Invention

Invention is a first-person action game with RPG elements and horror themes, developed by Falco Software and released in 2017. Players navigate a mysterious setting, blending shooter mechanics with narrative-driven exploration, as they uncover the dark secrets behind the game’s eerie premise.

Invention: A Forgotten Experiment in First-Person Horror

Introduction

Invention is a game that slipped through the cracks of history, a curious artifact from 2017 that defies easy categorization. Developed by Falco Software and published by Dark Light Studio, it emerged during a year dominated by titans like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Horizon Zero Dawn, yet it carved out a niche for itself as a first-person horror experience with RPG elements. This review seeks to resurrect Invention from obscurity, examining its development, narrative, gameplay, and the reasons it failed to leave a lasting mark on the industry. While it may not have achieved critical or commercial success, Invention is a fascinating case study in ambition, constraint, and the challenges of indie game development in a crowded market.

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Development History & Context

The Studio and Creators

Falco Software, the developer behind Invention, remains an enigmatic entity. Little is known about the studio’s origins, its team, or its broader portfolio, as it has largely faded into obscurity since the game’s release. The lack of available information about Falco Software suggests it may have been a small, independent team or even a solo developer working under a studio banner. This anonymity is not uncommon in the indie scene, where passion projects often emerge from obscure corners of the industry, but it does make it difficult to contextualize Invention within a broader creative vision.

Dark Light Studio, the publisher, is equally obscure. The studio’s involvement in Invention appears to be its only notable project, further reinforcing the idea that this was a labor of love rather than a commercial endeavor. The game’s release on Steam via Greenlight—a platform that allowed indie developers to bypass traditional publishing gatekeepers—hints at its grassroots origins. Greenlight was a double-edged sword: it democratized game distribution but also flooded the market with titles of varying quality, making it difficult for any single game to stand out.

Technological Constraints and the Unity Engine

Invention was built using the Unity engine, a popular choice for indie developers due to its accessibility and flexibility. Unity’s widespread adoption in the mid-2010s allowed small teams to create visually impressive games without the need for proprietary technology. However, Invention’s use of Unity is unremarkable; the engine’s capabilities are not pushed to their limits, and the game’s visuals and performance reflect the constraints of a small development team working with limited resources.

The game’s technical limitations are evident in its simplistic environments, repetitive textures, and occasional performance hiccups. While Unity enabled Falco Software to bring Invention to life, it also exposed the team’s inexperience in optimizing their vision for the engine. The result is a game that feels rough around the edges, lacking the polish of more established titles.

The Gaming Landscape of 2017

2017 was a banner year for the video game industry, marked by the release of several landmark titles and the continued evolution of gaming hardware. The Nintendo Switch launched in March, revitalizing Nintendo’s fortunes and introducing a hybrid console-handheld model that would dominate the market for years. Meanwhile, Sony and Microsoft continued to refine their offerings, with the PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X catering to the growing demand for 4K gaming and virtual reality experiences.

Against this backdrop, Invention was a blip on the radar. The year’s most celebrated games—Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Persona 5, and Horizon Zero Dawn—set new standards for open-world design, narrative depth, and technical achievement. Even in the horror genre, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and The Evil Within 2 redefined what players expected from survival horror, leveraging advanced graphics, immersive first-person perspectives, and intricate level design.

Invention’s release in January 2017 placed it in direct competition with these heavyweights, as well as a slew of other indie titles vying for attention. The game’s lack of marketing, combined with its technical and design shortcomings, made it nearly impossible for it to gain traction in such a crowded field. Its obscurity is not merely a reflection of its quality but also a testament to the challenges faced by indie developers in an era of blockbuster dominance.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot Overview

Invention’s narrative is shrouded in mystery, much like the game itself. The premise revolves around a protagonist who finds themselves trapped in a surreal, nightmarish facility where reality is distorted, and the boundaries between the physical and psychological worlds blur. The game’s title hints at themes of creation and experimentation, suggesting that the protagonist may be a subject in a larger, sinister experiment.

The story unfolds through environmental storytelling, cryptic notes, and fragmented dialogue, all of which contribute to an atmosphere of unease and confusion. Players are tasked with uncovering the truth behind the facility’s purpose and their own role within it, but the narrative is deliberately ambiguous, leaving many questions unanswered. This ambiguity can be frustrating for players seeking a coherent storyline, but it also aligns with the game’s horror themes, where uncertainty and the unknown are central to the experience.

Characters and Dialogue

The characters in Invention are sparse and underdeveloped, a common issue in horror games that prioritize atmosphere over narrative depth. The protagonist is a silent cipher, a blank slate onto which players project their own fears and anxieties. Supporting characters, if they can be called that, are spectral figures who appear briefly to deliver cryptic messages or taunt the player before vanishing into the shadows.

Dialogue is minimal and often cryptic, reinforcing the game’s themes of isolation and madness. The lack of meaningful character interaction means that Invention relies heavily on its environmental storytelling to convey its narrative. While this approach can be effective in horror, it also risks leaving players disengaged if the environmental clues are too obscure or the story too fragmented.

