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Honestly a good non-ironic walking sim so far - maybe the best I've played since Firewatch. My only criticism is the dialogue pacing. Sometimes you need to stand around while dialogue finishes before proceeding, other times you cut dialogue off short by proceeding too quickly. One of these options seemingly occurs more frequently than the game actually providing you with a pathway to traverse while you listen, and said pathway being sufficient to encapsulate the entire dialogue. It's paramount, imo, that walking sims nail dialogue pacing. Either I grow impatient being told I can't climb a ladder (for example) until a conversation has completed, or I'm annoyed I've missed the end of a conversation because I arrived somewhere too quickly (and a new conversation has taken priority).
Game looks beautiful and the story seems like it will turn out interesting, but unfortunately this is a walking simulator where the "walking" part is clunky and annoying. The pacing is all over the place, invisible walls exist on 5cm high rocks, and you constantly get interrupted by rather lengthy climb/descend animations.
I'm a big fan of the original novel, and it was a great joy for me to find out that the book was being made into a game. The guys from "Starward Industries" did a wonderful job of playing with the plot of the novel, thereby telling the same thing, roughly speaking, but from a different perspective. The beginning of the book doesn't match the ending of the game, but it was nice to hear Rohan's voice . 10/10, I'm delighted and looking forward to the VR version.
TLDR: IT'S LIKE THE MARTIAN AND FIREWATCH HAD A BABY. WHAT AN ADVENTURE. PROS: ✅Beautiful visually ✅Interesting game world ✅Interesting narrative CONS: ➖Some notable pop-in ➖Can get boring at times CONTENT (GAME WORLD/NARRATIVE/LENGTH) – <9/10> Game World: The Invincible takes place on an alien world. The land you explore is mostly a desert-type planet, kinda like Mars but with some more interesting features like water. I don’t believe the year is officially stated in Invincible, but it's far enough into the future to where humans have space travel. I love the art/aesthetics too because despite humanity’s advanced technology, it seems like the world still has this retro 50’s-60’s vibe when it comes to colors and computer screens. Overall, I loved the exploring the environments here. Even if the game is largely linear, I still enjoyed being enthralled in this universe. Narrative: So good. Invincible really nails the feeling of hooking you in with the narrative. Where am I? What went on here? Why is it like this? Like reading a book in video game form, it's just too good to put down. It's best if you go in blind, so… the reveal of the fly enemy was kind of bad, especially the crazy plot armor the main character had - everyone was dying or becoming zombies around her, except for her. just know that the game does have some weak plot points, but overall is a great journey. Length: Pretty short, I beat the entire game in a single sitting at 7 hours. GAMEPLAY (CONTROLS/MECHANICS/DIFFICULTY) – <7/10> Controls: I played on KBM and found the controls good and simple. Mechanics: Invincible is strongly related to other walking games like What Remains of Edith Finch and especially Firewatch, even borrowing a couple elements from the latter. You’ll spend the vast majority of the time walking and listening to the characters speak. You can interact with many things in the environment like cameras that contain slides which give you further direction and assist in solving questions. Throughout your playthrough, you have access to a handheld radar, binoculars, and a metal detector. Each of these have their purpose in not only navigating the planet's terrain, but also advancing the plot through direct interaction with these tools. Despite these three items, they make up the bulk of about 20-30% of usage over your playtime. As mentioned above, the majority of the game is spent walking and interacting with items. I do love the science aspect of the items too, you have what could be realistic space-travel objects that you must use. They appear logically functional and relevant to the period of the 50’s/60’s. Overall, while there are not many different mechanics, each of the mechanics you do interact with feels purposeful, important, and most significant, fun. Difficulty: No difficulty here. This is largely a walking simulator. I don’t know if it's even possible to die. GRAPHICS (QUALITY/UI/PERFORMANCE) – <9/10> Quality: Very good, very realistic. I loved the aesthetic of the 50’s/60’s baked into the technology. From a visual perspective on the planet, it's beautiful. