Possessor(s)

Possessor(s) combines a compelling narrative, solid understanding of Metroid-like design and genuinely fun combat for an experience that is intensely captivating.

Possessor(s) lacks the unique pizazz of some recent Metroidvanias, but delivers a solid adventure in its own right.

Regardless of whether you call them “search action” games or Metroidvanias, Possessors offers a fun, if very familiar, take on the formula. Its strong combat and quality storytelling make up for a few stumbles on the exploration side. By the time I saw credits, I didn’t regret making a deal with this devilish adventure.

Possessor(s)' gameplay is challenging, the environments are stunning, and the story is superb. You can't go wrong with this intense and interesting sci-fi action game.

Possessor(s) is a brand new Metroidvania full of lovely sights and dystopian monsters so if that sounds good to you, let's head to the city.

Possessor(s) brings a lot of success to the table: lots of boss fights, chunky and engaging combat, and a robust world to explore. Combine that with a strong narrative, and you have a recipe for success. The whip needs some optimization, and progressing the story can easily stagnate once the map opens up. Possessor(s) may not be able to contend with the titans of the genre, but it doesn't need to. It still provides a good experience for anyone interested in Metroidvanias.

Initially full of potential, Heart Machine's latest eventually runs out of gas when it's not stumbling off some awkward combat issues.

Possessor(s) is like any solid pact with a demon—a good time, but with its own drawbacks.

Possessor(s) is perfectly fine while it's happening, but its rote exploration and weak enemy variety mean it'll be hard to remember once it's over.

Hyper Light Drifter was one of my favourite indie games when it was released back in 2016. A callback to the classic Zelda titles with just a hint of soulslike to keep things spicy, mixed in with a phenomenal pixel art direction. Unfortunately, the 3D Action Roguelike follow-up Hyper Light Breaker didn’t live up to expectations and, despite some great ideas, fell flat in execution. Possessor(s) is the latest game from Heart Machine, but can it bring them back to their former glory?

I admit that oversized expectations for quality metroidvanias persist in this absolutely stacked year. Two months since the release of the rightfully hallowed Hollow Knight: Silksong, Heart Machine’s fourth title Possessor(s) presents another 2D genre entry, only much smaller in scope. Published by Devolver Digital, Possessor(s) boasts a striking animated look that mixes contemporary comic-styled characters against dramatically lit 3D backdrops. With SMT-like post-apocalyptic vibes and queer themes, it's ultimately hampered by a repetitive bestiary, ho-hum combat, and a somewhat unfinished fee...

Possessor(s) takes a good story idea and builds its world well, then stretches it far too thinly over a mundane, buggy, and depressing Metroidvania template that just isn't fun for far too many hours. The story's decent, but so many similar games are demonstrably better.