In the world of fighting games, it seems we're witnessing a new trend emerge - the rise of tag fighters. With titles like 2XKO and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls on the horizon, the scene is set for some intense 2v2 and 4v4 battles. And now, we have Invincible VS, a game that brings a unique 3v3 structure to the table. Developed by the talented team at Quarter Up, many of whom worked on the acclaimed Killer Instinct reboot, Invincible VS promises a fast-paced, mechanically-driven experience that builds upon the legacy of its predecessor.
The game's fighting system is a standout feature, offering a fresh take on combo mechanics. Like Killer Instinct, Invincible VS turns combos into a strategic mind game. Attackers must carefully build their combos while managing a meter, ensuring it doesn't fill up and cause the combo to drop. Defenders, on the other hand, must watch this meter closely, ready to execute a Counter Tag if the attacker tries to tag in a teammate. This dynamic creates an intense back-and-forth, where every move is a calculated risk.
One of the most intriguing aspects is the Counter Tag minigame. It adds a layer of psychological warfare, where attackers can feint tags to catch their opponents off guard, while defenders must read the situation and time their Counter Tags perfectly. When both players are aware of this mechanic, the matches become truly captivating. However, the Assist Breaker mechanic, which allows players to break combos at the cost of significant resources, feels unbalanced and can lead to frustratingly prolonged matches, especially when faced against unaware opponents.
The movement and animations in Invincible VS might take some getting used to, especially for fans of smoother games like Guilty Gear Strive or Street Fighter 6. However, the game excels in capturing the essence of its characters from the TV show. Each fighter feels distinct, from the lightning-fast Cecil with his teleportation abilities and zombie cyborgs, to the hard-hitting Monster Girl and Titan with their armored moves. It's a diverse roster that offers a range of playstyles to explore.
For fans of the Invincible series, the game's story mode is a treat. Co-written by Quarter Up's narrative director and a writer from the Amazon Prime show, it feels like an authentic filler episode. The story begins with a mysterious scene, leaving players to piece together the clues as Mark tries to make sense of it all. While short, the campaign is well-paced and the fights are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, never feeling forced or out of place. The voice cast, including many from the show, delivers excellent performances, adding to the overall immersion.
However, the story mode's biggest flaw is its cliffhanger ending, leaving players with a sense of dissatisfaction and a desire for more. Hopefully, a DLC continuation is in the works to provide a proper conclusion. The rest of the game's modes, such as arcade and training, meet the expectations of a modern fighting game, but lack the depth and innovation seen in other areas. The rollback netcode, however, is impeccable, ensuring smooth online matches.
In conclusion, Invincible VS is a solid entry into the tag fighter genre, offering a unique and interactive combo system that rewards strategic thinking. While the game has its flaws, such as the unbalanced Assist Breaker mechanic and the lack of depth in certain modes, it shines in its ability to capture the essence of the Invincible universe and deliver an authentic and engaging experience. Personally, I believe the game's true potential lies in its ability to create exciting mind games and outsmarting opponents, making it a must-play for fans of strategic fighting games.