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3244849337 https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3244849305 https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3244849256 There is a huge amount of graphical options, including the most important to me - borderless window, FOV over 90, and DLSS. UI: Very good and minimalistic. All of your UI elements are housed on tangible items like a hand scanner or metal detector. Performance: Relatively stable 60FPS on my desktop PC with some noticeable dips at times. i9-13900KF | RTX 4090 | 64GB RAM | 1440p @ 240hz | installed on SSD AUDIO (SOUND EFFECTS/MUSIC) – <9/10> Sound Effects: The sound is awesome. Aside from the constant stellar voice acting accompanying you throughout the entire game, you have the smaller things, like footsteps, heavy breathing inside your astronaut helmet, and environmental sounds. This is well done and adds to the immersion of the game. Music: Minimal, purposeful, and relevant. The music provides a perfect background to the adventure - you notice during times of no voice acting how slight and beautiful it is. Almost reminds me of Mass Effect, but more in the background. There are other times when the music literally stops as you’re doing something specific, and it's very noticeable. Almost creepy. Very well done. REPLAY FACTOR (LONGEVITY) – <4/10> Not the best, there are achievements, and a few different decisions you can make which may affect the outcome of the game. After beating the game you can choose to start from a specific chapter which will make going for those late-game deviations much easier to handle rather than starting from the beginning. FINAL VERDICT – <9/10> I’m a big science nerd, so when I saw this game was basically like Firewatch/What Remains of Edith Finch but with a heavy dose of intergalactic science, I was super interested. Invincible did not disappoint. Like a good book, After the first 20 minutes, I was invested and didn’t let go until I finished. An awesome adventure. It's rare that I have a game where I wish I could wipe my memory and play it again from the start, Invincible checks this box. RECOMMEND? YES Highly recommend You can find my curator page here: https://steamcommunity.com/groups/SynikGR
I bought the game for around 22 bucks (33% discount). In my opinion, this price is totally justified for 7 hours of fun. The game offers an interesting story and a cool retro scenario.
Beautiful and scientific
The Invincible is an excellent narrative driven, walking simulator, choice making, philosophical sci-fi game. And if that's a lot to say quickly, then tough. It's a great sci-fi game! I loved the world they built. Admittedly I've never heard of Stanislaw Lem, but if this is the sci-fi world he created, then it's amazing. Can't really say much because I don't want to spoil anything, but the voice acting and writing I found to be great - easy to follow and get along with and you can get a feel for the characters in the game and the world they inhabit. As for the game itself, the graphics are great, but could do with a little tweaking here and there. They were pushing my system a bit hard at times - especially the larger open areas. And one question I have for the developers is that, seeing as there's a comic book theme to the game (you'll know what I mean when you play it), why didn't they make this game cell-shaded? I feel it would have worked really well for this game! My only negatives to this game is that the walking can feel a little slow and clunky at times, especially when climbing over objects and the subtitles don't exactly match up with the dialog. But that's nitpicking. All in all, I give this game an... antimatter ray to the face, out of 10.
Not Everything Everywhere Is For Us, but this game is definitely for me 😍
The Invincible is a game that diverges from conventional expectations of action, horror, or sheer fun. Instead, it thrives on a unique atmosphere that captivates players and offers a contemplative experience. The game's beauty lies in its immersive environment, drawing players into a world that resonates with subtlety and depth. The views on Regis III are nothing short of stunning. The intricate details create a mesmerizing backdrop, engaging players with its carefully crafted design. However, it's worth noting that some tunnels within the game may become monotonous over time, diminishing the overall visual excitement. While I didn't delve into the source material, the game subtly alludes to themes reminiscent of "Land of Crimson Clouds," adding a layer of intrigue for those familiar with the literary work. There's also a curious existential quality that echoes the sentiments of Camus, enhancing the narrative with a touch of philosophical resonance. In essence, this game isn't about heart-pounding action or spine-chilling horror; it's a contemplative journey where the atmosphere takes center stage. If you're seeking a game that challenges your perception and invites introspection, Invincible offers a unique and visually enchanting experience.
