This year’s Summer Game Fest Play Days showcased a wealth of upcoming indie gems, but none captured our attention quite like Possessor(s)—the haunting post-apocalyptic metroidvania from Heart Machine, the studio behind Hyper Light Drifter. The game follows Luca, a young girl possessed by a demon, as she navigates the ruins of her shattered city in a desperate bid for survival and escape. Boasting a breathtaking 2.5D visual style, visceral combat, and a cast of witty, unforgettable characters, Possessor(s) is poised to become another standout hit from Devolver Digital’s impressive lineup.

Fight to Survive and Break Free

After a catastrophic industrial accident devastates her city and leaves her legs destroyed, Luca is resurrected by a mysterious supernatural force. The cost? Years pass during her recovery, and upon awakening, she discovers she now shares her body with Rehm—a sharply dressed, sarcastic demon who broke free during the chaos. With the city sealed under strict quarantine, Luca and Rehm must form an uneasy alliance to escape the lockdown and uncover the fate of her family—and the shadowy corporation responsible for the disaster.

The disaster unleashed countless demons into the city, each scrambling to possess any living thing they can find. This leads to grotesque, unpredictable enemies—like a demon trapped in a houseplant or a power-hungry corporate manager. To survive, Luca arms herself with improvised weapons scavenged from the wreckage: everyday objects repurposed into deadly tools. One standout is a computer mouse that doubles as a grappling hook, letting her yank enemies toward her from afar.

Blending metroidvania-style exploration with fast-paced, platform-fighter-inspired combat, Possessor(s) delivers a dynamic experience. Luca can juggle foes mid-air, parry attacks with precision, and chain together devastating combos. The combat feels weighty and responsive, with both Luca and her enemies packing serious punch. The game encourages experimentation, as different weapons promote unique playstyles, opening up a wide array of tactical options in battle.

A highlight of the demo was a boss encounter with a demon-possessed office worker who zipped across the screen, hurling projectiles while their sentient, biting suitcase attacked up close. One of their moves could be parried back for massive damage, while another allowed players to dodge out of the way and wait for the boss to drift to the edge of the screen—where they’d become vulnerable to a powerful aerial strike. These kinds of strategic decisions are woven throughout the combat, especially during chaotic multi-enemy encounters.

Break the Lockdown in Stylish, Demon-Fueled Fashion

Just as compelling as the intense combat is the evolving dynamic between Luca and Rehm. Forced into a shared existence, their sarcastic banter and clashing personalities add depth and humor to every moment. Rest areas—used to heal and spend collected currency—become highlights thanks to their sharp, revealing conversations. Through these exchanges, players learn more about both characters and the bizarre, demon-infused sci-fi world they’re trapped in. Though we only saw the beginning of their journey, it’s clear their bond will deepen, and Rehm’s aloof exterior begins to crack, hinting at hidden layers beneath.

The game’s visual design is nothing short of spectacular. It features side-scrolling gameplay through fully 3D environments marked by minimalist architecture, elevated by stunning lighting effects and atmospheric depth. Character dialogue is presented in a style reminiscent of Supergiant’s Hades, with beautifully illustrated portraits appearing alongside text as characters speak. A striking mint-green hue accents both the UI and character designs, setting them apart from the otherwise moody, industrial backdrop—a refreshing twist on the typical crimson-heavy aesthetic of demonic themes.

During our time with the demo at Summer Game Fest, we were quickly hooked by Possessor(s)’ relentless yet fair combat and its sharp, heartfelt writing. The chemistry between Luca and Rehm, combined with the inventive gameplay and striking visuals, makes this one of the most anticipated indie titles of the year. While the full release is expected on PC and consoles later in 2025, fans can already dive into the experience by downloading the free demo available now on the game’s Steam page.

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