Comparing the Distinct Atompunk Sci-Fi Style of The Invincible and Starfield's Nasapunk Aesthetic

In The Invincible, players will navigate the mysterious planet Regis III and unravel its secrets using a variety of tools and technologies such as scanners, telescopes, and helper robots. This adaptation of Stanislaw Lem's novel aims to captivate both fans of the original story and new players alike.

To bring Lem's world to life, Starward Industries draws inspiration from his vivid descriptions, envisioning the planet as he might have imagined it. Although Lem's novel was written in the 1960s and introduced groundbreaking technologies, their design concepts have aged and may be reminiscent of Google's architectural style. This design approach contributes to The Invincible's unique "atompunk" aesthetic, setting it apart from Starfield's "Nasapunk" theme. The differences between these artistic choices were recently discussed by The Invincible's art director, Wojciech Ostrycharz, in an interview with our website.

The Invincible Offers A Different Perspective on the Future

In the realm of science fiction, the genre’s captivating aspect lies in its ability to transport readers not to a literal new world, but to a realm of possibilities for the future of humanity. The fascinating notion of hoverboards, flying cars, and extraterrestrial cities originates entirely from the pages of science fiction novels and the screens of cinematic offerings. Each narrative offers a unique viewpoint on how humanity will progress and adapt, yet The Invincible occupies a thought-provoking position in relation to this notion.

Lem's world is a reflection of his future perspective, rooted in an era when Raygun Gothic designs and principles were embraced as vibrant and innovative. However, the contemporary world has progressed beyond these sensibilities, rendering Space Age aesthetics as nostalgic and "retro." Consequently, The Invincible occupies a unique position as a futuristic narrative that imagines an alternate reality conceived more than 50 years ago. This tale portrays a society that reached deep space exploration without the presence of digital technologies. Just as many people once anticipated the existence of flying cars by 2020, this story unveils a different path humanity's imagination took, where the boundaries of space were conquered earlier than anticipated.

Starfield's Nasapunk aesthetic aligns closely with the aim of The Invincible, as both games depict a possible future, albeit in different ways. Starfield remains technologically relevant, appealing to our imaginations of what the future could be, while evoking a sense of nostalgia for classic science fiction. In contrast, The Invincible embraces the time period in which the novel is set, portraying a future that is firmly anchored in the past. This dichotomy greatly enhances the immersion of the game, according to Ostrycharz.

These two visions of the future are starkly different. Starfield presents a futuristic world imbued with cyber technologies that mirror our contemporary imaginations. On the other hand, The Invincible transports players to a future inspired by the 1960s, featuring machines powered by atomic energy, analog devices, and robot companions. There is a notable absence of digital technology. The immediate distinction when delving into The Invincible's world is its hands-on nature. Interacting with knobs, buttons, and levers is essential to operate its technology. This hands-on approach intensifies the immersion, allowing players to truly embody the role of an astroscientist on an exploratory mission.

How Starfield and The Invincible Are Both Nostalgic Yet Different

Comparisons between Starfield and The Invincible are inevitable, as both incorporate old school sci-fi design to create a sense of familiarity for fans of the genre embarking on a new journey. However, the overall emotions evoked by these aesthetics are distinctly different. Starfield aims to reignite the hope and awe of space exploration that NASA inspired in the 1980s. On the other hand, The Invincible utilizes atompunk elements, satirizing the optimistic visions of the 1960s and offering a world full of secrets and scientific marvels to uncover. Despite this, there is a lingering sense of dread present in both the novel and the impact of player choices on The Invincible's endings. These choices determine the fate of the crew, transforming the Regis III from a hopeful and expansive space to a somber atmosphere reminiscent of Fallout's post-nuclear aftermath. These emotions align with The Invincible's exploration of scientific discoveries, evolution, and adaptation, prompting players to contemplate these themes.

Discover the captivating narrative of The Invincible, an extraordinary adventure game that takes inspiration from the renowned works of Stanislaw Lem. Embark on a thrilling journey as Yasna, unravel the mysteries of Regis III, employ various tools to locate her lost crew members, and confront unexpected perils along the way.

Platform(s) PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series SReleased November 6, 2023Developer Starward IndustriesPublisher(s) 11 Bit Studios

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of science fiction, I am intrigued by the distinct atompunk aesthetic of The Invincible, which sets it apart from Starfield's Nasapunk style. The Invincible's portrayal of a future imagined in the 1960s, complete with analog devices, atomic energy-powered machines, and robot companions, offers a unique and immersive experience that stands out from the more contemporary and cyber-focused aesthetics of games like Starfield.

The hands-on nature of interacting with knobs, buttons, and levers in The Invincible enhances the immersion and allows players to feel like true astroscientists on an exploratory mission. The game's emphasis on scientific discoveries, evolution, and adaptation, combined with the lingering sense of dread and the impact of player choices on the endings, creates a thought-provoking and emotionally engaging experience. Overall, I appreciate the distinctive atompunk style of The Invincible and its ability to transport players to a different era of science fiction, while also offering a fresh and captivating narrative that explores the possibilities and consequences of space exploration.