to.

Feb 8, 2026·3h·1·Verified

Steam User 5923STEAMRecommended

I don't think you can truly describe Despelote to a ♥♥♥♥♥♥. The experience of this game, even tho only for about 2 hours, is something amazing. This made me recollect so many memories of a childhood time when I would poorly play soccer the entire afternoon and shake with all the emotions that Brazil could provide for us, as a country, playing in the World Cup. Amazing immersion, great graphics, it all really brought the sensations and colors to the spot. You don't need to look north to play a good game, watch a good movie or read the best book, just look up your shoulders, by your side your hermanos have great things to show you. Grácias/Obrigado por la experiencia, Julián!

Feb 7, 2026·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 6934STEAMRecommended

Beyond playing football in different parts of the game, the overall atmosphere and the stories you hear from those around you are what really make this experience so worthwhile. The use of colours within the environment scans, as well as the music, make me feel as if I'm reminiscing for times I've never had. It's not often a piece of media can capture what it feels like to think back on a pivotal time of your life as a child, but Despelote knocks this out of the park.

Feb 7, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 4344STEAMRecommended

Uma carta de amor ao impacto do futebol na américa latina, pelos olhos de um equatoriano nessa experiência auto biográfica.

Feb 7, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 8322STEAMRecommended

It's funny what memories stick with you growing up as a child. Sure the game is themed around a major soccer event in Ecuador, but that really isn't the story here. It's a slice of life. Well done.

Feb 7, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 7717STEAMRecommended

phantom memory

Feb 7, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 3310STEAMRecommended

This game feels like it belongs in a library or a museum

It's a bit of a steep price but I want to make people play this game

Feb 6, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 4803STEAMRecommended

Me he enamorado de la mundanidad de este juego, con una sorprendente sencillez ha logrado trasportarme de nuevo a las calles en donde echaba pachangas con los colegas, una sincera carta de amor al futbol y a la infancia

Feb 5, 2026·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 2378STEAMRecommended

Everyone has these more or less vague memories of warm, summer days during childhood. Dreamy, joyful and as warm as the weather. You will never be there again and you will never get them back. I will never be there again and I will never get them back. Half of these memories probably never even existed in the first place.
Despelote is phenomenal at capturing this concept of changing your memories or even completely making up some of them. It's nostalgic, bittersweet and made with tons of love. The atmosphere of Ecuador during the beginning of the century is just exceptional and the best part is, no matter where you're from, you can relate to this story. On one hand, it was heartwarming to recall some of my fondest memories, just playing football with my friends during what felt like neverending, summer days, but on the other hand it was yet another reminder of the fact, that it's undoubtedly over and the world is unfathomably horrible in almost every possible way. It's up to you whether you want to relive these memories, because they can be both comforting and depressing.

Feb 5, 2026·2h·14·Verified

Steam User 4778STEAMRecommended

Feb 5, 2026·2h

Steam User 1379STEAMRecommended

despelote is a short yet transportative expereience that delivers perfectly on its promise. The three hours spent with the game took me to another culture and moment in history that all communities would dream to expereience; a unifying moment of togetherness and celebration in a bleak and sometimes cruel environment.

Feb 5, 2026·4h·Verified

Steam User 2248STEAMRecommended

Toda criança latina teve a mesma infancia, fascinante

Feb 4, 2026·3h·4·Verified

Steam User 7225STEAMRecommended

So calm so simple so beautiful

Feb 4, 2026·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 0235STEAMNot recommended

This was an okay game, but a bit too much for the price. I'd say there's around two hours of actual gameplay, and you are given the impression of choice in some situations, only to be forced to do what the game wants to continue. There's some interaction with things you can do, but no real result to them so it feels like filler. Overall it was a sweet experience, but not enough polish.

Feb 4, 2026·4h·Verified

Steam User 1407STEAMRecommended

This is a game that I fully imagine simply isn't for everyone, and that's fine. It's a passion project, through and through, and one that I personally loved. Seeing Quito in such as stylized way after having studied abroad / lived there for 5 months felt incredibly nostalgic, and though the park has surely changed since 2002, seeing a specific scene / depiction of La Carolina towards the end of the game brought a total rush of nostalgia back. I loved that park so, so much during my time in the country back in 2023, so getting to see that again filled me with joy. The game is definitely dialogue heavy, but I certainly enjoyed it. Hearing the local dialect and seeing familiar places made this well worth the experience.

Do note that controls are a bit janky, it's not a very long game by any means, and it may be hard to understand every event or name unless you're really in the know. All the same, I found this game quite pleasant and incredibly personal.

Feb 3, 2026·2h·Verified

Steam User 7620STEAMRecommended

2h qui sont passé très vite. Magnifique. Et la bande son est exceptionnelle.

Feb 2, 2026·2h

Steam User 1573STEAMRecommended

He jugado a Despelote desde la cuenta de mi novia. Soy de Esmeraldas (una ciudad en la costa) y tengo 30 años, en el año en que se narra la historia de Despelote tenía 6, actualmente llevo 3 años viviendo en España y este juego me genera mucha nostalgia y mucha ternura, me transporta a esa época, me genera recuerdos vívidos de la clasificación al mundial (la cara pintada con la bandera tricolor, un sombrero de puntas, la compañía de mi madre y mi hermanito). Para la Universidad viví en Quito y la representación del parque La Carolina y sus alrededores me transporta a aquella época, de jugar partidos los findes, de darme un paseo por las Naciones Unidas, de conciertos en la cruz del Papa. Para un ecuatoriano lejos de su patria este juego es un acceso a la nostalgia y a conectar con su tierra. Para cualquier otra persona es un juego hecho con mucho detalle y cariño que te hará disfrutar con ternura.

Feb 1, 2026·3h·2·Verified

Steam User 3963STEAMRecommended

A short , but quiet a good game. Is fun enough , especially when you play football. But, i find the atmosphere anyway great. I find the gameplay good enough. The story is fine. I like running around the town, hearing the diaogue, seeing how the twn or cities got influenced or changed by football. Chasing pidgons, going home in my case always a little late. Play football with the kids. When a game is influenced by football and/or real life events , then I am not to hard to please. I find the pacing good. I find the overall game quiet good. Quiet good at descibing how some events can change a city/country. Recommneded , if you want a game that is more about the storry/events then about the gameplay.

Feb 1, 2026·2h·Verified