Overview
Possessor(s) establishes itself as a distinctive entry in the action platformer genre through its innovative dual-character mechanics and striking visual presentation. The game centers on the relationship between Luca, the primary host, and Rhem, her reluctant supernatural companion, as they navigate the ruins of a quarantined metropolis devastated by interdimensional forces. This partnership forms the core of both gameplay mechanics and narrative progression.
The combat system draws inspiration from platform fighters, emphasizing precise timing, combo execution, and aerial maneuvers. Players must balance ground-based attacks with air juggling techniques while managing the unique abilities of both characters. The interconnected world structure encourages exploration and discovery, with multiple pathways revealing secrets and story elements throughout the devastated urban landscape.
Heart Machine's latest creation combines hand-drawn character animation with detailed 3D environments, creating a visual contrast that enhances the game's apocalyptic atmosphere. The destroyed mega-city serves as more than mere backdrop, functioning as an active participant in the storytelling process through environmental details and carefully crafted set pieces.
What Makes the Combat System Unique?
The platform fighter-inspired combat mechanics distinguish Possessor(s) from traditional action platformers through several key elements:
- Combo-based attack sequences
- Air juggling mechanics
- Ground and aerial attack balancing
- Character-specific abilities
- Weapon upgrade systems
Possessor(s)
Combat encounters require players to understand the strengths and limitations of both Luca and Rhem, creating strategic depth beyond simple button combinations. The system rewards experimentation with different attack patterns while maintaining the fast-paced momentum essential to the platforming experience. Boss encounters particularly showcase this design philosophy, demanding mastery of both movement and combat mechanics.
World Design and Exploration
The interconnected structure of the destroyed mega-city creates a cohesive exploration experience that reveals new areas as players acquire additional abilities and equipment. Environmental storytelling plays a crucial role, with locations ranging from collapsed skyscrapers to abandoned aquariums telling their own stories of the catastrophe's impact.
Possessor(s)
Each area contains hidden secrets and optional pathways that reward thorough exploration. The open-ended world structure allows players to approach objectives through multiple routes, encouraging replay and discovery. Environmental puzzles often require creative use of both characters' abilities, reinforcing the cooperative relationship central to the game's design.
The visual presentation combines the atmospheric depth of 3D environments with the expressive character work of traditional animation. This hybrid approach creates a distinctive aesthetic that supports both the game's horror elements and its more action-oriented sequences.
Narrative Structure and Character Development
The story unfolds through environmental details, character interactions, and the evolving relationship between Luca and Rhem. Rather than relying on lengthy exposition, the narrative emerges organically through gameplay situations and the challenges facing the protagonists.
Possessor(s)
Supporting characters encountered throughout the journey each carry their own stories of survival and loss in the aftermath of the interdimensional catastrophe. These encounters provide context for the larger narrative while offering optional story branches that deepen the world's lore. The choice-driven dialogue system allows players to shape certain story outcomes while maintaining the core narrative trajectory.
The character development system extends beyond traditional leveling mechanics, focusing on the growing cooperation between the two protagonists. As players progress, new combination abilities become available, reflecting the characters' increasing trust and coordination.
Visual and Audio Design
The art direction successfully merges detailed 3D environmental work with fluid 2D character animation, creating a visual style that serves both the game's horror elements and its action sequences. The destroyed cityscape provides a compelling backdrop for the hand-drawn characters, with lighting and atmospheric effects enhancing the post-apocalyptic mood.
Possessor(s)
Sound design complements the visual presentation through carefully crafted audio cues that support both combat timing and environmental storytelling. The musical score adapts to different gameplay situations, maintaining tension during exploration while intensifying during combat encounters.
Conclusion
Possessor(s) succeeds in creating a cohesive action platformer that balances innovative dual-character mechanics with compelling world design. The platform fighter-inspired combat system provides depth without overwhelming complexity, while the interconnected world structure rewards both casual exploration and dedicated secret-hunting. Heart Machine has crafted an experience that stands out in the crowded indie action genre through its unique character dynamics and striking visual presentation.
