Invincible VSis bringing the franchise to the world of gaming at last, but its direction has turned some heads. Some fans are surprised byInvincible VS’sreveal as a fighting game, but there are more than a few good reasons for the title’s genre choice.
The upcomingInvincible VSis, from the outset, doing justice to what many fans want from anInvinciblegame: the title will be a big AAA showing with all the violence the franchise is known for, topped off with the animated series' stellar voice cast. However, despite a strong precedent for superhero fighting games, fans have some concerns about this direction, with many favoring a more open-world superhero fantasy. Game Rant caught up with series creator Robert Kirkman, who spoke about the subject and explained why the team went all-in on fighting games.
Robert Kirkman On Why Invincible VS Is A Fighting Game
Perspectives From Fans
The conversation aroundthe need for anInvinciblegamehas been a hot topic for many reasons, some of which are estranged from the franchise itself. Naturally, many fans want to play through the iconic battles depicted in the show and comic, though many would also enjoy a new story that allows them to take on these beloved characters. However, part of the demand also comes from external factors—such as the lack of a Superman game in the vein of Insomniac’sSpider-Manor Rocksteady’s Arkhamverse. AnInvinciblegame would scratch a similar itch, given the degree to which Mark Grayson’s powerset aligns with the Man of Steel.
AnInvinciblefighting game, from the outset, takes a few risks when it comes to adequately meeting expectations. Not only does the format limit the ability of players to explore the series' iconic locations on their own terms, but it’s well-trodden ground in the realm of superheroes; from theMarvel vs Capcomseries to theInjusticegames, superhero fighters have become a little oversaturated (though, given how much fans are waiting for anInjustice 3, there’s definitely a market.
Invincible VS Is Rooted In Robert Kirkman’s Gaming Passions
Quarter Up’sInvincible Vshas many fans behind it, with a AAA flair that’s not going unnoticed, but the aforementioned hang-ups are still a factor. Superhero fighting games are thoroughly covered ground, and could limit how the universe is explored (particularly with the need for character balancing and moveset normalization). However, Kirkman takes a different stance on the matter, arguing instead that fighting games are “a really great showcase for a large number of characters. When you have an open world game, you’re kind of playing just one character. You may encounter other characters, but you’re able to only play one. When it comes to showcasing theInvincibleuniverse and showcasing all the different characters that encompass it, fighting games are ideal for that.”
Furthermore, when it comes to theroster ofInvincible VSand the issue of making characters distinct, Kirkman added, “Everybody in the game is going to have unique moves, from their fighting sets down to their movement.” This will definitely be a comfort to some of the fans concerned about characters lacking individuality, but Kirkman went further—discussing his personal affection for the fighting game genre:
“But seriously, I love fighting games; I was at the arcade playing the firstMortal Kombat, I was at the arcade playingStreet Fighter 2, and I was there in the 90s, you know, getting the Super Nintendo or the Genesis where you actually got theMortal Kombatblood. I playedPrimal Rage, I playedTime Killers—I was there at the birth of fighting games. AndTekken! I used to love playingTekken, and all the different versions ofSoulcaliburtoo. I just think they’re great, and I think that they’re a really great showcase for a large number of characters.”
