One of the biggest announcements from the Xbox Showcase was the upcoming Invincible VS, and we got an exclusive opportunity to speak with Skybound's Quarter Up team at IGN Live. We learned why this 3v3 fighting game perfectly captures the essence of Robert Kirkman's superhero universe, drawing inspiration from classics like Killer Instinct.
Invincible VS features beloved characters from the comics and animated series - Mark Grayson (Invincible), Omni-Man, Thula, AtomEve, and Bulletproof among them. The decision to make it a 3v3 fighter came naturally due to the comic's emphasis on superhero teams. For art director Dan Eder and combat designer Reepal Parbhoo, this team dynamic made their creative choices straightforward.
"The team dynamic is fundamental to Invincible's DNA," Parbhoo explains. "You've got the Teen Team, the Guardians of the Globe, the Global Defense Agency, and the Viltrumites. With so many established groups, a team-based fighting format just makes perfect sense compared to traditional one-on-one combat."
While team mechanics influenced the gameplay structure, the developers knew character authenticity would make or break the experience. "We approached each fighter with tremendous respect for the source material," Eder reveals. "The show's visual language guided us, but we had to adapt it for gaming. We experimented with different styles before landing on a striking 2D-3D hybrid - realistic lighting with bold outlines that pop. Our goal was to create the ultimate digital versions of these characters."
The combat system carries deep roots from Killer Instinct, as Quarter Up's leadership includes veterans from that franchise. "We've preserved that signature Killer Instinct impact while evolving the mechanics," Parbhoo notes. "The core dynamic revolves around exciting offensive/defensive interactions. We've designed special assist call-ins to break combos, keeping the gameplay fluid without sacrificing depth."
The team has implemented thoughtful accessibility features alongside deep mechanics. Novices can execute flashy combos using simplified controls, while the Overkill system delivers brutal finishing moves true to Invincible's visceral combat. "These aren't just knockouts," Parbhoo grins, "you'll be sending limbs flying in true Viltrumite fashion."
Series creator Robert Kirkman remains closely involved in development. "Robert's vision is invaluable," Eder emphasizes. "We're not just recreating existing moments - we're expanding the universe in ways that feel fresh yet authentic. Who better to guide us than the creators who built this world?"
Invincible VS arrives in 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. For more gaming updates, check out highlights from IGN Live and the Xbox Games Showcase.