This was quite an excruciating experience, and as a person that enjoys "walking sims", this game was not at all engaging to me whatsoever. The world is beautifully crafted, yet exploration is so limited and dated, making it a chore to traverse. - It's not as engaging to explore like Death Stranding - It's controls are not as tight and robust like Journey - It lacks any form of atmosphere or mood like Gone Home - It lacks any form of intensity or flow like Observer It lacks completely on agency and interactivity and the only decent thing is the story, which I can already experience from the novel. Rating: <3/10>
it gets a thumbs up because I have much respect for these courageous attempts. It's beautiful, great voice actors. I got goosebumps in the appropriate plot points. High brow sci-fi territory here, regardless of what its based on. It just wasn't fun I'm afraid. It consists of trying to find the next spot where the plot wants you, Invisowalls up the wazoo. No puzzles (maybe one?) but I just got stuck in places simply because I didn't know where the map wanted me next. So...it wasn't fun per se, but I am 100% behind the idea of using my favorite science fiction books as themes for video games! My dream would be 'The White Mountains' tripod simulator, or 'The Earth Abides' colony survival game.
I loved Fire Watch, and this should be similar, but sadly it's not. It looks great, but the speed of movement is like treacle, and the limitations on where you can go is frustrating. Invisible walls everywhere - you can only go where the cursor shows you, and even then only when it lets you within the story. Cut scenes are very long. If you liked Fire Watch and want something similar, go and play Fire Watch again, this isn't it.
I don't know where to start with this game. The breathtaking visuals, amazing plot, and relaxing soundtrack truly make it stand out. Let's start with the visuals: every aspect of this game is picture-worthy! The landscape is so captivating that I find myself exploring every nook and cranny of the map. The story is just as intriguing as the visuals, constantly leaving little breadcrumbs for you to pick up on. You can feel the developers' love for this game in every step you take. The game involves making many decisions, so the story can differ from person to person depending on how you react in certain situations. And of course, I couldn't end this review without mentioning the soundtrack. I love it, and it truly complements the game's vibe. I highly recommend buying this game!
its like a old sci-fi great music and drags you in.
Honestly a promising game in terms of storytelling, but not worth it at all. The game perfectly captures the eeriness of exploring an unknown planet. The scenery is vast, empty and eerie. As you progress through the game, you learn more and more about the planet, possible life on the planet, and what happened to the people that were here. This is done quite nicely. The downside is that 99% of the gameplay is a very poorly made walking simulator. It is hard to know which direction to go, input is clunky and you often don't know what to do or which button to press. It can also be very slow. I have had quite a few moments where i wanted to just keep walking and characters in the game are encouraging me to do so, but i just have to wait or continue a (at times pointless and whiny) dialogue. By far the most interesting and well done part of the game is the story. I personally find extraterrestrial life and the limits of life (can machines be alive?) a very interesting topic within sci-fi, and this game tells a very nice story within that theme. Unfortunately, I found some of the hints to be much more obvious than the in-game characters. I was often a few steps ahead in understanding the mysteries that are central in the game. Some of the things I've noticed, have never been mentioned in game at all, which is pretty disappointing. Perhaps some of my questions would be answered if I replayed the game and made different choices. I'm not sure, but it did seem like at some points in the story you can make decisions that affect the rest of the game. However, since most of the gameplay is a very boring and frustrating walking simulator, I'm not going to do a second playthrough. I have played about 6 hours and it felt like 60 hours. I really want to like this game, but I honestly can't. I should also mention there are many fps drops and stutters, but those didn't bother me too much. Storytelling: 7/10 Nice story, but slow at times Gameplay 1/10 Shitty walking sim, clunky Artwork: 6.5/10 Nicely captured the eeriness of a (mostly) empty planet, other artworks were fine too, but not very special Price: 1/10 Even on sale I paid over 20 euros for 6 hours of gameplay Overall: 3/10 The story is nice and that's about it. I haven't read the book, but it's probably better than playing this game if you are interested in the story.
One of my favourite games ever for sure. This has got to be one of the most gorgeous games I have ever played, the views of the planet, the colours, and the music are so well done. I'm a big scifi nerd, so this game ticked all the boxes for me. I really appreciated the thriller twist. No jump scares, just enough existential dread to make you really appreciate the atmosphere of the game. And oh man, did this game have an atmosphere. I can't wait to read the book and learn more about this planet and what happens next! Cons: If you want to 100% the game, you will do a lot of reloading your saves. Unfortunately, this game has checkpoints rather than typical saving, so you will do a lot of redoing conversations/ walking again. Fortunately, there are plenty of steam guides to help you out!
