Possessor(s) Brings Hand-Drawn Horror and Platform-Fighter Combat—Demo Impressions & Why You Should

When Heart Machine and Devolver Digital dropped the latest look at Possessor(s) during Day of the Devs, I snapped to attention. Not just because this is the next big swing from the creators of Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, but because it’s doubling down on a blend that’s been missing from action platformers: tightly tuned combat, layered worldbuilding, and a surreal horror vibe that’s actually intriguing. Now, with the first playable demo out on Steam, we finally get a taste of what makes this game stand apart-and why it’s on my radar for one of the most exciting indies of the year.

Possessor(s): Why This Side-Scrolling Horror Actioner Deserves Your Attention

Key Takeaways

• Possessor(s) nails a unique tone: stylish hand-drawn characters against 3D horror backdrops, with real narrative weight.
• The demo shows off platform-fighter-inspired combat-think combos, air juggles, and deliberate encounters, not just button mashing.
• The introduction of Professor Foss hints at deeper mysteries and story arcs, not just another “save the world” setup.
• It’s the first time we get to play as both Luca and her demon other-half Rhem, setting up an uneasy alliance dynamic that feels fresh for the genre.

Let’s set the stage: Possessor(s) drops you into Sanzu City, a titan of urban sprawl flooded and gutted by interdimensional demons. You play as Luca, a high-schooler whose world imploded when the city got overrun. Her unlikely companion? Rhem-the demon who helped tear everything apart, now forcibly bonded to her. Right away, Heart Machine isn’t playing it safe; they’re digging for emotional tension and ambiguity, not just “good guys vs. monsters.” That’s a refreshing change from the glut of soulless Metroidvania clones and loot-driven action games we keep seeing these days.

What grabbed me during the demo is how the world feels both oppressive and weirdly beautiful. Hand-drawn 2D characters are set against atmospheric 3D environments—think collapsed skyscrapers, submerged parks, and labs brimming with secrets. There’s a real sense of place, and it’s not just window dressing; you’re encouraged to explore, poke around, and piece together what happened. It’s got echoes of games like Hollow Knight or Blasphemous, but Possessor(s) brings a sci-fi edge and a more narrative-driven approach. The introduction of Professor Foss, Luca’s former teacher, adds another layer of intrigue. What’s she doing in the flooded ruins, and how does her mysterious research tie into the catastrophe? Heart Machine promises more character reveals, but Foss already signals that these won’t be your typical quest-givers.

Gameplay-wise, the platform-fighter DNA is obvious. If you’re tired of floaty jumps and mindless slashing, Possessor(s) is aiming for something tighter: every movement, attack, and combo has weight. The demo lets you juggle enemies, chain ground and air attacks, and test out a small suite of Luca’s and Rhem’s abilities. It’s not just about clearing screens—it’s about mastering space and timing. I noticed the influence of fighting games (think Smash Bros. or even Guilty Gear) in the way you can launch, combo, and recover. It’s a welcome evolution for 2D action games, which too often settle for repetitive mash-fests.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Heart Machine’s previous games have sometimes struggled to balance style with substance—Solar Ash, for instance, looked incredible but occasionally felt thin on real challenge or depth. The big question is whether Possessor(s) can deliver on both its narrative ambitions and its combat promises. The demo is short, but hints at a world ripe for exploration—if the full game can maintain that tension, we could be looking at one of the most interesting indie releases this year. My only worry? Sometimes, precision combat in narrative-focused games can feel at odds with story flow. Fingers crossed Heart Machine pulls it off.

For players, this debut demo is a must-try if you love tight action-platformers, atmospheric horror, or games that actually have something to say beyond just “kill the monsters.” The art style is gorgeous, the world is mysterious, and the combat rewards skill and experimentation. If you bounced off recent side-scrollers that felt too generic or grindy, Possessor(s) looks determined to break the mold. And with Devolver Digital publishing, you can expect a certain level of polish and weirdness that’s become their trademark.

Bottom line: Possessor(s) isn’t just another stylish indie—it’s shaping up to be a new benchmark for story-driven action platformers, with the kind of mechanical depth and worldbuilding we don’t see enough of. If Heart Machine can stick the landing, it’ll be a must-play for anyone craving something a little smarter—and a lot stranger—in their side-scrolling adventures.

TL;DR: Possessor(s) is bringing together hand-crafted horror, meaningful character drama, and precision action in a way that stands out from the crowd. The demo is short but promising, and if Heart Machine delivers, this could be a new classic for fans of challenging, story-rich platformers. Definitely one to watch as it heads toward its 2025 release.

Source: Devolver Digital via GamesPress