Possessor(s): A Stylish Metroidvania with Smash Bros Combat Set for November Release
Alx Preston, the game director of Possessor(s) at Heart Machine—the studio renowned for the acclaimed Hyper Light Drifter—recently expressed his dislike for the term “Metroidvania.” Preston argues that the label is vague and ironic considering that in Japan, similar games are categorized as “search action” titles, which better capture their essence. Despite this, Possessor(s) embraces the spirit of Metroidvania games, fusing classic exploration with dynamic combat.
Release Date and Platforms
Heart Machine confirmed that Possessor(s) will launch on November 11, 2025, available for PlayStation 5 and PC (Steam). This marks Heart Machine’s first collaboration with notable publisher Devolver Digital, known for their portfolio of innovative indie titles. While fans still cherish Heart Machine’s last hit, Solar Ash, Possessor(s) aims to push the boundaries even further in gameplay and narrative.
Immersive Storyline and Setting
Possessor(s) tells the story of Luca, a teenage girl who, after suffering a severe injury that crushes her lower body, becomes host to a demon named Rhem. Together, they navigate a dystopian “mega-city” infused with ominous energies, reminiscent of a hellish landscape that would unsettle even iconic characters like Doom Guy. As the city teeters on the brink of collapse, Luca and Rhem must cooperate to survive and uncover a path to escape this perilous environment.
Key Narrative Highlights:
- Dual character dynamics between Luca and the demon Rhem.
- A dystopian urban environment teeming with danger and intrigue.
- Exploration of identity, survival, and partnership amid chaos.
Innovative Combat Mechanics Inspired by Smash Bros
A central highlight of Possessor(s) is its distinctive combat system, heavily inspired by the fluidity and strategic depth of the Super Smash Bros. fighting style. Players will engage in platform fighter combat featuring dynamic moves such as downward smashes, wall runs, and a whip-like grapple. This combination allows for creative combo execution and a satisfying learning curve for both casual and competitive players.
Combat Features Include:
- Directional inputs and juggling mechanics that encourage experimentation and skill refinement.
- Improvised weapons such as cell phones and guitars, adding fresh tactical variety.
- Rich 2D action gameplay enhanced by layered 3D environments, providing depth and immersion.
Development Insights and Industry Context
The Heart Machine team presented details of Possessor(s) at the 2025 Game Developers Conference (GDC), highlighting their commitment to unique character design, evocative atmosphere, and innovative combat integration. Among fans of Metroidvania and search action genres, anticipation is rising, especially following the recent release of Hollow Knight: Silksong—a genre-defining title.
In the broader indie gaming industry, Metroidvania games continue to thrive due to their blending of exploratory design and skill-based combat. According to a 2024 report by Statista, Metroidvania-themed games have steadily increased in popularity, with over 3 million units sold in the past year alone across multiple platforms.
Why Possessor(s) Stands Out:
- Combines classic Metroidvania exploration with platform fighter combat, rare in this genre.
- Developed by a veteran indie studio with a track record of critically acclaimed titles.
- Unique storytelling involving complex character relationships and dystopian themes.
- High production values with 3D-enhanced 2D visual presentation.
Conclusion
Possessor(s) represents an exciting evolution of the Metroidvania genre—blending the strategic combat finesse of Super Smash Bros. with the atmospheric depth and exploratory mechanics that fans cherish in search action games. Set in a richly detailed dystopian world with compelling characters, it promises to deliver a fresh and polished experience. With its upcoming release on November 11, 2025, on PS5 and PC, the game is poised to captivate both returning fans of Heart Machine’s previous projects and newcomers seeking innovative indie action.