This is basically Firewatch in space. It's a slow paced walking simulator with lots of dialogue, the occasional clunky driving section, and one rather underwhelming action set piece. Which doesn't exactly sound like praise, but if you're one of those who like New Wave science fiction and games like Firewatch and What Remains of Edith Finch you'll probably love this – especially if you've read the original novel. Voice acting and visuals are both stellar, as is the soundtrack. It's not the most technically impressive game, but aesthetically this knocks it out of the part with beautiful vistas and lovely atom punk technology. There are some minor issues, like a terrible map and rather clunky controls, but since the game is so slow paced these issues don't detract much from the experience.
What a journey. Its not for everyone, yes. You have to enjoy slow burning stories / games. But man, for me, it was a great game and great use of the source material. I love its philosophic questions it ask. Its true. Not everything everywhere is for us. In terms of how far in technology we can go, what we do in terms of progress and glory. Thank you for this game.
Really slow walking simulator. Not engaging and less exciting than reading an actual book.
IT'S QUITE GOOD BUT NOT BRILLIANT. MASSIVE STYLE AND VISUAL POINTS. IT ABSOLUTELY NAILS THE 50'S SCIFI MOVIE LOOK! IT'S WORTH PLAYING FOR THAT ALONE. THE STORY IS ALSO GOOD, BUT IT LACKS A BIT THE STYLE, HUMOR AND IRONIC DISTANCE OF A REAL LEM STORY. Everything is just a bit too serious and sometimes tryhard philosophical. Story and world are relatively linear. Some choices on the way, most at the end, but for me not enough story and world variety to play it again for another ending. Graphics while generally very good, has some irritating object and terrain popup issues. They added much demanded options, like more fov, third person rover camera and sprinting. Which is nice to see. Of course it remains a narrative walking(driving) simulator (thankfully no pointless QTE crap). It fakes a single checkpoint save system, but it keeps all savegames!) it just hides them... stupid! ( %LOCALAPPDATA% \TheInvincible\Saved\SaveGames -rename an old one and load ingame.) The lack of manual saving can be annoying if you have like me a stuck UI bug after 20 minutes of (final) dialogue... ad the last checkpoint is that old.
This is a compact, deeply engrossing sci-fi experience and I fully recommend it to anyone who enjoys games that lean more towards mystery and narrative than action. Also the visual spectacle on offer here is truly top tier.
👍
A dreary and tedious walking sim. However, I struggle to think of a better medium to convey the intended experience of traversing an alien planet. We're not a Doom Slayer, the very act of getting around *is* a core challenge, boring as it may seem. But that's just the shape of the product. Once you get through it to the essence within, it is delightful and refresing. A strong straightforward sci-fi novel about smart competent people dealing with unexpected problems. A flawless adaptation of a true classic. Add to that some breath-catching landscapes, awesome industrial design, passable controls, lack of annoying puzzles, and we get a genuine gem that really shouldn't be missed by anyone who's at least marginally interested in space exploration.
It was fun, but waaaay too short
So far it's been a quite frustrating experience. It's very unstable, really stuttering, can't figure out why since graphics performance seems good in general, even on a fairly powerful PC. I've been stuck several times, had a Unreal engine crash and I've only played a couple of hours. Such a shame as it seems like there a good game behind all the technical problems. It would require a lot more polish and bug-fixing for me to actually recommend playing.
