Possessor(s)

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

The most disappointing aspect of Possessors is that it plays it quite safe compared to Heart Machine’s past titles, Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash. Little about its formula will surprise Metroidvania enthusiasts; still, the studio has nonetheless notched another entertaining single-player action game under its belt, proving its action and world-building chops transcend genre.

Possessor(s) is a bit of a departure from the developer’s signature style, but the gameplay is great and the entire experience is very polished. It’s not overstaying its welcome, and the story they share here is quite interesting, albeit short in my opinion. I wish we spent even more time in this world, but in the end, this is a very polished, high-quality game that everyone will enjoy checking out, especially if you are a fan of metroidvania titles. Not every moment in Possessor(s) is intense, there are sometimes when you unwind and relax, and also explore the world rather than engage in constant battles. Additionally, there were a few bugs at launch, but those were solved by a few, subsequent patches. At the time of this writing, the game runs great, and I didn’t experience any crash. I wish the map was easier to manage and you had more guidance, but overall, it’s an interesting platformer with nice twists, and it stays creative without burdening players with a complex story. Instead, it seamlessly blends good story with fast-paced action, making it a solid experience even if you don’t really play this genre.

Possessor(s) blends the grotesque, emotion, and exploration in a stylish 2D Metroidvania full of identity. Luca and Rhem’s journey stands out for its striking visuals and heavy combat that rewards precision. Even with difficulty spikes and a few progression stumbles, the game delivers a memorable experience and is well worth the attention of fans of the genre.

Possessor(s) is a compelling metroidvania game that's worth digging at to get to experience its flashy and enjoyable combat. The relationship between Luca and Rhem, as well as the general plot, is also remarkable in how it creates flawed, relatable characters in a messed-up situation. Though the game could have gone an extra mile to provide a more comfortable experience for players during exploration, it’s not enough of an issue to keep it from shining.

Possessor(s) is an interesting entry-level Metroidvania for those wanting to explore the genre and enjoy a story with interesting characters and beautiful visuals. The game disappoints in some aspects and may leave you lost at times, but it's worth the price.

With a map that pleads to be unlocked and explored wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling, as well as tremendous combat inspired by the best platform fighters, Possessor(s) is a heartfelt, and most unexpectedly great, Metroidvania that treats story and action, two distinct and unique facets of game design, as equals in this lovely story of coexisting.

Possessor(s) is a visually arresting 2D action-adventure that blends fast-paced metroidvania combat with a character-driven story. While the relationship between its two leads is compelling, the broader narrative lacks the same impact. Combat remains the highlight thanks to varied weapon types and strategic enemy design, though some balancing issues and uneven dialogue can drag the experience down. It’s a game with strong mechanics and bold style, even if it doesn’t always hit emotionally.

Possessor(s) is many things: stylized, satisfying, occasionally frustrating, and short but sweet despite its large map. It’s a familiar yet solid gameplay loop with few frills, save for shirtless demon protagonists and neon stylizations.

Possessor(s) combines an engaging narrative that will hit you in the feels with solid combat and a huge map for you to explore. Yet another solid entry in the Metroidvania genre.