The Unstoppable Developer Clarifies It's More Than a Walking Simulator

Starward Industries' The Invincible takes its name from the renowned 1964 hard sci-fi novel by Polish writer and futurologist Stanislaw Lem. The video game adaptation of the book is a rarity in the industry, offering a unique approach. The trailers for The Invincible showcase the stunningly recreated planetary setting of Regis III, unveiling robotic drones, retro-futuristic tools, and more through the first-person perspective of Astrobiologist Yasna.

However, some players may be curious about the nature of The Invincible and what they can expect from its gameplay, particularly in comparison to the walking simulator sub-genre. In a recent interview on our website, CEO Marek Markuszewski addressed this concern, explaining why The Invincible should not be categorized as a walking simulator. He outlined the game's fundamental gameplay elements and provided further insights.

What Type Of Game Is The Invincible

The walking simulator game genre typically prioritizes simple gameplay and atmosphere over elements like action, combat, and storytelling that are commonly found in many video games. Players often explore their environment by walking from place to place, searching for objects and following a story, instead of encountering complex puzzles or focused gameplay controls. However, The Invincible sets itself apart from the walking sim genre by offering a story-driven adventure game experience. Markuszewski explains that it is not a walking simulator and highlights several features that distinguish it, such as a stronger focus on narrative, a "co-created" story through a "dynamic dialog system," and enhanced visual quality. He further explains that while walking simulators typically have minimal gameplay and narrative value, with limited production resources and scope, The Invincible strives to create a realistic and immersive hard sci-fi experience. Players will have the opportunity to interact with atompunk devices, robots, and machines that represent a vision of the future that is vastly different from the present, adding to the overall excitement of playing the game.

While some walking simulators may contain a compelling narrative, The Invincible sets itself apart with its player-choice-driven dialogue system. This system serves as the catalyst for both the gameplay and the story, allowing players to delve deeper into the experience by making a multitude of meaningful decisions. Whether it involves charting a course from one point on the map to another, utilizing a vehicle for traversal, cultivating relationships with non-playable characters, or even determining the fates of individuals, these choices add a layer of complexity. Consequently, The Invincible offers a more engaging and immersive experience compared to traditional walking simulators.

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How Gameplay Works In The Invincible And The Role Of Combat

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The Invincible's gameplay remains faithful to its sci-fi origins as a novel adaptation, incorporating elements such as robotic assistance in uncovering clues and introducing new mechanics like the dialogue system. This includes the ability for players to interact with devices, rather than merely stumbling upon them during exploration, thereby incorporating puzzle-solving aspects. In addition to its strong emphasis on the narrative, there are also combat moments in The Invincible, featuring various weapons throughout the game, as explained by gameplay designer Mariusz Antkiewicz.

In addition to the Weyr gun, you will come across another famous weapon from The Invincible novel... But we don't want to reveal too much...

Furthermore, when considering the replayability of The Invincible's gameplay, it is not intended to be played in a single sitting. Markuszewski mentions that players can replay the game to explore different choices and witness how the story unfolds with multiple endings.

The Invincible is an immersive adventure game inspired by the captivating works of Stanislaw Lem. Prepare to embark on a captivating journey as you step into the shoes of Yasna and delve into the enigmatic world of Regis III. Utilize an array of tools to navigate the treacherous terrain, unravel the mystery of the missing crew, and confront unexpected perils that lie in wait. Get ready for an unforgettable sci-fi experience unlike any other.

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 Gen Z fan, I am excited about the upcoming release of The Invincible. I enjoy walking simulators, and this game seems to offer more than just walking around. The Invincible has a strong focus on narrative and player choice, which are two things I value in games. I also appreciate that the game will have multiple endings, which will give me a reason to replay it.

I am also intrigued by the setting of The Invincible. The game is set on a distant planet, and I am eager to explore it. I am also curious to learn more about the characters and their stories. I think The Invincible has the potential to be a great game, and I am looking forward to playing it when it releases.