The Invincible is an amazing game on a number of levels... Beautiful art, moving sound track, perfect voice acting, and an interesting story. However, I did not find it enjoyable to play. It falls somewhere between an interactive movie and a visual novel, pulling and pushing the player through a scripted path with predefined actions. Although the world feels 'open,' it is not. I admit I have not read the book so I did not have any point of reference when I started. I found the controls to be difficult to adapt to. Space bar for conversation, mouse wheel for dialog options. There are long segments of driving a rover which were hard for me... small windshield and (what felt like) clunky steering. I ended up restarting from a checkpoint more than a few times just to find a familiar point of reference. I am used to having more freedom in my games and I felt like I trudged through this one. Lots of dialog that cannot be skipped and must be listened to in entirety before environmental objects become active. Climbing paths that activated only from a specific spot on the ground. The only times I could 'go my own way' was driving the rover and the game did allow me to become hopelessly lost in labyrinths of tunnels and paths. Achievement hunters will have a dilemma on this adventure. There is a decision point in the middle of the game that prevents 100%, no matter which way you turn. Since the game has only one save slot, returning to this point requires manually copying save files out for later use. After 16 hours in the game, I could go back to this junction and turn left for the remaining achievement. However, I don't have the interest needed to play through to the end, yet again. The game does let you experience most of the multiple endings from the last automatic save point. But, even with this benefit, looping through 3 or 4 endings took hours. Other achievements are tied to specific dialog responses and are the result of actions accumulated over long stretches of the game. You won't know if you've missed the mark until it is far too late to turn back. Achievements aside, I recommend the game to those who enjoy a highly scripted game experience. I give the developers a lot of credit for a job beautifully done. The issue I have with The Invincible is tied to my own expectations and not to any flaw in the game itself.
"This is what V2 was for."(c)
Absolutely gorgeous game, it's a walking simulator of course but that's my jam. Whatever complaints I have are very few, the screenshots from this experience will be timelessly great backgrounds. Voice acting was great too, loved the characters. 10/10. If you like Sci-Fi or really just casual story focused games, I can't suggest this one enough.
It is a cool exploration game. Maybe not as grim as I anticipated. Gameplay is ok, graphics are great and the story is where it shines.
In the realm of gaming, where a myriad of worlds await exploration, The Invincible stands out as a beacon of masterful world-building and storytelling, harmoniously bound by an exceptional musical score. This title not only captivates but also immerses players in a universe so meticulously crafted that it feels almost tangible. Pros: * Exceptional World Building: The Invincible transports players into a richly detailed universe, exuding a sense of depth and realism that is rarely achieved. The environments are not just backdrops but are characters in themselves, each telling a story and adding layers to the overall narrative. * Engrossing Storyline: The narrative is a tapestry of intrigue and complexity. It weaves together themes of adventure, mystery, and human resilience in a way that is both compelling and emotionally resonant. The storytelling is not just about the destination but the journey, with each twist and turn drawing the player deeper into its lore. * Harmonious Musical Score: Perhaps the most binding element of this game is its music. The score is not just an accompaniment but a vital component that enhances every aspect of the game. It elevates the emotional depth of the story, complements the richness of the world, and provides an immersive auditory experience that is both haunting and beautiful. Cons: * Technical Limitations: While it excels in many areas, it is not without its technical hitches. Some players might experience occasional frame rate drops or minor glitches, which, while not game-breaking, can momentarily pull you out of the experience. * Pacing Issues: At certain points, the game's pacing can feel uneven. Some segments of the story may seem drawn out, potentially leading to moments where the engagement dips slightly, particularly for players who favor more action-oriented gameplay. The Invincible is a remarkable feat in gaming, offering an experience that is as enriching as it is entertaining. Its strengths far outweigh its minor flaws, making it a must-play for those who appreciate a game that not only challenges but also tells a story worth remembering.
Amazing story, great visuals. Play it though only if like walking sims, as this game is 98% walking and talking. If you liked Firewatch, you will love this!
Жду Солярис...
I did not expect to enjoy a walking simulator, but I don't hate on movies for being non-interactive, so it made sense to me to evaluate this product for what it was trying to do rather than what it is not. The voice acting was incredibly high-quality. The core premise was interesting, engaging, well-paced, and well-presented. I LOVED the "bridge" set at the end, which felt like a perfect hard sci-fi adaptation of an Apollo ground control room to a starship (with a minor chair deficit). In fact, all of the retro futurist content was charming and somehow believable. If you hate walking simulators, you won't like this, true. But if you sometimes enjoy books or movies, there may be a mode of enjoyment here that works for you. I would have no problem recommending other folks to try it.
I really liked Firewatch and many compared this game to that, so I went for it. While the game is mechanically very similar, i.e. it's purely a narrative experience, the story itself didn't grab me as much. The first act was very promising, it gave me those "The Dig" vibes that I was really looking for. The second act is just "meh". The final act, though, is somewhat underwhelming and I was left quite uninspired. I don't think I will ever do another run to get a different ending. Overall it's just okay, Firewatch is another level.
