At GDC 2025, ECNETNews had the opportunity to preview an early level walkthrough of “Possessor(s),” the latest creation from Heart Machine. Renowned for their action titles, Heart Machine is branching into new territory with this project. Following successful releases like “Hyper Light Drifter,” “Solar Ash,” and the cooperative roguelike “Hyper Light Breaker,” “Possessor(s)” is best described as a metroidvania or, as the developers prefer, a search-action game—a term that more accurately captures the game’s essence.
In this side-scrolling adventure, players control two distinct characters: Luca, a teenage girl, and Rehm, the demon that possesses her. Although the story begins with an interdimensional catastrophe that devastates Luca’s world and takes her loved ones, she survives thanks to the intervention of Rehm, a mysterious horned figure now residing within her.
As Luca and Rehm navigate the quarantined city, they encounter various objects possessed by feral demons, creating an atmosphere filled with unexpected challenges. The story unfolds against the backdrop of their differing perspectives on demons and the ominous corporation behind the chaos, which helps diminish the isolation often felt in similar games.
Thanks to Rehm’s assistance, Luca gains new prosthetic legs that enhance her mobility, allowing her to perform impressive jumps and withstand Falls from great heights. Combat within the city involves battling corrupted objects and inhabitants, with demons utilizing clever tactics like hiding in plain sight. The combat mechanics resemble those of popular brawler games, focusing on combos and aerial damage, promising a dynamic gameplay experience.
As players progress, Luca will unlock new abilities, reminiscent of upgrades in titles like “Hollow Knight” and “Super Metroid,” which will enhance combat options and open new exploration pathways. This interconnected world encourages players to explore freely based on their acquired skills.
Visually, “Possessor(s)” marks a stylistic evolution for Heart Machine, diverging from the art direction established in previous titles. The game’s characters feature a hand-drawn aesthetic, with bold lines and vibrant colors reminiscent of comic books or manga, offering a fresh take that stands out among their portfolio.
“Possessor(s)” is set to launch for PS5 and PC in 2025, and anticipation is building for this intriguing new entry from Heart Machine.
