Prior to attending the Summer Game Fest, I had heard relatively little about Heart Machine’s new title, Possessor(s). Although I was a big fan of Hyper Light Drifter, the studio’s recent games, Solar Ash and Hyper Light Breaker, didn’t resonate with me the same way. While I appreciated their approach to exploration and fluid traversal, I found myself disenchanted and doubtful about any future titles from Heart Machine. After experiencing Possessor(s), my outlook has changed significantly.
Described as a search-action game—another term for the metroidvania genre—Possessor(s) shifts Heart Machine into a second-dimensional experience. It blends fast-paced, side-scrolling action reminiscent of Metroid with mechanics inspired by Dark Souls. This combination promises a thrilling adventure filled with continuous discovery. Unlike earlier titles adorned with abstract narratives and inhuman characters, Possessor(s) appears to take a more traditional storytelling approach. It showcases hand-drawn characters that articulate plot and dialogue, similar to Hades.
Despite the plethora of comparisons to beloved games, Possessor(s) offers a unique experience. While it draws from familiar gameplay elements, its urban-horror setting, stunning art direction, and engaging narrative feel distinctly Heart Machine and signal a new direction for the studio.
The game opens with the protagonist Luca witnessing a demon tear apart someone she loves while pinned under rubble. After freeing herself, she discovers her legs have been severed. In her moment of despair, she meets Rhem, a tall dark figure who also happens to be a demon. Rhem proposes to give Luca new legs if she agrees to enter a pact that could also save him. Her reluctant acceptance forms a remarkable bond between the two characters, intertwining their destinies.
As they move forward together, Rhem hints at the underlying motives of the demons and a global corporation linked to household appliances, setting the stage for a compelling mystery. This premise feels especially engaging due to its macabre tones, vibrant character art, and the immersive atmosphere of the urban decay surrounding Luca’s journey.
On the gameplay front, Possessor(s) shines with its fluid controls and challenging gameplay. The settings appear expansively rich for exploration. Unlike some metroidvanias that favor brute combat, this game necessitates skill and strategy, emphasizing its souls-like elements. Gameplay features "bonfires," and a world that resets upon resting, highlighting this influence.
With its promise of a multifaceted narrative, playable paths, and heartbreakingly intricate characters, Possessor(s) has swiftly claimed a spot on my list of most anticipated games for 2025.
