Possessor(s) Review – Possessed By A Fun And Familiar Demon: A Deep Dive Into Heart Machine’s Latest Metroidvania

In the ever-evolving landscape of video games, certain genres become touchstones, offering familiar yet endlessly captivating experiences. The “search action” or Metroidvania genre, in particular, has seen a resurgence, and Heart Machine’s latest offering, Possessor(s), published by Devolver Digital, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of this formula. Released on November 11, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and PC, Possessor(s) invites players into a world teetering on the brink of oblivion, where a teenage girl named Luca strikes a desperate pact with a demon to survive and fight back against an interdimensional invasion. This comprehensive review, presented from the perspective of Gaming News, aims to dissect every facet of Possessor(s), offering an in-depth analysis that seeks to set a new benchmark for coverage and understanding of this compelling title.

A Descent into Chaos: The Premise of Possessor(s)

The narrative of Possessor(s) unfolds against the backdrop of a once-thriving corporate metropolis now shattered by the catastrophic eruption of a demonic portal. This cataclysmic event has unleashed a torrent of interdimensional demons, transforming once-familiar streets into battlegrounds. Citizens face a grim fate, either succumbing to demonic possession or meeting a swift, brutal end. It is within this maelstrom of destruction that we meet Luca, a young girl left mortally wounded, having lost her legs and witnessed the horrific murder of her closest friend. Facing death, Luca encounters Rhem, a demon equally ravaged and in dire need of a host to survive. Rhem proposes a symbiotic pact: in exchange for Luca’s willingness to be possessed, he will not only grant her a new lease on life, replacing her severed limbs, but also bestow upon her the power to combat the encroaching demonic horde and escape the ravaged city. While Luca’s initial reaction is one of apprehension, the prospect of wielding Rhem’s formidable powers to dismantle the monstrous entities is an experience that we, as players, can readily embrace.

Unleashing Demonic Fury: Combat Mechanics and Core Gameplay

The heart of Possessor(s) lies in its combo-heavy combat system, which draws significant inspiration from the stylish action genre. Luca, empowered by Rhem, wields a diverse arsenal of demonically augmented, everyday objects – from humble kitchen knives and computer mice to even sunglasses. The fluidity with which players can string together offensive maneuvers to juggle enemies is a remarkable feat of design, delivering a visceral sense of impact and satisfaction. For those of us who appreciate mechanics that allow for the manipulation of enemy positioning, Luca’s whip ability is a particular highlight, enabling players to effortlessly reel in airborne foes or even use them as traversal tools.

Survival against the game’s relatively challenging adversaries necessitates a mastery of Luca’s parry ability. This defensive maneuver is not merely a means of survival but a deeply satisfying mechanic, allowing players to repel enemy attacks with precision. The sheer joy of bouncing incoming projectiles back to their senders never diminishes, adding a layer of strategic depth to every encounter. The combat is further enriched by a robust weapon upgrade system. Players can imbue their chosen armaments with passive perks, such as increased parry damage or health regeneration upon successful dodges, introducing welcome layers of tactical consideration for navigating various combat scenarios. While the allure of experimentation is present, we found that once we settled into a mid-game loadout, its effectiveness was so pronounced that it could handle virtually any threat, including the entertainingly challenging boss fights, rendering frequent loadout changes unnecessary.

Visually, the action in Possessor(s) is a spectacle. The game’s slick and colorful art direction, coupled with its cool monster designs – many of which are nightmarish, twisted renditions of possessed objects – and a distinctive skip-frame animation style, create a truly memorable aesthetic. The beautifully illustrated conversation portraits, reminiscent of the striking art of Image Comics’ Saga, further enhance the visual presentation, making every character interaction a treat for the eyes.

The Art of the Parry: Mastering Defensive Prowess

The parry system in Possessor(s) is more than just a defensive tool; it is a cornerstone of the combat experience. Mastering the timing and nuance of Luca’s parry not only allows players to negate incoming damage but also opens up significant offensive opportunities. Successfully parrying an attack can stagger enemies, leaving them vulnerable to devastating follow-up combos. Furthermore, certain parry upgrades can inflict additional damage or even trigger restorative effects, turning a defensive maneuver into a proactive element of combat strategy. We found that dedicating time to understanding enemy attack patterns and perfecting the parry timing was crucial for overcoming the game’s more demanding encounters, transforming tense battles into exhilarating displays of skill.

