Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, has announced their latest game, Possessors, during the Devolver showcase. The game marks a return to 2D action with a unique twist: combat influenced by platform fighters. This new title is set in a desolate city with a striking visual style, combining dark tones with vibrant highlights. Fans can expect to explore a deeply interconnected world as they follow the story of Luca and Rehm, characters navigating a city devastated by an interdimensional disaster.
Possessors is designed as a single-player side-scrolling action game featuring fast-paced combat similar to platform fighters like Super Smash Bros and Multiversus. This innovative approach distinguishes it from traditional 2D action games. The game’s narrative revolves around Luca and Rehm’s struggle to survive in a quarantined city, pushing them to cooperate to navigate the challenges posed by the catastrophe.
Visuals and Gameplay
The reveal trailer, though brief, showcases the game’s visually distinctive style. Possessors employs a dark, saturated color palette with hazy yellow highlights, contrasting sharply with the neon hues of the Hyper Light series. The game’s aesthetic evokes a high-fidelity version of Radio the Universe, another title reminiscent of Hyper Light Drifter. The trailer also hints at the game’s combat mechanics, which promise a blend of sharp, staccato actions akin to Hyper Light Drifter.
The description from Devolver and Heart Machine elaborates on the gameplay, describing it as a “fast-paced action side scroller” inspired by platform fighters. This combination of genres suggests a dynamic combat system that merges action-packed platforming with the strategic fighting elements seen in games like Smash Bros. The interconnected world mentioned hints at metroidvania-like exploration, requiring players to master both combat and navigation to progress.
Story and Release
The story of Possessors centers on two protagonists, Luca and Rehm, navigating a city ravaged by an interdimensional calamity. This narrative setup suggests a focus on their relationship and cooperation as they face the city’s dangers. The game’s cryptic language implies a complex, emotionally charged storyline, continuing Heart Machine’s tradition of blending deep storytelling with engaging gameplay. Possessors is slated for release in 2025, with players able to wishlist it on Steam.
Concrete Inferences
• Expect a visually striking game with a unique color palette.
• The combat system will blend elements of action side-scrollers and platform fighters.
• The narrative will focus on character relationships and survival in a post-apocalyptic setting.
Heart Machine’s latest project, Possessors, continues their trend of combining innovative gameplay with compelling narratives. The game’s return to 2D action, infused with the mechanics of platform fighters, may attract both old fans and new players. The cryptic and emotionally charged storyline, set in a visually distinctive world, promises an engaging experience. With its expected release in 2025, Possessors is shaping up to be a notable addition to Heart Machine’s gaming portfolio, offering a fresh yet familiar adventure for players to anticipate.
