Get ready for a thrilling ride as we dive into the mysterious story mode of Invincible VS and uncover the secrets behind its development!
The Unlikely Hero: Cecil's Journey to the Roster
In a surprising twist, Invincible VS has unveiled its eighth playable character: Cecil, the no-nonsense director of the Global Defense Agency. With no superpowers to speak of, Cecil's inclusion raises eyebrows. But Robert Kirkman, the creator of Invincible, had a vision and left the challenge of making Cecil work in the game to the talented developers at Quarter Up.
Unleashing Cecil's Arsenal
The developers' solution? Lean into Cecil's cool gadgets! In the 3v3 tag fighting game, Cecil's gadgets level the playing field, offering a unique twist to the gameplay. But there's more to Cecil than meets the eye. He plays a crucial role in Invincible VS' sizeable Story Mode, described by Kirkman and the team as a "playable episode."
In this exclusive interview with IGN, Robert Kirkman, executive producer Mike Willette, art director Dan Eder, and narrative director Mike Rogers, lift the veil on Story Mode and reveal how Cecil operates within the game's mechanics.
IGN: Unlocking Cecil's Potential
IGN delves into the challenges of bringing Cecil to life in a fighting game. Mike Rogers explains Cecil's role as a trained agent, always in control, with access to top-tier government tech and resources. Mike Willette adds that Cecil's gameplay revolves around manipulating space, utilizing projectiles like his Sonic Mine to create hazards and roadblocks, frustrating opponents and setting up combos.
The Zoners' Dilemma
IGN probes further, asking if Cecil is a zoner. Mike Willette confirms, explaining Cecil's combo structure and boosted moves that cause pop-ups or hard knockdowns. Cecil's ability to manipulate the screen and create roadblocks makes him a unique and versatile character.
Robert Kirkman's Vision
Robert Kirkman shares his excitement about Cecil's presence, praising the developers for their versatility in bringing unexpected characters to life. He highlights the attention to detail, with Cecil's visual cues, like putting his hands in his pockets when moving backwards, adding depth to the character.
The Story Mode Enigma
IGN teases out details about the story mode, with Kirkman revealing their aim to create an in-game experience akin to watching an episode of the show. Mike Rogers adds that they wanted it to feel like a playable episode, a standalone narrative with unexpected twists and turns.
Canon or What If?
When asked about the story's canonicity, Robert Kirkman teases that it fits neatly into the show's narrative, with a high level of care taken to ensure authenticity. Mike Willette encourages players to sit back and enjoy the ride, leaving the specifics a mystery for now.
Balancing Act: Omni-Man vs. Cecil
IGN raises the challenge of balancing characters with vastly different power levels, like Omni-Man and Cecil. Mike Willette explains their approach, merging the rule of cool with gameplay mechanics, and finding the essence of each character to create a satisfying and balanced experience.
The Beauty of Authenticity
Art director Dan Eder emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between authenticity to the IP and creating a satisfying fighting game. Skill plays a crucial role in determining the outcome, allowing players to showcase their abilities and stay true to the source material, even for those unfamiliar with Invincible.
The Tag Fighter Renaissance
IGN wonders if there was a global meeting of fighting game developers deciding on the return of tag fighters in 2026. Mike Willette attributes it to great minds thinking alike, with a void in the market for tag battle fighting games since Dragon Ball FighterZ and Marvel vs. Capcom. He highlights the unique strengths of Invincible VS and their take on team synergy.
Why Tag Fighters?
Mike Willette explains that the choice of a tag fighter was influenced by the comics and show, with numerous factions and teams within the Invincible universe. The game allows players to explore the dynamics of team fighting and the awesome combinations characters can achieve when working together.
Get ready to dive into the world of Invincible VS and experience the thrill of its story mode and unique gameplay! Will Cecil surprise us all? Only time will tell!