Weapon Augmentation: Tailoring Your Demonic Arsenal

The progression system in Possessor(s) is deeply tied to the upgrade of Luca’s demonic weaponry. Each weapon can be enhanced with various perks, offering a substantial degree of customization. Players can opt for offensive buffs, such as increased critical hit chance or elemental damage, or lean into defensive and utility enhancements, like enhanced dodging capabilities or a greater chance to find restorative items. We discovered that while certain weapon and perk combinations proved exceptionally effective, the ability to tailor the loadout to individual playstyles allowed for a highly personal and rewarding progression experience. Experimenting with different builds, especially in preparation for specific boss encounters, became an integral part of our engagement with the game.

Navigating a Ruined World: Exploration and Level Design

While the combat and character art of Possessor(s) shine, the devastated city districts themselves – featuring locations like a university campus and an aquatic park – present a mixed bag in terms of visual appeal. Compared to the vibrant and dynamic characters, these environments can appear somewhat visually sparse and mundane. Nevertheless, these areas are far from empty. Sprinting through them unearths a decent selection of sidequests, including engaging bounty targets and fulfilling simple fetch quests for the city’s broken survivors. These diversions cater to the completionist spirit within us, offering ample reasons to thoroughly explore every nook and cranny of the game world.

However, it is in the realm of exploration that Possessor(s) occasionally stumbles. The non-linear nature of the game, where players can pursue the main objectives of collecting four demon eyeballs in any order, means that key abilities, such as a diving stomp and ground slide, are not always clearly signposted or introduced at opportune moments. This can lead to frustrating situations where players might spend considerable time pursuing what appears to be a viable path, only to encounter insurmountable barriers. Such moments often necessitate long and tedious backtracks, even after unlocking shortcuts. The “correct” path is not always intuitively clear, and certain environmental elements, like breakable barriers such as fragile wooden planks, can sometimes blend too seamlessly into their surroundings, leading to missed pathways.

Compounding these navigational frustrations are the relatively sparse checkpoints and fast-travel stations. Furthermore, the Soulslike-inspired mechanic of needing to recollect fallen currency after dying means that extended runs through enemy-infested areas or challenging platforming sequences can become quite wearing. The barebones map markers also offer limited utility, making it difficult to recall specific points of interest that might require revisiting with newly acquired abilities. Despite these drawbacks, the underlying sense of discovery and the satisfaction of finally overcoming an environmental puzzle or reaching a new area remain potent motivators.

The Metroidvania Loop: Balancing Discovery and Frustration

The core appeal of the Metroidvania genre lies in the intricate interplay between exploration, progression, and backtracking. Possessor(s) largely adheres to this established loop, rewarding players with new abilities that unlock previously inaccessible areas. However, the pacing of this loop can occasionally falter. Moments of brilliant discovery can be overshadowed by periods of aimless wandering or frustrating dead ends. We found that while the game provides a sense of freedom, a clearer indication of progression or the intended use of specific abilities would have significantly smoothed out the player’s journey through its meticulously crafted, yet sometimes confusing, world.

Environmental Storytelling: Piecing Together the Narrative Through Location

While some environments may be visually sparse, they often serve as vessels for environmental storytelling. The remnants of the city, from the debris-strewn streets to the desolate interiors of abandoned buildings, paint a poignant picture of the devastation wrought by the demonic invasion. Players who take the time to observe their surroundings will find subtle clues and details that flesh out the world and its lore. The juxtaposition of the mundane, everyday objects that have become demonic conduits with the grander, more abstract demonic entities creates a unique and unsettling atmosphere. This visual narrative complements the more overt storytelling and adds depth for attentive players.

