Invincible is known for its extreme gore and character mortality, which has attracted a dedicated fan base. The animated TV adaptation in 2021 expanded its reach and led to the creation of various spin-off products. One such product is the cooperative board game, Invincible: The Hero-Building Game, where players can create their own superheroes from scratch.
Invincible: The Hero-Building Game
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Invincible: The Hero-Building Game is primarily a board game that does not rely heavily on a traditional board layout. Instead, the game features three separate boards representing different areas where scenarios unfold. These boards include spaces for heroes, villains, minions, and civilians. While the boards are simplistic in design, they effectively serve their purpose of setting the scene for the gameplay.
Fans of the original Invincible comic will appreciate the engaging components included in the game. It features standees for the playable heroes, including Omni-man, alongside numerous civilian and minion tokens. Additionally, there are multiple decks of cards for events, villains, and hero powers, all adorned with licensed comic art from Invincible. However, some players may find the typography on the cards a bit lacking in finesse.
Apart from standard markers, the game also includes components specific to the playable heroes and scenarios, such as tracking boards with relevant comic artwork. When all these elements come together on the tabletop, the gaming experience resembles a living comic book.
Invincible: The Hero-Building Game diverges from traditional rulebook formats by guiding players through the game with an introductory scenario followed by more advanced rules. This streamlined approach allows players to grasp the game’s basics quickly and dive into the action. Each player selects a hero from the roster, seeds a bag with colored cubes, and collaborates to thwart an alien invasion threatening the world.
The game features three board areas, each with designated spaces for heroes, villains, and civilians. Players draw cubes from their bags to activate hero powers such as moving, attacking, or rescuing civilians. Different colored cubes correspond to specific powers, adding a push-your-luck element to the gameplay. The strategic allocation of cubes enhances the excitement and decision-making process for players.
The game’s mechanics, reminiscent of other bag-drawing games, offer an enjoyable mix of control and risk. Players must make strategic decisions on which powers to activate while managing the cube draw limit. This adds layers of planning and tension, ensuring that every move counts towards the team’s success or failure. The game’s cooperative nature prevents one player from dictating the gameplay, fostering individual agency and collaboration.