Possessor(s) Is a New Action Platformer From the Hyper Light Team

Possessor(s) is a stylish action scroller from the Hyper Light team, and we've played the upcoming Steam demo.

Developed by Heart Machine, Possessor(s) sees you play as a demonic duo taking the fight to the shady organization responsible for your town's demise. Publisher Devolver Digital describes it as “surreal interdimensional horror” wrapped up in a fast-paced action side scroller, with some metroidvania-esque exploration. A new trailer appeared during Day of the Devs, which you can see below.

My recent hands-on during a Devolver Digital event got straight into the action, and there's a refreshing fluidity to your movement as you slice up demon after demon. It's a rather different beast from Solar Ash and Hyper Light Drifter, and Heart Machine takes inspiration from platform fighters as we explore the ruins of this destroyed mega-city.

These desolate environments effectively set the scene, and I'm already invested in the story of Luca, who finds herself forced to co-exist with the demonic Rehm. There's good friction between these two highlighted by their conflicting priorities, with Rehm coming across as more the abrasive one while never striking me as a complete ass. This world's demons have a sense of tragedy about them.

Rehm has clearly done this dance before, he knows what's up and who we're dealing with, but there's a palpable frustration. He's got an attitude, doesn't go into (much) more detail than necessary, impatient and, at least to begin with, explains the new reality Luca finds herself in well. There's an intriguing dynamic to this duo that's a good hook if nothing else, which keeps Possessor(s) interesting between fights.

As a 2D hack and slash, combat looks good in action thanks to some strong animation work, yet the initial arsenal isn't grabbing me; all I could really do is slice enemies with kitchen knives or grapple them towards me. Aerial attacks with combos and juggling are about, but I found more joy with an unlikely secondary weapon, a computer mouse that allows for angled shots upwards. Of course, this is only the beginning and more options will become available later on, so I'm hoping they provide some additional depth.

A few things were left unanswered so far in my hands-on, which skipped the opening to place me straight into the action. This world is filled with a collectable substance dropped by enemies and objects known as chroma, which I assume is for powering up abilities. I didn't expect Possessor(s)' narrative to be what's keeping me anchored, though it's certainly a welcome surprise.

Possessor(s) is heading to Steam and PS5 this year, and the PC demo is now live.