Themes: Isolation, Madness, and the Unknown

Invention’s themes are classic horror tropes, but they are executed with a degree of sincerity that elevates the game beyond mere pastiche. The facility in which the game takes place is a labyrinth of corridors, laboratories, and industrial spaces, all of which feel abandoned yet somehow alive. The sense of isolation is palpable, as players navigate the empty halls with only the occasional whisper or distant sound to break the silence.

Madness is another central theme, with the game’s narrative suggesting that the protagonist may be losing their grip on reality. The facility’s experiments—whatever they may be—appear to have driven its subjects to the brink of insanity, and the player is left to wonder whether they are experiencing genuine supernatural phenomena or the hallucinations of a fractured mind. This ambiguity is one of Invention’s strengths, as it forces players to question their own perceptions and interpretations of the events unfolding around them.

The unknown is perhaps the most potent theme in Invention. The game thrives on its ability to unsettle players by withholding information, whether through its cryptic storytelling, its shadowy environments, or its unpredictable enemy encounters. The facility itself is a character, a malevolent force that seems to shift and change as the player progresses, ensuring that they are never entirely sure of what lies ahead.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

Invention is, at its core, a first-person horror game with light RPG elements. The gameplay loop revolves around exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, though the latter is often avoided rather than embraced. Players navigate the facility’s labyrinthine corridors, uncovering clues and solving environmental puzzles to progress. Combat is a secondary concern, as the game encourages stealth and evasion over direct confrontation.

The pacing of Invention is deliberate and slow, which can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the methodical exploration allows the game’s atmosphere to build gradually, immersing players in its oppressive world. On the other hand, the lack of varied gameplay mechanics can make the experience feel repetitive, especially as players encounter similar puzzles and enemy types throughout the game.

Combat and Stealth

Combat in Invention is simplistic and often clunky, reflecting the game’s indie roots. Players are equipped with a limited arsenal of weapons, ranging from melee tools to firearms, but ammunition is scarce, and enemies are often better avoided than fought. The combat system lacks the depth and polish of more established horror games, and encounters can feel unfair or unbalanced, particularly when players are ambushed by multiple enemies in tight spaces.

Stealth is a more viable option, though it is equally underdeveloped. Players can crouch and hide behind objects, but the AI is inconsistent, sometimes failing to detect the player even when they are in plain sight, while at other times seemingly seeing through walls. This inconsistency undermines the tension that Invention seeks to create, as players are never entirely sure whether their actions are being governed by logical game mechanics or arbitrary design choices.

Puzzle Design

Puzzles in Invention are primarily environmental, requiring players to manipulate objects, decipher codes, or navigate maze-like sections of the facility. The puzzles are generally straightforward, though some can be frustrating due to unclear objectives or overly obscure solutions. The game’s reliance on trial-and-error mechanics can also lead to tedium, as players are forced to repeat sections after failing to solve a puzzle correctly.

One of the more interesting aspects of Invention’s puzzle design is its integration with the narrative. Many puzzles are tied to the facility’s experiments, with players uncovering clues that hint at the broader story. For example, a puzzle might involve aligning symbols that correspond to notes found earlier in the game, reinforcing the idea that the protagonist is piecing together the facility’s secrets. However, these moments are few and far between, and the majority of puzzles feel disconnected from the larger narrative.

Character Progression and RPG Elements

Invention incorporates light RPG elements, allowing players to upgrade their character’s abilities as they progress. These upgrades are primarily focused on improving the protagonist’s combat effectiveness, such as increasing health or damage output, but they also include passive abilities like enhanced stealth or improved puzzle-solving skills. The progression system is simplistic, with upgrades unlocking linearly as players collect experience points.

While the RPG elements add a layer of depth to Invention, they are not enough to elevate the gameplay significantly. The upgrades feel incremental rather than transformative, and the lack of meaningful choices in how to develop the protagonist means that the system ultimately feels perfunctory. It is clear that Falco Software included these elements to differentiate Invention from other horror games, but they do not substantially enhance the overall experience.

UI and Navigation

The user interface in Invention is functional but unremarkable. The game’s menus are straightforward, with inventory management and upgrade screens that are easy to navigate. However, the UI lacks polish, with basic graphics and minimal feedback that reflect the game’s indie origins. The map system, in particular, is underwhelming, offering little in the way of guidance or detail, which can make navigation frustrating in the game’s more complex areas.

One of the more notable issues with Invention’s UI is its lack of clarity in communicating objectives. Players are often left to figure out their next steps through trial and error, which can be immersive in a horror context but also leads to confusion and frustration. The game’s reliance on environmental storytelling means that critical information is often buried in notes or hidden in the environment, requiring players to meticulously search every corner of the facility.

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World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

Invention’s setting is one of its strongest assets. The game takes place in a sprawling, abandoned facility that feels like a cross between a scientific research lab and an industrial complex. The environments are oppressive and claustrophobic, with narrow corridors, flickering lights, and the ever-present hum of machinery creating a sense of unease. The facility’s layout is labyrinthine, with interconnected rooms and hidden passages that encourage exploration while also disorienting the player.

