

That’s led to some implausible escapes from danger when I figured out how to exploit the guards’ predictable AI, even without resorting to using a personal cloaking device or smoke grenade. That variety also forces you to think on your feet and adapt to the gear that randomly becomes available to buy or steal.īecause this is a turn-based game with easy-to-understand rules, there aren’t too many surprises – for example, you can spend an action point to see where a guard will move next turn. With 10 different characters eventually available, each with an alternate version with a different set of starting abilities, that makes plenty of room for several different play styles – including specializing in lethal or nonlethal takedowns (killing usually uses finite ammo, and costs you in “cleanup” fees). Alternatively, you could take Alex "Sharp" McTeague, who comes with six cybernetic augmentation slots that can be equipped with power-generating enhancements. You can also increase your power by hacking terminals, which is easier if you bring Agent Maria "Internationale" Valdés – she can not only detect terminals through walls, but hack them remotely. For example, on one run you might take Power Drip, which grants you a single power point each turn on the next you could use Fusion, which requires you to spend five points up front to generate 12 points over the next four turns. How you gather it and spend it can work very differently based on what combination of agents, augments, and equipment you have on this run. doesn’t always feel like it’s playing by the rules, but clever thinking and a good loadout empower you to fight from the shadows.At the same time, you have to carefully manage your power resource, which is used to hack surveillance cameras, locks, and drones. rewards successive playthroughs by giving you access to new agents complete with a variety of different skills, as well as more specialized hacking programs that make it easier to work your way out of tough situations. If you blow a few missions in a row – or lose an agent – you might as well start over. The randomly generated levels are never impossible, but I did run into a few areas that stacked several tricky obstacles in front of my goal, creating what I called “hallways of despair,” which forced me to either sacrifice my ammo and stims or leave empty-handed. I love the studio’s take on a cyberpunk, corporate-controlled future, but a few short mission debriefs between levels aren’t enough to explore that concept.

Unfortunately, Invisible, Inc.’s roguelike nature makes it difficult for Klei to tell a compelling story. These ever evolving play-fields force you to think on your feet, creating pressure cooker environments that result in memorable impromptu escapes. While you’re in a mission zone, the security system’s alertness level slowly raises, turning on new cameras and other defensive measures as you hunt for your goal.

An advanced hacking program called Incognita lets you remotely break through corporate firewalls to control security feeds or possess defense drones. The missions let you put that sexy spy tech to good use for everything from knocking out guards across the room to temporarily turning invisible. Klei injects enough variety to the missions that they never feel repetitive, and I was always eager to complete these new objectives in order to earn new tech. The goals for each mission vary from downloading corporate files to stealing covert technology to rescuing fellow agents from holding cells. rewards you for avoiding combat altogether. Unlike most turn-based strategy games, which encourage you to leave your enemy’s corpses strewn across the battlefield, Invisible, Inc. Thankfully, that action doesn't disappoint. has an eye-catching design that draws you into the action. Like Don't Stave and Mark of the Ninja before it, Invisible, Inc.
#Invisible inc review series#
Klei Entertainment’s newest game, Invisible, Inc., sends players through a series of randomly generated, turn-based tactical missions. It's not a clean exit, but it's effective, and I’m riding high from the thrill of escaping the hunt. The noise alerts two more guards to my presence, but I have enough time to use an EMP bomb on the automated turret in front of the elevator and escape.
#Invisible inc review full#
A safe full of credits sits to my left, but I know my window to extract it is closing fast. Seconds later, an alarm goes off and the automated surveillance system sends a security detail to check on the situation. I can hear the guard in the other room wake up as I extract a hard drive’s worth of corporate lies from a secure databank.
