Possessor(s) is the next game by Heart Machine, the team behind Hyper Light Drifter, Solar Ash, and the Early Access Hyper Light Breaker. As a fan of the studio, I was excited to play this 2D action Metroidvania (or, as they dub it, a “search action” game), and my enthusiasm was rewarded with a slick and entertaining experience. Players control a girl named Luca, who becomes severely injured when her city is rocked by a cataclysmic event, causing her to lose her legs. She’s “rescued” by a demon named Rehm, who possesses her body, granting her demonic abilities and a new pair of legs.
The two must work together to find the truth behind the disaster in a choice-driven story featuring branching narratives. The combo-driven combat is fast-paced yet weighty, as every strike feels satisfyingly impactful. I had a good time tearing through demons, launching them in the air to juggle them, or using a whip to yank airborne targets within arms’ reach. Platforming feels good, if a bit stiff when performing actions like wall-jumping and ledge grabbing, but I wanted to uncover every secret of this ruined world. Possessor(s) is Heart Machine returning to its 2D action roots, and the results are promising thus far. You don’t have to take my word for it, however, as a free demo is available now on Steam. – Marcus Stewart