Possessor(s): Demon-Magic Legs, Fast-Paced Action, and a Rich Urban Fantasy World

Stunning Visuals and Tight Gameplay from Heart Machine

Since debuting with the visually striking 2D action game Hyper Light Drifter, developer Heart Machine has built a reputation for delivering games that combine breathtaking art with fluid, responsive gameplay. Their latest project, Possessor(s), continues this trend, promising players an intense and visually captivating experience.

Exploring the Metroidvania-Inspired World

If Hyper Light Drifter resembles a Zelda-like adventure, then Possessor(s) can be seen as the studio’s take on the classic Metroidvania genre. Although the developers prefer to refer to it as “search-action,” the game features many familiar elements: a sprawling open map, powerful enemies, and multiple branching paths that gradually open up as you progress. The game invites players to explore a vast, interconnected world filled with danger and discovery.

Unique Characters and a Gripping Story

Unlike Heart Machine’s previous games, which showcased stylized but masked heroes, Possessor(s) introduces a cast of beautifully hand-drawn characters with intriguing backstories. Set in a fictional city inspired by Japan, players control Luca, a survivor of a devastating apocalyptic event. Wounded and left without her legs, she awakens to find herself at a crossroads.

Her salvation comes in the form of a demon named Rehm, who offers her a dangerous bargain: regain her mobility and power, but only if she helps him seek revenge against formidable demonic enemies. This dynamic creates a compelling narrative thread that promises deeper storytelling as the game unfolds.

Urban Fantasy and Demonic Encounters

Possessor(s) draws heavy inspiration from urban fantasy anime, reminiscent of shows like Jujutsu Kaisen. As Luca and Rehm navigate the ruined cityscape, they face off against demon-possessed objects, such as haunted searchlights and possessed refrigerators. With her demon-enhanced legs and a collection of everyday objects turned weapons—like kitchen knives or even a computer mouse—she fights her way through hordes of enemies.

The game’s combat is fast and frenetic, making every encounter feel adrenaline-pumping. Running through the destroyed city, leaping over debris, and grappling around obstacles all contribute to a sense of speed and agility, emphasizing the game’s expansive scale. Even in a brief 20-minute demo, the map felt impressively large and detailed.

Engaging Mechanics and Promising Depth

While Possessor(s) doesn’t radically reinvent the search-action genre in its early stages, it hints at much more beneath the surface. Cinematic camera pans reveal the scale of the ruined city, reminiscent of Heart Machine’s work in Solar Ash. The game also features significant dialogue and exposition, particularly between Luca and Rehm, which deepens the story and character development.

Additionally, the game appears to incorporate RPG elements that haven’t been fully explored yet. Luca’s character menu shows multiple slots for weapons and upgrades—more than the few I encountered during my demo—suggesting a robust customization system. With only a glimpse of the map, primarily consisting of abandoned office buildings, it’s clear that Possessor(s) offers a lot more to discover, and I’ll be keeping a close eye on its development.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.