Unstoppable: Introducing Yasna and Her Team

The Invincible draws heavily from Stanisław Lem's works and philosophies, while also introducing new characters to offer a fresh perspective. In the game, players assume the role of Yasna, who must rescue her crew after their crash landing on Regis III. Although the plot closely resembles the original novel, developer Starward Industries has implemented significant changes to align it with the gaming experience. Notably, player choice is now a prominent feature.

Playing as Yasna, players have the ability to make crucial decisions that will impact the various endings of The Invincible. Despite suffering from amnesia, which adds suspense to the narrative, Yasna still retains important traits, such as her curiosity. To gain further insight into the game, our website recently interviewed several members of the Starward Industries development team regarding Yasna, her crew, and their respective roles in this highly anticipated adventure game.

The Invincible: Who is Yasna?

According to CEO Marek Markuszewski, Yasna's character has undergone significant changes from its original conception in the realm of video game development. The development team had already envisioned Yasna before the pre-production phase, aiming to create a character who personified bravery, humanistic values, and an innate curiosity about the cosmos. Throughout the production of The Invincible, Markuszewski observed a transformative growth in Yasna's character.

While player choice influences much of her general attitude, the aim was to create a character who remains likable and empathetic. As the development progressed, the team infused Yasna with additional energy and wit, making her a more relatable and multifaceted character. Furthermore, when questioned about the team's decision for Yasna to experience amnesia, he mentioned,

Amnesia enhances the feelings of danger and isolation, while providing players with the opportunity to uncover the character's past and previous events. This captivating technique immerses players in both the narrative and gameplay experience.

When it comes to the overall character design, Starward Industries drew inspiration from the history of space exploration, particularly the contributions of women in this field. Wojciech Ostrycharz, the art director of The Invincible, shared that the team watched various documentaries on this subject during the character development process. Yasna embodies elements from these stories, and her appearance is influenced by the aesthetics of astronautics in the late 1950s and 1960s, contributing to The Invincible's nostalgic retro sci-fi atmosphere.

Yasna's Crew

Accompanying Yasna to Regis III are the following:

Krauta

Marit

Koval

Gorsky

However, it should be noted that there is one more member of the crew: astrogator (space navigator) Novik. His role is somewhat distinct from the others, though.

According to Olga Piech, a writer for The Invincible, each character in the game possesses unique personalities and styles, and they play significant roles in Yasna's overall story and philosophical themes. Piech emphasizes the importance of exploring these characters as part of Yasna's journey to Regis III. While further details about the characters will only be revealed upon the game's release, Piech did provide some details about Marit and Gorsky. Marit is portrayed as one of the trailblazing women in the field of science, particularly in the realm of being an astronaut, and holds great significance for women in similar professions. On the other hand, Gorsky is described as a brilliant thinker who possesses a daring nature for taking bold actions.

Marit's character, therefore, serves as an inspiration for Yasna in the realm of space exploration, while Gorsky's disposition suggests the potential for trouble, both for himself and others. Despite their separation, their reunion is implicit within the rescue mission. An unfortunate event has transpired, seemingly escalating the situation before any signs of improvement. However, irrespective of Starward Industries' approach towards their roles in the plot and their respective relationships with Yasna, Magdalena Kucenty, the narrative designer and writer, assures us that "the fate of the crew is in the player's hands."

Astrogator Novik

In The Invincible, Novik, who serves as the astrogator, has a distinctive role compared to other characters. Unlike the rest, he remains off-screen, acting as a companion for Yasna, with whom he engages in conversations and interactions. However, despite their close association, Yasna and Novik couldn't be more dissimilar. Piech mentions this stark contrast when it comes to the dynamic between Yasna and Novik.

Yasna and Novik embody contrasting perspectives. Novik exemplifies a conqueror mindset, seeking to dominate the universe for humanity's benefit. On the other hand, Yasna is driven by a curiosity-driven approach, focused on exploration and uncovering humanity's place in the vastness of the cosmos.

Yasna can be seen as an optimistic scientist, eager to expand her knowledge and understand humanity's role in the universe. In contrast, Novik perceives humanity as the pinnacle of evolution. This divergence in viewpoints leads Yasna to view Novik as a rigid enforcer of rules, while Novik harbors reservations about Yasna's wisdom.

The relationship dynamics between Yasna and Novik play a pivotal role in shaping the choices players make in The Invincible. As the story unfolds, both characters undergo transformations in their perceptions of the universe and each other. The manner in which these transformations occur is contingent upon the decisions made by the player.

That being said, the portrayal of Novik is not a simplistic, nihilistic conqueror. Starward Industries aimed to create a multi-dimensional character with a profound psychological depth. Part of this complexity arises from the challenging circumstances faced by Yasna and the crew, as well as Novik's crucial role as the astrogator. Regarding Novik's character, Kucenty also mentioned, "On one hand, he feels a strong connection to the team and a sense of responsibility towards Yasna. However, on the other hand, he wrestles with his own biases and limitations. Throughout the game, players will develop their relationship with him, engage in philosophical discussions, consider his advice, or make different choices, all of which will impact the direction of the game."

Arti/Helper Bot

Throughout The Invincible, players will come across various helper bots, even if they are not part of the crew. As Yasna embarks on her journey on Regis III, she will encounter numerous robot companions. However, level designer Michał Paciorek highlights the irony of meeting an android on a planet where machines have taken over. Finding a "helper" bot in a deserted world overrun by machines, assigned to perform mundane tasks on an astrobase, is indeed peculiar. Additionally, Paciorek hints at a potentially darker twist to this subtle irony by stating,

At a certain moment during the game, the androbot may find you to be more valuable than you find it...

The exact influence that these characters have on the storyline of The Invincible is yet to be determined. However, with a multitude of personalities in play, it will be fascinating to observe how each character approaches the philosophical themes that Lem's work is renowned for.

The Invincible

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of The Invincible, an awe-inspiring adventure game meticulously crafted from the acclaimed hard sci-fi masterpieces by Stanislaw Lem. Embark on a thrilling journey as Yasna, venturing into the treacherous depths of Regis III. Armed with an array of ingenious tools, relentlessly pursue the whereabouts of your missing crew members while confronting unforeseen dangers lurking around every corner.

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

Editor's P/S

Yasna, the protagonist of Starward Industries' highly anticipated game, "The Invincible," is a complex and intriguing character. As a hard fan of the game, I am excited to see how her story unfolds. Yasna is a brave and resourceful woman who must rescue her crew after their crash landing on Regis III. Despite suffering from amnesia, she retains her curiosity and determination.

I appreciate that the development team has taken the time to create a well-rounded and relatable character. Yasna is not only strong and capable, but she is also flawed and vulnerable. This makes her feel more human and believable. I am also interested in learning more about Yasna's crew members. Each of them seems to have a unique personality and backstory, and I am eager to see how they interact with Yasna and each other. Overall, I am very excited about "The Invincible" and can't wait to play it when it releases.