Iron Sky: Invasion

Lore & Background

In an alternate history, the Nazis developed flying saucers and built a secret base in Antarctica called Neuschwabenland, from which they launched a space program. After their defeat in World War II in 1945, they evacuated to the dark side of the Moon and established a Fourth Reich with a massive fleet, planning to return to Earth and restart the war. The player takes the role of a veteran American pilot who joins the United States Space Force and is tasked with stopping the Nazi invasion. The game's plot unfolds across a prologue and three chapters, involving characters such as Jason Bailey, Renata Richter, Obbergroupenfuhrer Wilhelm Krutz, and ambassadors from India and Russia. The player engages in dogfights, destroys zeppelins, protects satellites, and rescues a film director, ultimately working to disable the Nazi fleet and prevent asteroids from impacting Earth.

Reader's Guide

Iron Sky: Invasion is notable as a licensed video game adaptation of a cult Finnish comedy film, blending real-time space combat with resource management and ship upgrades. The game's mixed to negative reception reflects its ambitious scope but uneven execution. Its significance lies in expanding the film's satirical premise into an interactive experience, allowing players to pilot iconic Nazi UFOs and allied ships. The game's legacy is tied to its niche appeal among fans of the film and space combat simulators, though it did not achieve mainstream success. The inclusion of strategic elements, such as a tactical space map and salvage-based upgrades, adds depth to the dogfighting core. The game's plot, while linear, offers multiple side missions and choices, such as accepting a Korean fighter as a reward. Its release across multiple platforms, including mobile, made it accessible, but critical response dampened its impact. The game remains a curiosity for those interested in the intersection of film and video game adaptations from the early 2010s.

Did You Know?

• Players can control most spaceships from the movie, including Nazi UFOs.
• The game includes a tactical space map to spot Nazi forces and ongoing battles.
• Upgrades require special resources scavenged from destroyed enemy units or found in space.