Indivisible – PAX East Preview
When Lab Zero Games, the developer of Skullgirls, one of the most successful independent fighting games of all time, announced a new game about an axe wielding super naturally empowered chieftain’s daughter in a Valkyrie Profile-esque RPG-Platformer hybrid, it felt like a weird flex. But it works. In the time I spent platforming, leaping, and fighting my way through an epic fortress in the sky, I was blown away by the unique skill controls and how implementing them felt more like getting the combo right against enemies than making tactical maneuvers. Anything but mindless, the dialogue, art direction, and combat are fun filled action at a great pace. The different characters, their internal dynamic as a group, and the combat system just shout fun.
Ajna is what appears to be the beginnings of an incredible female protagonist. She is strong, powerful, and respected by her friends and companions. She’s willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who could be her ally without a second thought. Her determination to step forward and not go back, no matter what she’s up against, gives a sense of grit and determination you might now expect with her model example as both the leader and powerhouse of the team. It’s inspirational. The rest of the cast of characters all come with their own abilities and mix up healing and combat abilities on the fly.
Dhar, the most prevalent of those kept in Anja’s mind, is actually an unwilling enemy combatant who is attempting to bring Anja to his master Ravannavar in order to secure favor. Raised under his command, he looks up to the warlord like a son to a father, and his loyalty is unwavering. Events lead him to being trapped in Anja’s being as her first “incarnation.” Their dynamic sets the tone of two parties who are diametrically opposed being forced to work together.
Each of the other characters are as diverse in skill sets and abilities as they are in personalities. Playing off each other, it creates a sense of cohesion as they journey to confront Ravannavar and stop him from his purge of those who would rather die than bow to his tyrannical rule, if he even gives them the chance.
Humorous dialogue, an incredible adventure, and more awaits in Indivisible from Lab Zero Games and 505 Games later this year, 2019.
