Saber Interactive appears to have an affinity for creating science fiction videogames. Their 2007 FPS, TimeShift, allowed players to control time while immersing them in an alternate universe where society has been ravaged due to a rebellious uprising against a despotic regime.
Although the meticulously crafted digital world of Inversion moderately resembles what was seen in Saber’s previous title, the premise is not at all similar. You will assume the role of Davis Russell from a third person perspective as he combats invaders known as the Lutadores. With some help from his ally, Leo Delgado (whom another player will be able to control in the co-op mode), Davis has recently escaped from a Lutadore prison encampment to search for his missing daughter. The Lutadores were also responsible for the death of his wife and Davis is understandably seeking vengeance.
As with most third person shooters of this generation, utilizing cover will be essential, but it’s important to bear in mind that the objects you’ll hide behind will be destructible. Thus, you’ll constantly need to scan the battle grounds for additional protective areas that you can scurry to during firefights.
An initial review of the game’s foundation may invoke visions of an experience reminiscent of Gears of War, but with crumbling cover. However, Inversion discerns itself by letting players experience vector changes, zero gravity anomalies, and giving them access to a device known as The Grappler. Courtesy of this contraption, objects that would typically only serve as decorative items in most games will become inherently more useful in this title as you’ll be able to levitate them at will.
It’s here where some inventive problem solving will come in to play. For example, cars can be levitated to create improvised cover so you can advance while under heavy gunfire. Even puddles of water can be lifted and relocated – which will be useful for extinguishing flames that block your path. Merge these elements with zero gravity pockets and abrupt vector changes where you’ll find yourself situated on the ceiling, one can imagine that Inversion will be a chaotic, yet engaging excursion – provided that the gravitational transitions are integrated smoothly without causing player disorientation.
Currently, Inversion is scheduled to arrive on the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2010. If it delivers, Saber will have no reason to deviate from their history of crafting sci-fi shooters.