The atmosphere is further enhanced by the game’s use of lighting and sound. Shadows stretch long and deep, obscuring potential threats and creating a sense of paranoia. The facility feels alive, with distant noises and sudden, unexplained events keeping players on edge. The game’s commitment to its horror aesthetic is evident in every corner, from the rusted metal walls to the eerie, abandoned laboratories.

Visual Direction

Visually, Invention is a mixed bag. The game’s environments are detailed enough to create a convincing sense of place, but the textures and models are often repetitive and lack the polish of more established titles. The Unity engine’s limitations are evident in the game’s lighting and shadow effects, which can appear flat or unnatural at times. Character models, in particular, are simplistic and lack expressiveness, which undermines the game’s attempts to create a immersive horror experience.

Despite these shortcomings, Invention’s visual direction is effective in conveying its themes. The facility’s industrial aesthetic is oppressive and cold, reinforcing the game’s themes of isolation and experimentation. The use of color is minimal, with muted tones dominating the palette, which further enhances the sense of desolation. While the game may not be a technical showcase, its visuals are functional and contribute to its overall atmosphere.

Sound Design

Sound design is where Invention truly shines. The game’s audio is meticulously crafted to create a sense of dread and tension, with every creak, whisper, and distant clang serving to unsettle the player. The facility is filled with ambient noises—dripping water, humming machinery, and the occasional, unexplained sound—that keep players on edge. The game’s use of silence is equally effective, with sudden, jarring noises breaking the quiet to startle the player.

The voice acting, while minimal, is well-executed. The few characters who do speak deliver their lines with a sense of urgency and desperation that fits the game’s tone. The protagonist’s silence is also a deliberate choice, reinforcing the sense of isolation and helplessness that permeates the experience.

The game’s soundtrack is sparse but effective, with a mix of ambient drones and dissonant tones that enhance the horror atmosphere. The music is used sparingly, often fading in and out to underscore key moments, which prevents it from becoming overbearing or repetitive.

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Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Invention was met with near-total indifference upon its release. The game received a single user rating on MobyGames, averaging a dismal 2.0 out of 5, and it failed to garner any significant attention from critics or players. This lack of reception is not entirely surprising, given the game’s obscurity and the crowded release schedule of 2017. However, it is also a reflection of Invention’s shortcomings as a cohesive and engaging experience.

The game’s technical issues, underdeveloped gameplay mechanics, and lack of polish likely contributed to its poor reception. In an era where even indie horror games like Outlast and Amnesia: The Dark Descent set high standards for atmosphere and storytelling, Invention struggled to compete. Its ambition was evident, but its execution fell short of what players had come to expect from the genre.

Evolution of Reputation

In the years since its release, Invention has remained largely forgotten, with little to no discussion or analysis of its place in gaming history. It is not a game that is revisited or reappraised, nor is it cited as an influence on subsequent titles. This obscurity is a shame, as Invention contains glimmers of creativity and potential that could have been refined into something more substantial.

The game’s legacy, if it can be said to have one, is as a cautionary tale about the challenges of indie game development. Invention demonstrates the difficulties of creating a compelling horror experience with limited resources and the importance of polish and cohesion in game design. While it may not be a landmark title, it serves as a reminder of the countless indie games that fail to find an audience despite their creators’ best efforts.

Influence on Subsequent Games

Invention’s influence on the gaming industry is negligible. The game’s lack of commercial success and critical recognition means that it has not inspired any direct successors or spiritual follow-ups. However, its themes and setting—particularly its focus on a surreal, experimental facility—are reminiscent of other horror games that explore similar ideas, such as SOMA and The Stanley Parable. While Invention did not break new ground, it is part of a broader tradition of horror games that use their environments to explore themes of isolation, madness, and the unknown.

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Conclusion

Invention is a game that is easy to overlook, but it is not without merit. Its ambition is evident in its atmospheric setting, its commitment to horror tropes, and its attempts to integrate RPG elements into a first-person experience. However, its execution is hampered by technical limitations, underdeveloped mechanics, and a lack of polish that prevents it from standing out in a crowded field.

As a historical artifact, Invention is a fascinating case study in the challenges faced by indie developers in the mid-2010s. It is a game that strives to be more than the sum of its parts but ultimately falls short due to the constraints of its development. While it may not be a classic, it is a reminder of the creativity and passion that drives indie game development, even when the results are imperfect.

For those willing to look past its flaws, Invention offers a glimpse into a world that is unsettling and immersive, if not entirely cohesive. It is a game that rewards patience and exploration, even if it does not always deliver on its promises. In the grand tapestry of video game history, Invention may be a footnote, but it is a footnote worth examining for what it reveals about the struggles and triumphs of indie game development.

Final Verdict: Invention is a flawed but intriguing experiment in first-person horror. Its atmosphere and themes are compelling, but its execution is held back by technical limitations and underdeveloped mechanics. While it is not a must-play title, it is a curious artifact that offers insights into the challenges of indie game development. 6/10 – A noble failure.