Taken for a Quickie | Inversus

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Having taken Inversus from Hypersect for a spin, it’s time for a few thoughts on this unique and monochromatic shooter.

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by Sam
​Sant

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@SlamShotSam

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Developer: Hypersect
Publisher: Hypersect
Platforms: PS4, PC
Players: 1 - 4

What is Inversus, beyond its simple, contrasting looks?

It’s a mind-bending shooter in which the player - a square coloured either black or white - is restricted to movement on tiles of the opposite colour. Tiles can be flipped to your colour by shooting across them, opening new paths whilst denying them to the opposition. Careful planning and well-placed shots can shut down and trap your enemy, comfortably accommodating the killing blow.

Sounds simple enough. How does it play?  

Exceedingly well. The best ideas are often simple ones, and Inversus is no exception. Its smooth, fluid movement and four-directional shooting mechanics mean anybody can instantly pick up and play - just like the classics that inspired it.

The gradual introduction of power-ups, cover points, and looping edges to increasingly complex maps in time offers a wealth of opportunities for deep and tactical play.

Sweet! What modes can I put these tactics to use in?

Versus mode is the main hook, as you might have guessed. It spans 27 varied maps, each available for both 1v1 and 2v2 encounters. The former generally houses tense standoffs, whilst the latter - at least in our experience - is the place for amusingly hurried communication that results in fumbled cooperation.

There’s also Arcade mode, which is a hectic game of survival where you face an increasingly uphill battle with a limited pool of lives. The longer you stay alive and the more enemies you kill, the higher your score. It’s available to play both solo and with a co-op partner across six maps.

The best ideas are often simple ones, and Inversus is no exception.

Is that enough to keep you coming back?

Yes and no. Never solo, but definitely with a friend for some multiplayer from time to time. What’s here is highly replayable.

​Would you recommend it then?

Definitely, provided you have at least one friend willing to play and replay Inversus with you. If you don’t, you’ll miss out on most of the fun.

​With a partner being so integral, what did yours think of Inversus?

Let's ask the man himself. James?

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by James
Michael
​Parry

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@James_Parry

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​​It makes a very distinct visual impression, conjuring up thoughts of everything from classics like Snake and Asteroids to the ancient Chinese board game Go (being cultured as we are). Looking simple doesn't detract from the challenge though - mastering some of the complex maps will take considerable time - and as games are relatively short it's a good one to just jump into on a whim.