The Invincible (video game)

Lore & Background

The Invincible is an adventure video game played from a first-person perspective. The player assumes control of astrobiologist Yasna (voiced by Daisy May), who must explore the planet Regis III for her missing crewmates while facing an unknown threat. Yasna has access to several tools, such as a scanner and a handheld telescope that can be used to identify objects and aid her survival. The developer described the game as a 'branching narrative with an emphasis on player choice'. Other characters include astrogator Novik (voiced by Jason Baughan), who guides Yasna throughout her journey.

The game was developed by Polish independent developer Starward Industries, founded in 2018. Team members had experience working for triple-A game development companies such as CD Projekt RED and Techland. The team chose to adapt Lem's novel because they felt the book is 'stunningly picturesque' and 'reads as a ready-made movie script'. The game is not a one-to-one adaptation; while the story is largely the same and features several returning characters, the main cast including the playable protagonist are original. The art style was heavily influenced by atompunk aesthetics, citing works from Chris Foss, Chesley Bonestell, and Syd Mead, and the team researched Soviet designs of spaceships, vehicles and tools to fit the retro-futuristic style. The game is set on a planet very similar to the Ennedi Plateau in the Sahara desert.

The game was described as a science-fiction thriller for its use of emotional suspense rather than a straightforward horror game. Firewatch served as an inspiration, especially for handling conversations with non-playable characters. Road 96 was also an important influence, showing that there was 'space for narrative experiences that are more mature and philosophical'. The game's director Marek Markuszewski added that the narrative was 'unhurried' but 'very intense', and the tone was 'bitter, but not without a spark of hope for the future'. Starward Industries announced the game in September 2020, originally set for 2021. In June 2022, 11 Bit Studios announced it had partnered with Starward Industries to publish the game. The game was released on November 6, 2023.

Reader's Guide

The Invincible represents a notable entry in narrative-driven adventure games, adapting a classic science fiction novel by Stanisław Lem. Its significance lies in its deliberate pacing and philosophical tone, distinguishing it from more action-oriented titles. The game's emphasis on player choice and branching narrative, inspired by games like Firewatch and Road 96, reflects a trend toward mature, contemplative storytelling in the medium. The development team's background in major studios such as CD Projekt RED and Techland brought a high level of craft to the project. The game's atompunk art style, drawing from Soviet design and mid-century science fiction illustrators, creates a distinctive visual identity. Reception, according to Metacritic, was 'mixed or average', indicating that while the game achieved its artistic goals, it may not have resonated universally. Its legacy is tied to its faithful yet original adaptation of Lem's work, offering a thoughtful experience for players interested in narrative exploration and retro-futuristic aesthetics.

Did You Know?

• The game is an adaptation of Stanisław Lem's 1964 novel The Invincible.
• The playable protagonist, astrobiologist Yasna, is voiced by Daisy May.
• The game's art style was influenced by atompunk aesthetics and Soviet designs.
• The game was released on November 6, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.