Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 72 | 108 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 76% | 71 | 389 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 77% | 72 | 478 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Dec 12, 2025) · 300 reviews sampled · 478 total reviews in window · weighted 184.2 up / 55.4 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (54)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“Possessor(s) is Heart Machine’s best work since Hyper Light Drifter, a flawed but powerful return to form. Even when the mechanics stumble, Possessor(s) never loses its emotional clarity. Some rough edges, clunky traversal, uneven combat, and convoluted navigation, hold it back from true greatness. But beneath the frustrations lies a beautiful, heartfelt tale that sticks with you.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Heart Machine's new game is challenging in terms of gameplay, intriguing in its exploration, and captivating with its delightful aesthetic, though it does stumble a bit along the way. Possessor(s) is a solid Metroidvania. I believe that with just a couple of quality-of-life improvements, it could become a much better game than it currently is. That’s why I can’t help but think about its untapped potential, and the difficulties plaguing the studio, which undoubtedly hindered the game’s ability to reach its full potential.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Possessor(s)'s combat and traversal are quite enjoyable, there is ample reason to chase 100% completion, the story made me want to keep playing, and there were plenty of late nights spent just wanting to see what was in the next area because the game simply looks fantastic.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Possessor(s) is one of those games that sticks with you more for its moment-to-moment experience than for its overall plot. The story’s corporate-villain angle is serviceable but nothing new, what makes it special are the characters, the world, and the combat. Luca and Rhem’s journey from reluctant partners to something resembling mutual understanding gives the story its heart. The fast, stylish action and demanding boss fights give it its soul.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Possessor is a work of obvious and fascinating contradictions. A title that shines at its highest peaks, but stumbles loudly in its structural flaws. Heart Machine has crafted an exceptional combat system: fast, technical, deep, and free of unnecessary frustrations such as “contact damage”. This playful pillar is supported by sumptuous art direction, a bold 2D/3D hybrid that gives it a unique and memorable visual identity. However, the game's Metroidvania soul is its most fragile pillar. The title suffers from confusing exploration and a poorly implemented fast travel system that makes backtracking an exercise in endless patience. Despite everything, the overall experience is thoroughly convincing thanks to the strength of its combat and narrative coherence. Possessor(s) is an experience to recommend to those looking for satisfying combat and a fascinating world, willing to overlook its exploratory flaws.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“While Possessor(s) doesn’t fully break from a crowded field of search-action games, its compelling characters and pointed commentary give it some personality of its own. If you’re eager to explore man-made horrors, this flaming wreck of a company town will provide.”
read full review ↗ - 77
“With a distinctive look and some unique ideas this Metroidvania stands out, but not everything comes together”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Possessor(s) isn’t short on heart and style, but sometimes the gameplay doesn’t seem as innovative and tight as the concept. PC version reviewed. Review copy provided by company for testing purposes.”
read full review ↗ - 74
“Possessor(s) is a polished, character-driven Metroidvania that blends fluid combat, rewarding exploration, and emotionally engaging storytelling. It doesn't change the genre, but its bright visuals, smart gameplay, and memorable main characters make it a fun and enjoyable experience.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“Possessor(s) is hauntingly beautiful. It’s a stunning world that begs to be delved into with curiosity. Luca and Rhem’s dynamic is an absolute standout, with an excellent balance of snark and heart between the two. It’s almost to the game’s detriment, as every other NPC (besides the antagonist and one of the eye holders) falls flat in comparison. Movement feels great, as does combat, for the most part. Some unfair enemy design and stun issues drag the experience down, alongside moments where progression stalls, especially if you miss the unclear whip skill interaction. Despite this, though, Possessor(s) still manages to shine with genuine merit and contains a beautiful story well worth seeing through to the end.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Possessor(s) took me by surprise. I knew nothing about it going in, bar the reveal trailer I watched as I discovered it. It is fun, funny, and heartfelt. It tells a fairly emotional story, one that reflects on humanity, our drivers, and what makes us human. Whilst giving us a whole load of demonic bad guys to murder.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Exhilarating at every turn, yet never frustrating or inconvenient, every moment of my time with Possessor(s) was a delight.”
read full review ↗
The Punished Backlog
La Orden del Pixel
Seasoned Gaming
ani-game.com
STWGames Italia
The A.V. Club
Nindie Spotlight
Siliconera
GamesCreed
Checkpoint Gaming
Gamer Social Club
The AU Review…and 42 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Patch Notes - Dec 12 2025 - "Post Release Patch 6"Dec 12, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - Dec 5 2025 - "Post Release Patch 5"Dec 5, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - Nov 27 2025 - "Post Release Patch 4"Nov 27, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - Nov 21 2025 - "Post Release Patch 3"Nov 21, 2025significant · resets scoring window
- Patch Notes - Nov 12 2025 - "Week One Patch"Nov 12, 2025significant · resets scoring window