Summary
- In The Invincible, players have the ability to make choices at almost every turn, influencing Yasna's journey and the game's story through a complex dialogue system.
- Player choice in the game impacts the character development of Yasna and her relationship with the astrogator Novik, with different choices leading to different outcomes and multiple endings.
- The Invincible offers a narrative-driven experience where player decisions truly matter, providing an opportunity to explore deep philosophical themes and dilemmas, making it a game for players seeking impactful choices.
Player choice is a big part of The Invincible, a story-driven sci-fi adventure game where players take on the role of Astrobiologist Yasna. On the mysterious planet Regis III, Yasna must embark on a dangerous mission in search of her missing crew mates. An adaptation of Stanislaw Lem's 1964 novel bearing the same name, Starward Industries' The Invincible seems full of opportunities for players to frequently change and influence what happens in the game as players drive Yasna's journey.
While it's not necessary to be familiar with Lem's works to enjoy The Invincible and understand its plot, many players may already be familiar with other rich storytelling experiences worked on by Starward Industries' various CD Projekt Red and Techland veterans. In a recent interview, The Best War Games spoke with several members of the Starward Industries team about how player choice works in The Invincibl e, how it impacts character development, and more.
How Player Choice Works In The Invincible
Because of its realistic approach, it seems as if players can make choices and decisions at almost every turn in The Invincible. The game uses a complex video game dialogue system that involves players choosing responses for Yasna in reaction to exploring and interacting with the game world. For instance, players can choose what exploratory routes to take through dialogue options. CEO Marek Markuszewski added the game's dialogue system is one of The Invincible's main mechanics that lets players "...comment on reality, form your own opinions, and react in the way closest to your emotions."
Additionally, player choice is a big part of the game's story, with Yasna's relationship with her astrogator Novik taking the fore. The two characters represent entirely different worldviews, something which is influenced based on how players react to Novik. Narrative designe Magdalena Kucenty also gave some examples of this works in the game.
Throughout the game, the player will deepen their relationship with him, engage in philosophical debates, follow his advice, or... Not, and these choices will influence the course of the game.
How Player Choice Impacts The Invincible's Story
Crucially, the choices players make in The Invincible also shape and change the character development of protagonist Yasna, whose attitude towards events changes according to player choice. The success of games like Baldur's Gate 3 with its many permutations and endings exemplifies the enduring popularity of player-choice-driven gameplay, with The Invincible being far from the first or last to do so. Comparably, The Invincible offers players multiple endings and future fate outcomes for its characters depending on the choices players make. Some of these will be for the player's betterment or for the demise, with gameplay designer Mariusz Antkiewicz explaining,
...your words and actions will shape your relationship with that person, and in turn may impact what they will do in the future (both to your benefit or demise). You may also come across choices that seem insignificant at first, but will have great consequences later in the game… so be careful and you just may get one of the multiple endings you can feel proud of.
Altogether, The Invincible could be a game where player decisions truly matter and where players can explore the complex, philosophical dilemmas of Lem's core themes and existential dilemmas. For players looking for a narrative-drive game with impactful choices that make them think, The Invincible could be just the ticket.
The Invincible
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 73 /100 Critics Rec: 60%
- Released
- November 6, 2023
- ESRB
- e
- Publisher(s)
- 11 Bit Studios
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
WHERE TO PLAY
You are a highly qualified, sharp-witted astrobiologist named Yasna. Being entangled in a space race, you and your crew end up on the unexplored planet Regis III. The scientific journey quickly turns into a search mission for lost crewmates. Follow its trail, but be fully aware that every decision you make can bring you closer to danger.
On her journey, Yasna will face decisions that will shape the outcome of the story. Help her make difficult choices and witness one of 11 possible endings to the deeply philosophical story.
Discover fragments of what’s lost and report to your Astrogator. Let his voice aid you during hard times when humanity’s greatest threat emerges. The latter will force you to rethink mankind’s ambitions and biases. Go on - make decisions, follow the mystery… but remember not to underestimate the brutal simplicity and brilliance of evolution.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Developer
- Starward Industries
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action-Adventure, Hack and Slash
