Invisible, Inc.

Invisible, Inc.

Developer(s) Klei Entertainment
Publisher(s) Klei Entertainment
Engine Moai
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4
Release date(s) Windows, OS X, Linux
WW May 12, 2015
Genre(s) Turn-based tactics
Mode(s) Single-player
Distribution Download

Invisible, Inc. (originally named as Incognita) is a turn-based tactics video game incorporating elements of roguelike gameplay, developed by Canadian independent studio Klei Entertainment. In the game, the player must execute espionage operations with a team of two from a covert agency in procedurally-generated levels to collect enough information to nullify an incoming threat.

The game has been available for Early Access for Microsoft Windows and OS X from January 2014, a Linux build was later released. The full release for Windows, OS X, and Linux is scheduled for May 12, 2015. A PlayStation 4 version is also in development.

Gameplay

The game is a turn-based tactics game inspired by X-COM,[1] with emphasis on stealth and espionage.[2] In each playthrough, the player takes on the role of an agent handler for covert operations, and comes to learn that their agency is threatened within 5 days of game time. They have to defuse the threat before that time expires. This is done by performing various missions across the globe to retrieve information, valuables, and other espionage tasks, keeping cognizant of the amount of time taken for travel and missions within that 5 day period.[1] The player selects 2 agents to perform these missions to start, and may be able to free other agents during missions; should one agent die during a mission, they remain dead for the remainder of the runthrough, while if all agents die, the game is over.[1] The mission details and location layouts are procedurally generated for each run through, featuring a variety of objectives, obstacles, and difficulty.[3]

Missions are played out in a turn-based manner. Each agent under the player's control has a limited number of action points each turn that allow them to move, open/close doors, take out guards silently, or perform other covert tasks. Additionally, the player may need to collect power to be able to use "Incognita", the hacking interface that allows them to disable alarms and security cameras or remove locks on safes and doors. Once the player has completed their turn, any enemy forces move, and in most locations an alarm level is raised; with higher alarm levels, new security forces and threats will arrive, making the mission more difficult.[4] Certain stations can let the player purchase upgrades or equipment for the agents to help in the mission, using collected in-game money obtains as part of their data collection. The objective in most cases is to collect as much covert information and make the agents' way to an elevator to complete the mission. The number of turns taken is then reflected on the time remaining in the 5 day countdown, while any collected intelligence and the like is used towards nullifying the threat. If the player does not collect enough information by the end of the 5 day period, the game is lost.

The game has a larger meta-game aspect, in that as they play and complete certain goals, they can unlock different agents with different skill sets or new default equipment to being missions with in future playthroughs.

Characters

Agent Brian Deckard: Agent Brian Deckard is a starting Character you can play. As a strong spy, he has advanced abilities in stealth and in sneaking up on enemies without them noticing. Perks-Agent Brian Deckard starts the game with 2 points in Stealth, the standard Neural Disruptor, a custom cloaking device, and +1 to max movement.

Agent Internationale: Perks-Agent Internationale begins with 2 points in Hacking, the standard Neural Disruptor, the ability to access Console's to hijack power from 5 tiles away, and the ability to wirelessly scan for electronics 5 tiles away.

Agent Shalem 11: Raymond Malik - or as he's better known, "Shalem 11" - is a playable agent in Invisible, Inc. He's a master of combat, the only character able to wield rifles, allowing him to dish out deadly shots from afar. Perks-Agent Shalem 11 starts with 2 points in Inventory, and a personal rifle that holds 2 rounds and has armor piercing 1. This makes him the only current agent who starts with the ability to kill. He also begins with a Salvaged Neural Disrupter, which has a 5 round cooldown as opposed to the normal 3.

Development

The game was first announced on July 2, 2013, in an interview with Rock, Paper, Shotgun's Nathan Grayson.[5][6] A preview of the alpha version of the game was shown at the September PAX Prime 2013 expo. After playing the preview, Grayson commented that the game was very early in development, but that he "really enjoyed" his session with the game.[7]

The title was originally called Incognita but was renamed to Invisible, Inc. after developer Klei Entertainment found the new title was better received during focus testing.[3][8] Game Informer‍‍ '​‍s Bryan Vore wrote that a number of the magazine's editors "will miss the old title".[9] The name remains as part of the game as "Incognita" mode used to interact with the various electronic systems.

An alpha version of the game entered Early Access in January 2014.[10] The game was added to the Steam Early Access program on August 20, 2014,[4] with plans to for public release on May 12, 2015.[11] The game will also see release on the PlayStation 4, with an expected release in 2016.[11]

Reception

Invisible, Inc. was named as a finalist for the Excellence in Design and the Seumas McNally Grand Prize for the 2015 Independent Games Festival.[12]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Pereira, Chris (Jan 16, 2014). "Don't Starve Dev's Espionage Game Incognita Becomes Invisible, Inc.". IGN. Retrieved Jan 30, 2014.
  2. ↑ Savage, Phil (Jan 17, 2014). "Invisible, Inc trailer reveals that Klei's turn-based tactical espionage game is no longer Incognita". PC Gamer. Retrieved Jan 30, 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Maiberg, Emanuel (Jan 18, 2014). "Klei's turn-based tactical espionage game becomes Invisible, Inc.". GameSpot. Retrieved Jan 30, 2014.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Donlan, Christian (August 20, 2014). "Invisible, Inc does espionage justice". Eurogamer. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
  5. ↑ Devore, Jordan (Jul 2, 2013). "Klei's Incognita offers 'turn-based tactical espionage'". Destructoid. Retrieved Jan 31, 2014.
  6. ↑ Grayson, Nathan (Jul 2, 2013). "Don’t Starve Dev On Its ‘Espionage XCOM’ Incognita". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved Jan 31, 2014.
  7. ↑ Grayson, Nathan (Sep 11, 2013). "Klei Xcommunicates Word Of Incognita’s Paid Alpha". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved Jan 31, 2014.
  8. ↑ Good, Owen (Jan 19, 2014). "XCOM-like Espionage Game Renamed to Invisible, Inc.". Kotaku. Retrieved Jan 30, 2014.
  9. ↑ Vore, Bryan (Jan 16, 2014). "Klei's Incognita Changes To Invisible, Inc.". Game Informer. Retrieved Jan 30, 2014.
  10. ↑ Hillier, Brenna (January 16, 2014). "Invisible, Inc alpha trailer shows off latest build of game formerly called Incognita". VG247. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Rad, Chloi (April 15, 2015). "Invisible Inc. Announced For PlayStation 4 With New Trailer; PC Release Date Announced". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved April 15, 2015.
  12. ↑ "2015 Independent Games Festival announces Main Competition finalists". Gamasutra. January 7, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2015.

External links