Exploring the Distinct Endings of The Invincible: A Comparative Analysis
Discover how The Invincible's developers have transformed the novel adaptation with a multitude of endings Game Rant delves into the changes made and explores the captivating variations that await players Get ready for an unforgettable gaming experience!
The upcoming video game The Invincible, adapted from the Stanisław Lem novel of the same name, offers 11 different endings. Unlike novels, which typically have a single ending and overarching conclusion, it is uncommon for written works to have multiple endings like video games. Our website had the opportunity to interview The Invincible's narrative designer and writer Magdalena Kucenty, along with art director Wojciech Ostrycharz, to discuss these various endings and the differences between the novel and the video game.
No spoilers are included in this article concerning The Invincible.
Before reaching the conclusion of The Invincible, studio Starward Industries (which consists of former CD Projekt Red and Techland developers) prioritized honoring and doing justice to Lem's work, considering his significance to Poland. In fact, the country's parliament has officially designated 2021 as Stanisław Lem Year. Consequently, every minor alteration underwent meticulous scrutiny, as the studio aimed to incorporate all of Lem's profound philosophical beliefs regarding evolution, necroevolution, the role of humanity in the vast universe, and more. This commitment sometimes led the studio to veer away from certain aspects of Lem's oeuvre.
The Invincible novel depicts the story of Rohan and his crew, who crash land on Regis III and embark on a rescue mission in enemy territory. In contrast, The Invincible game features Yasna as the new protagonist, along with her crew, who also crash land on Regis III. It is evident from the beginning that there are similarities between the two stories, but this deliberate choice provides a fresh perspective and avoids directly translating Rohan. According to Ostrycharz, presenting the story from a different viewpoint appeals to both readers of the book and those unfamiliar with it, encouraging exploration of the original work. The game does not directly translate Lem's character Rohan to maintain the significance that he holds for readers, and to maximize the possibilities and limitations of the gaming medium.
These possibilities and limitations are also reflected in the 11 different endings in The Invincible. The exact method of unlocking these endings and the major changes they entail have yet to be revealed. Nonetheless, both readers of Lem's work and those who are new to it will still have the opportunity to experience a satisfying conclusion. Kucenty further explained that
Some of these endings are based on the book, while others are our own creative solutions that closely align with the story's progress, gameplay, and depend on the choices made by the player.
Player choice in gaming offers a unique opportunity not found in novels. Adapting Rohan's character may not be suitable for player choice due to its lack of flexibility. Therefore, it is the best decision for the adventure game adaptation of The Invincible, including its ending. The Invincible aims to provide a concise and enjoyable experience, and the various possible endings can enhance replayability. Additionally, another developer we spoke to suggested that it would be interesting for someone unfamiliar with Lem's work to play the game, read the novel, and then play it again. While there are rewards for Lem fans, such as Easter eggs, the game is designed to be enjoyed by those who have not read Lem's work as well.
The Invincible
The Invincible is an immersive adventure game that takes inspiration from the captivating hard sci-fi writings of Stanislaw Lem. Embark on a journey as Yasna to the enigmatic Regis III, utilizing key tools to unravel the mystery of her vanished crew while encountering unexpected perils. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, this thrilling game was released on November 6, 2023 and developed by Starward Industries, with publishing support from 11 Bit Studios.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the upcoming release of The Invincible video game. I am a fan of the original novel by Stanisław Lem, and I am curious to see how the developers have adapted it for the gaming medium. I appreciate that the developers have taken the time to honor and do justice to Lem's work, while also making changes that are necessary for a video game adaptation.
I am particularly interested in the 11 different endings that are available in the game. I think this is a great way to give players the opportunity to experience the story in different ways. I am also curious to see how the choices I make in the game will affect the ending I get. I think this will add a lot of replay value to the game. Overall, I am very excited about The Invincible and I can't wait to play it when it is released. I think it is going to be a great game for fans of the novel and for gamers who are looking for a challenging and thought-provoking experience.
