Heart Machine’s latest title, Possessor(s), delivers a compelling “search action” experience that blends high-octane combat with poignant storytelling, despite some navigation hurdles within its Metroidvania framework.
A Deadly Pact in a Ruined Metropolis
The story unfolds in a corporate-owned city devastated by a demonic portal. As interdimensional entities wreak havoc, citizens are either slaughtered or possessed. The protagonist, a teenager named Luca, is mortally wounded and loses her legs during the chaos. Her salvation arrives in the form of Rhem, a dying demon seeking a host. Their deal is simple: Rhem replaces Luca’s legs and grants her the power to fight, and in exchange, she provides the vessel he needs to survive. The resulting partnership serves as the backbone for both the gameplay and the narrative’s emotional core.
Fluid Combat and Stylish Execution
The combat in Possessor(s) shines through its combo-heavy, stylish action mechanics. Luca wields “demonically supercharged” everyday items—ranging from kitchen knives to computer mice—to dismantle foes. The integration of a whip mechanic, which allows players to reel in flying enemies or swing across environments, adds a layer of kinetic satisfaction. Success in combat relies on mastering a tight parry system, which rewards players for reflecting projectiles and timing defensive maneuvers against challenging bosses.
Visually, the game is striking. It utilizes a slick, colorful art direction paired with a unique skip-frame animation style. The character portraits, reminiscent of Image Comics’ Saga, provide a beautiful aesthetic contrast to the twisted, object-based monster designs.
Exploration and Navigation Challenges
While the combat excels, the game’s world design occasionally falters. The city districts often feel sparse and mundane compared to the vibrant character models. Because the game allows players to pursue the four main “demon eyeball” objectives in any order, the progression can feel aimless. The lack of clear signposting for key abilities often leads to significant backtracking, exacerbated by infrequent checkpoints and a Souls-like currency recovery system that can make death feel unnecessarily punishing.
Furthermore, the map markers provide minimal guidance, making it difficult to track points of interest. Players may find themselves hitting impassable barriers or struggling to distinguish breakable environmental elements, which can turn exploration into a tedious chore.
A Narrative-Driven Experience
Beyond the mechanics, the relationship between Luca and Rhem is the game’s unexpected highlight. Their constant, humorous bickering masks deeper, poignant revelations regarding toxic relationships. Heart Machine succeeds in humanizing these characters, offering a fresh take on demon lore that keeps the player invested in the world’s grim fate. While Possessor(s) plays it safer than previous Heart Machine titles like Hyper Light Drifter or Solar Ash, it remains a robust and entertaining entry for fans of the genre.
Leave a Reply