The Invincible: A Gripping Review of Survival on a Treacherous Alien Planet

Discover the Return of the First-Person Exploration Game Genre with The Invincible

Remember the heyday of first-person exploration games like Gone Home, Firewatch, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture? Well, after a period of relative quiet, the genre is making a triumphant comeback with The Invincible. This game takes you on a quietly haunting journey to an alien planet, delivering a captivating experience that will keep you enthralled from start to finish.

Developed by Starward Industries and based on the novel by Polish author Stanisław Lem, The Invincible puts you in the role of Yasna, an astrobiologist on a research mission to the enigmatic world of Regis III. As the game begins, Yasna finds herself separated from her crew, sparking a desperate rescue mission. With her commanding officer providing guidance through her earpiece, Yasna embarks on a quest to reunite with her team amidst the desolate landscapes of the planet.

Prepare to uncover the mysteries of Regis III, as you traverse its initially lifeless surface to eventually discover its vibrant underwater ecosystems. The absence of life on land and the sprawling metallic structures hidden beneath the planet’s surface form a captivating backdrop for Yasna’s journey. Through her exploration, you’ll gradually piece together a story filled with intrigue and unexpected revelations, all while utilizing tools like scanners and X-ray cameras to interact with the environment in new and exciting ways.

As you delve deeper into the game, the gameplay evolves alongside the narrative. Starting with simple exploration, you’ll gradually gain access to new tools, such as a scanner and an X-ray camera, expanding your abilities to uncover the planet’s secrets. The Invincible strikes a perfect balance between storytelling and gameplay, transitioning from a rescue mission to a tale of discovery and even incorporating moments of action without feeling out of place.

Immerse yourself in The Invincible’s retrofuturistic style, with its tactile interface reminiscent of classic sci-fi aesthetics. The game captures the essence of exploring a spaceship in Alien: Isolation or admiring the gadgets in Loki. Every detail, from physical knobs and dials to the use of actual tape recordings, adds to the immersive experience, transporting you to a world where technology and mystery collide.

The Invincible provides a satisfying gameplay duration, allowing for detours and choices while maintaining a steady pace. With approximately six hours of gameplay, the game ensures you experience the full narrative without overstaying its welcome. Don’t miss the chance to embark on this gripping interstellar adventure.

The Invincible launches on November 6th on the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.