I wanted to give a thumbs up for this game, but in the end decided it just didn’t do it for me. I found the story just wandered (no pun intended) from one chapter to the next and wasn’t particularly interesting. There is no game play as such, you just walk or drive to the next story location where you are simply told what to do. Firewatch it ain’t!
My favorite genre of games is Narrative, I really like thinking about the story after finish them, The Invincible is one of these, I really recommend this game if you like games that have a good and intrigue story with a lot of mysteries, you will see great environments and scenarios that deserve a photo I will buy the book The Invincible to read right now.
Not without flaws, but overall a good story and visuals.
Good game, mostly a walking sim tho, but that is built upon. The walking sim bits really immerse you as you get to know and care about Yasna as she hums and sings exploring Regis 3. It is a story you get to piece together yourself, as you have memory loss at the start as the main character. Finding your crew being your first lonely task you will start. Eventually you get a rover and exploring is fun again because it had gotten a bit bleak. Then the story takes a hold of you and you get choices, choices you didn't realize. Usually I like the appeal of these to tell a story on instinct, meaning I probably won't replay it, but my experience felt unique nevertheless. I grew to love a probe, and a friendly voice always talking to me from orbit. Trying to do the right thing I think paid off in the end, and that to me is a great story game.
Takes a little longer than a Lem book. Gets philosophical and can drag -- just like a Lem book. It has all the retro feel, multidisciplinary dive, proposals for research and inventions (particularly the book crystals hah), frustrated hypotheses, and obsession with machines and mortality. Loved it all. Great way to celebrate Polish Constitution Day.
The Invincible is a wonderfully imaginative sci-fi story, set on a mysterious, seemingly dead planet, committing to commentary on both what it means to explore parts unknown, as well as what it means to be Human. ===== PROS: + Atmosphere: The game has a very 'Firewatch' feel about it, lending to the narrative push, and the reason why, on first play-through, i completed the game in a single run. I just couldn't get enough. + Story: Wonderfully crafted, with multiple endings, this game has a lot of replay value. Each time you play, make different decisions, and choices, the story will shift, giving you more to discover, in a new way. + Sound design: From the sound of walking through a cave, to stepping around on sand, or through a ship, the sound design, and score choices for the game lend into the atmosphere, and are perfectly choice for the narrative direction and ambiance the developer was going for. + Characters: You learn to love Yasna, and (depending on how you play), have varied feelings about the Astrogator... their dynamic is as dependent or combative as you'd like it to be, lending to a complicated dynamic. The voice acting is well done, well-suited, and believably portrayed. + Visual styling overall: Beautiful with wonderful retro inspirations, and design, that is oozing 'style'. From the look of the planet, the night (or day) sky, the foreground and background, and the planetary systems shifting around Regis III, you will love it all. Interior designs as well? Talk about visually impressive! Lots of care and attention went into this one, so its highly worth checking out for that alone. + Comic Book: When you finish your play through, the game provides you with a 'comic book' , of step-by-step playback of what you did in the story. Its visually pleasing, lovingly crafted, and happily included as a bonus to go back and 're-live' your choices. A truly classy touch, imo. ----- CONS: - Some predictability in plot-points: Few and far between, but The Invincible does subvert expectations more than not. However, some portions of the story have been overdone before (I can't say which without spoilers), and they don't really add to the story, but rather feel like an unnecessary inclusion. - Crewmates: You don't really get enough time with them to make their 'fates' matter much to you. A little more time at the beginning building rapport would have been appreciated, so that their fates and outcomes would feel more important. - 'That one ship' at the end: You know the one. You fly in it for a short time, and its jarringly nicer looking and unlike anything else in the story. Its a little out of place, imo, and far too fancy for being randomly on a planet, next to a bunch of 'equipment', in the sand, looking A+++ ----- Do I recommend? 100%! Yes. No other words. If its on sale, buy it. If its not, you won't be disappointed. If you love space, retro-vibes, and art design, with stories that play like Firewatch, you'll love this! Now its time for me to go to bed as i've been up far too long - i'm not invincible ;)