AceShowbiz - Invincible creator Robert Kirkman has expanded his storytelling reach beyond comics and television with the launch of Invincible VS, a new fighting game that embodies the spirit of the beloved series. This latest adaptation is a collaboration between Kirkman’s game development studio, Quarter Up, and his Skybound Entertainment banner, delivering a fresh way for fans to engage with the expansive Invincible universe.

The game launched on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, featuring a dynamic three-on-three fighting format that includes 18 characters from the comic series. Notably, the roster also introduces a brand-new original character, expanding the lore while maintaining fidelity to the source material. Players can expect fast-paced, brutal combat reflective of the intense action that defines the comic and TV adaptations.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Kirkman shared insights on what elements make a comic ideal for adaptation across multiple formats — from page to screen to interactive gameplay. He emphasized the importance of a long-running comic series in successfully translating to television and video games. With more than 80 issues of The Walking Dead and the full 144-issue run of Invincible available, creators have a wealth of material to craft compelling cliffhangers, high-stakes drama, and intricate story arcs.

Kirkman explained, “The monthly comic format necessitates action, progress, intrigue, and cliffhangers because you have these month-long gaps between issues. This structure keeps the audience engaged and naturally lends itself to television storytelling.” He noted how this serialized approach allows for multiple possible cliffhangers per episode and several potential finales per story arc, providing flexibility and depth in adaptation choices.

When it comes to adapting Invincible into a fighting game, Kirkman highlighted that the high-energy, action-driven narrative fits well with the genre. “Fighting games excel at spotlighting individual characters and letting players experience their unique abilities and personalities,” he said. “Every character in a fighting game can be the main character depending on who you choose.”

Mike Willette, the executive producer of Invincible VS, detailed the decision to implement a three-on-three tag team mechanic. “I wanted to build Invincible as a badass, brutal tag-battle fighting game — tournament quality. Your kit isn’t just one character’s moves, it’s a combination of three characters, which is an expression of your personality and the lore you want to develop.”

Willette also pointed out that the game’s team mechanic reflects the comic’s factional battles, such as those between the Teen Team, The Guardians, The Order, The Lizard League, and The Viltrumites. “It made perfect sense to combine these concepts because it captures the essence of the story’s conflicts.”

Drawing on his personal childhood experiences with action figures like He-Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers, and G.I. Joe, Willette likened the gameplay to “playing on the carpet, setting up scenarios and battles.” He explained, “It’s like a daydream exploration in a 2D plane where your left hand and right hand characters clash. This digital space lets players create their own scenarios authentically within the franchise’s spirit.”

One technical challenge the developers faced was integrating the verticality and flight abilities of many Invincible characters into a 2D fighting game format. Willette said, “Verticality adds depth to gameplay. Some characters fly with omnidirectional movement, like Eve who has an eight-way navigation system, while others have different aerial attack vectors.”

The game balances these abilities to ensure unique playstyles. For example, some characters have a “triangle jump” mechanic, allowing quick upward jumps followed by immediate dives, presenting gameplay challenges by forcing opponents to defend against simultaneous high and low attacks. “This creates a dynamic and defensive-minded battle where players must constantly adapt,” Willette explained.

Defensive gameplay is a core focus in Invincible VS. Unlike some fighting games where a single hit triggers a long combo sequence, this game offers multiple opportunities to break combos. Teammates can intervene to disrupt attacks, creating a tactical rock-paper-scissors dynamic that mimics the intense back-and-forth combat seen in the show and comics. “We want players to stay engaged throughout the battle and experience brief moments of rest before diving back into the action,” Willette added.

The game also benefits from the involvement of original voice talent, including Steven Yeun, who voices Mark Grayson in the series. Authentic voice acting enhances immersion and helps players connect with the characters on a deeper level during gameplay.

Given the similarities in genre and tone, comparisons to the iconic fighting game series Mortal Kombat are inevitable. Both games feature intense, bloody combat and a diverse cast of fighters. Kirkman revealed an interesting backstory regarding Invincible’s connection to the Mortal Kombat universe. “I’ve been trying to get Walking Dead characters into Mortal Kombat for years,” he said. “I had meetings with Ed Boon around Mortal Kombat 11, but it was too late for DLC slots.”

Eventually, Omni-Man was added as a downloadable character in the first Mortal Kombat game. Kirkman recounted, “Somebody mentioned how much the Invincible show was blowing up and the demand for Omni-Man in the game. Ed Boon recognized me, and it all came together pretty quickly.”

This crossover highlights the growing influence and popularity of Invincible across different entertainment mediums. Kirkman joked about his persistent efforts: “I’m not exactly friends with Ed Boon, I’ve just been hounding him for years.”

With Invincible VS now available, fans can experience the thrill of controlling their favorite heroes and villains in an intense, strategic fighting game that honors the comic’s rich characters and storylines. The game’s combination of a large roster, unique team mechanics, and faithful adaptation of the source material shows how Kirkman and his team have successfully navigated the challenges of adapting a beloved comic property into an engaging interactive experience.

Ultimately, Invincible VS serves as a testament to the potential for comics to seamlessly transition from page to screen and into gaming, provided the narrative foundation is strong, the characters are compelling, and the gameplay respects the franchise’s core themes. For fans of Invincible, the new game offers an exciting way to dive deeper into this vibrant universe while battling it out in high-octane style.