Invincible VS - Before You Buy

Invincible Versus is a new fighting game that blends superhero action, Dragon Ball Z, and ultraviolence, positioning itself as a middle ground between Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and Mortal Kombat. Developed by Quarter Up, an internal studio for Skybound Entertainment, it's a 3-on-3 superhero battle game aiming for a more casual-friendly experience. Despite being a new studio's first foray into fighting games, Quarter Up has brought in core members from Double Helix, known for the Killer Instinct reboot. The game, in its initial "season zero" release, unfortunately suffers from some barebones features and mechanical issues, reminiscent of Killer Instinct's launch. However, it boasts a solid core, suggesting potential for future expansion and polish. The fighting mechanics are enjoyable, and the goal of creating a newbie-friendly fighter is largely successful. Visually, the game captures the clean designs of the Invincible comics and show, with impressive level five supers and destructible environments. The UI and menu design are clean and easy to navigate, and charming cartoon character versions appear on loading screens, fitting the series' shifting tone between comedy and violence. Invincible Versus is notably violent, featuring copious blood and gruesome kills in arcade and versus modes, though these can be toggled off for monetization purposes. Mechanically, it's less complex in inputs but still offers depth. A standardized special button requiring a single direction makes it more accessible, akin to Smash Bros., but experienced players can still leverage their skills. The online mode, the "meat" of modern fighting games, works well, offering standard 3v3 matches with minimal hitching and quick matchmaking, though it lacks extensive options. The story mode, while well-done with animated cutscenes and voice acting (including JK Simmons as Omniman, though Steven Yeun is absent), is very short, lasting only about an hour. This brevity, along with a barebones arcade mode and limited features like the absence of a survival mode, makes the $50 price tag feel steep. The initial roster of 18 characters, while decent, could be larger, especially when compared to similar 3v3 fighters like Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Some characters, particularly the four Viltrammites and "not Invincibles" like Bulletproof and Powerplex, feel a bit repetitive. However, unique additions like Battle Beast and the new character Elemental are highlights. Hints of planned DLC characters, including fan favorites, exist within the game's files. The game feels like a starting platform, similar to Killer Instinct's early days, intended for significant future expansion. Current DLC prices, such as $10 for a costume, are considered absurd. There's hope for free updates, more modes, and completion of the tutorial section, which abruptly ends at "intermediate." The story mode's cliffhanger and a mid-campaign TV show title card suggest it might be expanded piecemeal. Despite some gripes, the combat system feels good, with slightly stiff controls that appeal to Mortal Kombat fans. Partner swapping during combos is simple to understand but challenging to master. The 3-on-3 combat encourages "full combo degeneracy," meaning new players can be quickly overwhelmed. Mastering combo breakers and counter-swapping is essential. There's depth, but also some awkwardness in hitboxes and attack priorities. The "sudden death" mechanic, which forces a 1v1 after a timeout, is divisive, as it can negate a health advantage. Ultimately, Invincible Versus is a fun game with solid mechanics, but its light content package at $50 makes it a hard recommendation unless you're a superfan, interested in online play, or understand that you're investing in a game intended for future development. The current influx of new players makes online play more even for now. While not as polished as established titles, it's a respectable attempt from an untested studio. A lower launch price of $35 might have been more appropriate, with gradual price increases as content is added.