Why The Invincible Opted for Fresh Characters instead of Utilizing Rohan

The Invincible is the debut title from Starward Industries, a narrative-driven sci-fi adventure based on Stanisław Lem’s 1964 novel of the same name. While Starward Industries holds great respect for Lem's original work, they have chosen to take some creative liberties by introducing a new cast and point-of-view character for player control. Set to release on November 6, The Invincible presents a mature, hard sci-fi tale that draws inspiration from games such as Firewatch and Road 96.

Recently, our website interviewed Starward Industries' art director, Wojciech Ostrycharz, regarding the process of adapting one of Lem's beloved sci-fi novels into a video game format. Ostrycharz explained the team's decision to introduce the game's protagonist, Yasna, instead of utilizing the book's main character, Rohan. Understanding the attachment readers have to Rohan, Ostrycharz acknowledged that excluding him was not a choice made lightly. The team's objective is to create a game that not only pays homage to the source material but also stands on its own merits and provides an exceptional gaming experience.

Re-Imagined Rather than Rehashed

Ostrycharz explained that Starward Industries aimed to present Lem's story in a fresh and inclusive way. By introducing a new character, they offered longtime fans of Lem a novel experience to enjoy, while ensuring that individuals unfamiliar with Lem's novel need not be concerned about missing out on the original book. Equally important was Starward Industries' commitment to accurately portraying Rohan in the game, recognizing the character's significance to readers while acknowledging the unique possibilities and limitations of the gaming medium.

If Rohan's character is faithfully represented from the book, players may feel conflicted between the game's autonomy and the character's authenticity. Straying from Rohan's actions in the novel could give the game a fan fiction-like feel. Moreover, diluting Rohan's personality to make him more relatable or reducing his role to a silent or semi-silent protagonist would not do justice to readers' memories.

Ostrycharz's reference to "opportunities and limitations" highlights the potential benefits of adapting a story and the differences between games and novels as storytelling mediums. When it comes to expressing philosophical concepts and beliefs, these mediums can explore the same subject matter but come to vastly different conclusions, akin to the distinction between Atlas Shrugged and BioShock. Considering these high stakes, it is logical for Starward Industries to seek a fresh perspective for this new medium.

Timeless Themes

Despite transitioning to a new medium, Ostrycharz contends that Lem's work and the messages conveyed in The Invincible remain eternally relevant. Both the novel and the game extensively touch upon themes of anti-imperialism, anti-colonialism, the boundaries of human comprehension, and the significance of preserving nature, even when it is unfamiliar and inscrutable. While Regis III may be an extraterrestrial planet, it could just as easily represent an Earthly jungle inhabited by an enigmatic species, into which we venture with our armored vehicles, devoid of any semblance of humility.

Ostrycharz's powerful analogy puts the universal appeal of The Invincible into perspective. While BioShock and similar narrative-driven science fiction games depict tales of violent horror, The Invincible seems to explore a more intellectual and restrained form of terror. Additionally, Ostrycharz highlights the significance of the game's tagline, "Not everything everywhere is for us," as a tribute to Lem and his work, provoking thought and reflection.

The Invincible

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"The Invincible" is an immersive adventure game based on the captivating sci-fi stories by Stanislaw Lem. As Yasna, players will embark on a thrilling journey to Regis III, utilizing various tools to unravel the mystery of her lost crew while encountering unexpected dangers.

Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S

Release Date: November 6, 2023

Developer: Starward Industries

Publisher: 11 Bit Studios

Editor's P/S

As a fan of Stanisław Lem's novel, "The Invincible", I have mixed feelings about Starward Industries' decision to introduce a new cast and point-of-view character, Yasna, for their upcoming game adaptation. On the one hand, I understand the team's desire to create a fresh and inclusive experience for both longtime fans of Lem and newcomers to his work. By introducing a new protagonist, they can offer a unique perspective on the story and avoid the potential pitfalls of adapting a beloved character like Rohan.

On the other hand, I am concerned about how this change will affect the game's faithfulness to the source material. Rohan is a complex and well-developed character in the novel, and I am not sure how the game will be able to capture his essence without him being the playable character. I am also worried that the introduction of a new character will dilute the impact of the story's themes and messages.

Ultimately, I will have to wait and see how Starward Industries handles these changes in their game. I am hopeful that they will be able to create a compelling and thought-provoking experience that stays true to the spirit of Lem's novel, while also offering something new and exciting for fans and newcomers alike.