A Symphony of Souls: Narrative and Character Development

Beyond its strong action and striking art direction, the plot of Possessor(s) emerges as an unexpected highlight. The central relationship between Luca and Rhem is the driving force of the narrative. Their disparate personalities clash and complement each other beautifully, leading to moments of humorous bickering that endear them to the player. Beneath the surface of their dynamic lie surprisingly poignant revelations that delve into the complexities of toxic relationships, both platonic and romantic. These narrative threads effectively humanize the characters, grounding the fantastical premise in relatable emotional experiences. Rhem, in particular, is a compelling character, and Heart Machine offers a fresh and interesting take on demon lore, providing a compelling reason to remain invested in this fallen world. The story is not merely a backdrop for the action; it is an integral component that elevates the entire experience.

The Unlikely Duo: Luca and Rhem’s Symbiotic Bond

The dynamic between Luca and Rhem is the narrative linchpin of Possessor(s). Luca, a resilient teenager thrust into unimaginable circumstances, and Rhem, a powerful but wounded demon, forge a bond born of necessity but that evolves into something more profound. Their dialogue is sharp, witty, and often reveals their individual vulnerabilities and strengths. We found ourselves deeply invested in their journey, rooting for their success not just as a means to survive, but as a testament to their growing understanding and reliance on one another. This character-driven narrative is a significant strength, offering emotional resonance that complements the visceral combat.

Demonic Lore Reimagined: A Fresh Perspective

Heart Machine has a knack for crafting unique worlds, and Possessor(s) is no exception. The game offers a fresh and intriguing interpretation of demonology, moving beyond typical archetypes. Rhem’s backstory and the nature of his powers are intricately woven into the narrative, providing a compelling mythology that feels both familiar and novel. The origins of the demonic portal and the influence of these entities on the human world are explored with a thoughtful approach, making the lore feel cohesive and impactful. This reimagining of demonic forces adds a layer of intellectual engagement to the game’s fantastical premise.

A Familiar Demon, A Refined Formula: Possessor(s) in Context

The most significant critique one might level against Possessor(s) is that it plays it quite safe, especially when compared to the ambitious and innovative spirit of Heart Machine’s previous titles, Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash. The core formula will likely hold few surprises for seasoned Metroidvania enthusiasts. However, to dismiss Possessor(s) based on its adherence to established tropes would be a disservice. The studio has, nonetheless, notched another highly entertaining single-player action game under its belt. This latest release serves as a powerful affirmation that Heart Machine’s action and world-building chops transcend genre boundaries, proving their consistent ability to deliver polished and engaging experiences. The game is a testament to the studio’s mastery of its craft, offering a refined take on a beloved genre.

Heart Machine’s Legacy: Building on Proven Strengths

Heart Machine has cultivated a reputation for delivering games with distinctive artistic vision and fluid, satisfying gameplay. Possessor(s) continues this tradition. While it may not break entirely new ground, it excels in its execution of familiar mechanics. The combat is tight, the art style is captivating, and the narrative is engaging. This consistency demonstrates a studio that understands its strengths and is adept at applying them across different thematic and mechanical frameworks. For fans of Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, Possessor(s) offers a comforting familiarity coupled with new challenges and stories, solidifying Heart Machine’s place as a premier developer of action-adventure games.

The Metroidvania’s Enduring Appeal: Why Possessor(s) Still Shines

The enduring appeal of the Metroidvania genre lies in its promise of exploration, discovery, and gradual empowerment. Possessor(s) taps into this fundamental allure by providing a world ripe for exploration, a satisfying combat loop that rewards skill, and a narrative that encourages player investment. Even if some elements feel familiar, the quality of their implementation ensures a captivating experience. The game understands what makes the genre beloved and delivers on those core tenets with polish and care. The satisfaction of unlocking a new path, defeating a formidable boss, or uncovering a hidden piece of lore is what keeps players coming back, and Possessor(s) delivers these moments in spades.

Score: 8.25

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Possessor(s) is a game that, while treading familiar ground, does so with such a high degree of polish and engaging design that it becomes an experience worthy of deep consideration. The synergy between its satisfying combat, striking visual style, and a surprisingly poignant narrative makes it a standout title. Despite minor stumbles in exploration clarity and a conservative approach to innovation, the core gameplay loop is incredibly strong, driven by Luca’s demonic powers and Rhem’s compelling presence. For fans of action-RPGs and Metroidvanias, Possessor(s) offers a devilishly good time that we wholeheartedly recommend.