A deep, expansive game of covert action, orbital transfers

Oct 4, 2022 14:52 GMT  ·  By

As aliens abduct leaders and spread their fauna across some nations, I am working to create a powerful Indian-led nation in Southeast Asia, with my Initiative operatives covertly working against the Servants and the Protectorate, while my armies battle against those of Iran. I have two Earth orbit stations in development, as well as two mining sites on the Moon.

The next step is to limit Earth launches as much as possible and develop a ship-building capability in orbit. Humanity is not yet ready to openly attack the aliens and their collaborators but it’s slowly getting there. Terra Invicta is developed by Pavonis Interactive, with publishing handled by Hooded Horse. The game is in Early Access on Steam at the moment. The title delivers a deep strategy experience with a ton of intrigue.

The premise is very similar to that of the games the team has previously delivered massive mods for: an alien invasion is starting, and humanity is ill-prepared to face them. Players can take control of one of seven factions, each with its own philosophy and unique approach. Acting through recruited councilors, they can influence nations, gain more direct control, investigate alien incursions, and try to find aims to reach their ultimate goals.

Terra Invicta starts as a game about covert influence, with operatives from the factions seeking to gain popularity and control in the world's countries. Try to focus on a target with a big population and the potential for regional hegemony. Counter opponents who seem to get ahead and consolidate control. Players will then be able to guide country development while keeping an eye out for incoming alien infiltration. They will engage in research, splitting efforts between public and private projects.

Terra Invicta
Terra Invicta
Terra Invicta
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As the years pass by, it’s time to put stations into orbit and bases on the Moon and farther out. Just as competition for resources sharpens back on Earth, more of the Solar System opens up. But as this happens the aliens move towards aggression. The game features a deep and realistic space combat system. Hope you like learning about delta-v.

Terra Invicta looks good, although the interface struggles a little with the level of complexity. The solar system layer is beautiful and impressive. A lot of the game is fully voice acted and the soundtrack is subdued but suited to the experience.

Conclusion

Terra Invicta is a huge experience, filled with mechanics, options, potential solutions to an alien invasion, and surprises. The game struggles a little to keep everything coherent and I really want to see how the community and developers at Pavonis shape it during Early Access.

Anyone who has enjoyed The Long War should pick up the game, see what it has to offer and maybe offer feedback to make it better. It takes time and energy to understand all the mechanics in Terra Invicta but the early signs suggest that it’s worth it.

Preview code provided by the publisher.

Terra Invicta screenshots (21 Images)

Terra Invicta key art
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