Heart Machine's Next Trick: Can Possessor(s) Conjure Redemption After Hyper Light Breaker's Misstep?
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Heart Machine, the acclaimed studio behind *Hyper Light Drifter*, is set to launch *Possessor(s)* on November 11th, a 'search action' game featuring quirky weaponized everyday objects and a demon-possessed protagonist, hoping to find its footing after *Hyper Light Breaker*'s challenging early access period.
Right, so you know that feeling when you're trying to cast a neat little teleport spell, and instead, you accidentally summon a small, slightly miffed badger? That's kinda been Heart Machine's year, hasn't it? The creators of the utterly beloved *Hyper Light Drifter* have been on a bit of a rollercoaster, and just as we were all still scratching our heads about one ride, they've pulled another lever. And fair dinkum, this next one, *Possessor(s)*, is dropping in November – much sooner than anyone truly reckoned.
Let's rewind a bit, shall we? Remember January? Feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it? That's when *Hyper Light Breaker*, the much-anticipated spiritual successor to *Drifter*, landed in early access. And, well, bless its cotton socks, it didn't exactly stick the landing. We've all seen games stumble out of the gate, like a newly hatched dragon trying to fly with one wing tied behind its back. *Breaker*'s had its fair share of woes, still trying to find its footing even now – which, let's be honest, can be a proper heart-sinker when you're a fan of a studio known for something as sublime as *Drifter*.
Now, while *Breaker*'s been busy navigating the murky waters of early access, Heart Machine has apparently been conjuring up another gem behind the scenes. And this one, *Possessor(s)*, has just had its release date – November 11th – confirmed. Less than two months away, mate! It’s quite the quick turnaround, isn't it? It feels a bit like a magician revealing a second, even more surprising trick right after the first one went a bit pear-shaped. The news came with a fresh gameplay overview trailer, and let me tell you, it's got my curiosity sensors buzzing like a faulty circuit board.
They're calling *Possessor(s)* a “search action” game, explicitly *not* a Metroidvania, which is a distinction I'm already fascinated by. What makes it different enough to warrant its own genre pigeonhole? Is it the *lack* of backtracking, or just a different flavour of exploration? I'm genuinely eager to dig into that semantic battlefield when the time comes, because genre definitions can often be as fluid and unpredictable as a freshly brewed potion.
But let's talk about the absolute glorious madness of the combat tools. You play as Luca, a teenage girl caught in the mess of a quarantined, ruined city. Her body's taken a bit of a battering, so she does what any sensible person would do when faced with existential bodily damage: she lets a demon named Rhem move in to patch things up. Standard procedure, right? This city, by the way, is a total wreck thanks to some 'experiments' conducted by an 'evil corporation' – because, honestly, when *isn't* a corporation the villain in these sorts of tales? It's like they're contractually obliged to be nefarious, a trope as old as time, yet somehow still effective when spun right.
Here’s where it gets properly interesting, though: Luca weaponizes everyday objects. We're talking a computer mouse, an electric guitar, a pair of sunglasses. My brain immediately goes, 'What if my character can drop an anvil that's actually a possessed toaster?' This isn't just a bit of clever asset reuse; this is pure, unadulterated chaotic genius. Imagine bonking a monstrous entity with a Gibson or deflecting a laser with your Ray-Bans. The trailer even hints at combat inspired by games like *Smash Bros.* – and if that isn't a recipe for delightfully unpredictable encounters, then I don't know what is. It’s the kind of inventive, slightly mad approach that makes you wonder 'what happens if…' and then delivers on the bizarre promise.
The shift for Heart Machine to a 2D, side-scrolling plane for *Possessor(s)* is also noteworthy. While *Hyper Light Breaker* ventured into a 3D roguelite space, *Possessor(s)* seems to be returning to a more classic format. Yet, it still screams Heart Machine with that instantly recognisable art direction. You see those visuals, and you just *know* who made it. It's got that stylish, atmospheric vibe that *Drifter* perfected, a unique aesthetic that makes the world feel both alien and strangely inviting. It's like their signature arcane sigil – you spot it, and you're instantly drawn in, regardless of the dimension count.
But let's be real, there's a fair bit riding on this, isn't there? After *Hyper Light Breaker*'s somewhat lukewarm reception – and let's be gentle, it was less 'lukewarm' and more 'slightly chilled cup of tea left on a windowsill' – *Possessor(s)* feels like it needs to be a proper home run. Can Heart Machine pull off another magical feat? Can they shake off the dust from *Breaker*'s early access stumbles and deliver something that not only meets but exceeds our admittedly high expectations? I'm cautiously optimistic, like a wizard holding a spell that *might* turn lead into gold, or *might* just explode into glitter and confuse everyone nearby. The studio has proven its creative chops, and perhaps this return to a more focused, handcrafted experience is exactly what they need to remind us all of their unique brand of gaming magic.
So, mark your calendars for November 11th, folks. *Possessor(s)* is coming, and it looks like a curiously compelling blend of stylish action, a darkly humorous premise, and a dash of 'what if we made a mouse a weapon?' It's a bold move, dropping this so close to their last game's struggles, but maybe that's the point. Maybe Heart Machine is just eager to show us what they're truly capable of. And frankly, I'm here for it. Let's see if this particular spell casts just right. Hopefully, it’s less 'miffed badger' and more 'grand spectacle' this time around.
Tags: HeartMachine, Possessors, IndieGame, ActionRPG, GamingNews
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun