Invincible Team Explains Killer Instinct's Legacy at IGN Live

The Xbox Showcase unveiled Invincible VS, and we sat down with Skybound's Quarter Up team at IGN Live to discuss why this 3v3 fighter perfectly captures Robert Kirkman's superhero saga, blending iconic characters with Killer Instinct-inspired gameplay.

Invincible VS brings comic and animated series favorites like Mark Grayson (Invincible), Omni-Man, Thula, AtomEve, and Bulletproof into battle. According to art director Dan Eder and combat designer Reepal Parbhoo, choosing a 3v3 format felt natural given the franchise's team-focused nature.

"The Invincible universe thrives on team dynamics," Parbhoo explains. "From Teen Team to Guardians of the Globe, GDA to Viltrumites - these factions practically demanded multiplayer combat rather than traditional one-on-one fights."

The development team prioritized character authenticity above all else. "We aimed to honor these characters properly," Eder notes. "While drawing heavy inspiration from the show's aesthetic, we adapted it for gaming through deliberate choices about rendering style, anatomy, and visual presentation. Our solution? A striking 2D-3D hybrid where realistically-lit models feature comic-style outlines."

Fighting game enthusiasts will appreciate Invincible VS's Killer Instinct DNA, courtesy of Quarter Up's leadership - former KI (2013) developers. The team preserved KI's impactful combat while retooling its systems for team battles.

"We maintained KI's signature hit impact," Parbhoo explains, "but adapted its interactive combo system. Instead of single-player breakers, we implemented assist-based interruptions - preserving lengthy combos while keeping defensive counterplay meaningful."

Accessibility remains key, with simplified controls enabling flashy combos through repeated button presses. The Overkill system amplifies Invincible's trademark brutality - "We're talking limb-severing super moves here," Parbhoo clarifies.

Series creator Robert Kirkman contributes directly to development. "His insights are invaluable," Eder emphasizes. "Rather than recycling show moments, we're working with him to expand the lore through fresh gameplay interpretations while respecting source material."

Invincible VS launches in 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. For more reveals, check our coverage of IGN Live and Xbox Games Showcase highlights.