Inversion

While some games invite players to brave the laws of gravity, Inversion dares them to command them. This unique shooter involves many novel features that will undoubtedly create original shooting scenarios that go beyond the usual shooting galleries we’ve come to expect from other run-of-the-mill action games.

Developed by Saber Interactive and distributed by Bandai Namco, there’s much to see in this third-person shooter. However, not every mechanic in this high-concept shooter works precisely as expected. Let’s take a look at what works and what doesn’t in this peculiar shooter.

Light-headed Action

When his city is invaded by an unknown enemy, Davis Russell jumps into action to protect everything he holds dear. A father and a husband, Davis’s world is turned upside down when his daughter goes missing. Now, this ordinary cop will have to learn to harness the powers of gravity for combat.

Although the story is nothing to write home about, Inversion’s gameplay is another level of fun when compared to other third-person shooters of its kind. As we’ve mentioned before, gravity plays a pivotal role in the game’s combat, as the player will be able to maneuver using zero-g and alter the gravity pull in their favor.

In a game where you can bend the laws of physics to your will, combat becomes somewhat different than your usual shoot-and-cover affair. Players will be able to tear enemies apart (literally) using gravity, all while enjoying the detailed scenery and cool set pieces.

Smash your Surroundings

Not content with just manipulating gravity, Inversion’s developers also added dynamic environmental destruction into their game. The result is a highly chaotic experience where no cover remains intact for too long. This turns Inversion into a more dynamic version of the classic third-person shooter formula popularized by games like Gears of War.

Using the versatile Havok Engine, Inversion is able to render some frankly impressive interactive environments. Additionally, using gravity, players can create their own cover using elements from the terrain. This creates an added layer of strategy to any encounter, making the game feel more cerebral than your everyday shooter.

It’s also worth mentioning that the game is surprisingly violent. Limbs blow everywhere in Inversion, and heads explode like balloons at the slightest touch. This, together with the fun gameplay mechanics, turn the game into a truly cathartic experience. Unfortunately, most of the late-game weapons are energy-based guns that lack the dismemberment mechanics of their weaker counterparts.

Some Heavy Stuff

Of course, lifting objects is only half of the picture when it comes to Inversion’s gravity powers. Unfortunately, it is also the better part of the game, as the powers that make things heavier are considerably more boring.

Some of the powers that involve increasing gravity are borderline redundant, like making your enemies stand still on the spot. The difficulty is also another point where inversion falls under its own weight. There seems to be a lack of balance between when the game is overly difficult, and when the player becomes grossly overpowered.

Pros:

• Satisfying combat mechanics
• Nice visuals
• Great physics

Cons:

• Campaign can be too short
• Some powers are remarkably better than others