The highly anticipated fighting game, Invincible VS, is set to redefine the genre, building on the rich lore of the beloved animated and comic book series. Ahead of its launch and prominent feature at EVO 2025, an exclusive interview with Lead Combat Designer John Bautista provided a compelling deep dive into the intricate game development process, revealing core inspirations and innovative mechanics that promise to captivate the fighting game community.
Bautista, a veteran with significant experience from the Killer Instinct 2013 team, detailed how the foundational lessons from their previous work directly shaped Invincible VS. The team meticulously applied insights gleaned from Killer Instinct’s intricate two-way interaction and counter system, adapting them to the dynamic demands of a tag fighter. This strategic application of past experiences has allowed them to create a solid bedrock for movement, character interactions, hitboxes, and frame data, ensuring a robust and engaging combat experience.
A key focus for Invincible VS is to differentiate itself within the crowded fighting game landscape. Bautista explained the team’s innovative approach to tag mechanics, aiming to encourage aggressive team utilization rather than player hesitancy. By introducing features like the “assist breaker,” which allows players to disrupt combos at a cost, and designing systems that reward active tag-ins, the game fosters a highly active and strategic combo flow, injecting fresh mind games into the genre.
The character roster draws extensively from the vast Invincible IP, spanning both the animated series and comic books. The development team undertakes thorough deep dives into each character’s history, personality, and key moments to accurately translate their essence into unique fighting styles. This meticulous research ensures that even characters like Bulletproof, seemingly minor at first glance, receive bespoke mechanics and ultimate moves that cleverly nod to their comic book origins, delivering an authentic and surprising experience for fans.
While the initial roster considerations might appear tied to the show’s current scope, Bautista hinted at a much broader potential for character inclusion. The team is actively exploring inspirations from all available Invincible media, working closely with writers and the animation team. This collaborative effort suggests that fans can look forward to exciting surprises regarding future character additions, potentially even extending to DLC that incorporates characters as they debut in the animated series.
Notably, Invincible VS is set within an alternative Invincible universe, a creative decision that provides unique narrative opportunities. Robert Kirkman, the co-creator of Invincible, is directly involved in crafting this new storyline, offering invaluable input and actively playing the game. This hands-on collaboration ensures that the game’s narrative remains true to the spirit of the original IP while pushing boundaries in new and interesting directions, delighting both long-time fans and newcomers.
For Bautista and his team, Invincible VS represents more than just a game; it’s a redemption arc following their unfulfilled Killer Instinct project. Their deep-seated passion for fighting games and the fighting game community drives every aspect of development. This commitment is evident in their continuous engagement with the FGC, prioritizing community feedback to ensure the game resonates deeply with its intended audience, making it truly a title “for the FGC.”
The ultimate aspiration for the team is to see Invincible VS showcased on the main stage at events like EVO. Bautista expressed profound joy in witnessing players wholeheartedly embrace their creation, finding immense satisfaction in the smiles, intense focus, and competitive spirit that defines the fighting game community. This dedication to player enjoyment underscores the team’s ambition to leave a lasting impact on the genre and its devoted fanbase.
