Anima Flux is a co-op Metroidvania set to launch on Steam and GOG later this yr, with a port for Nintendo Change coming later down the road. The sport might be performed with a good friend or with an AI companion controlling certainly one of two genetically enhanced troopers focusing on ranged or melee assaults. Profiting from every character’s strengths is crucial to masking every others weaknesses as you struggle your means via swarms of mutants in a desolate, dystopian house metropolis to avoid wasting what stays of humanity’s final stronghold.
I had the pleasure of making an attempt out Anima Flux at GDC 2024. The sport caught my consideration as I hadn’t seen one other co-op Metroidvania since Guacamelee and fairly a number of individuals had been in line to check out the demo. I attempted each the solo AI-assisted mode and 2-player co-op mode. The solo mode lets you command the AI to remain put or observe you, however I discovered it to be a bit finicky as generally the AI wouldn’t assault enemies that had been hurting it or would simply stand in place doing nothing.
The meant and much superior co-op mode is the place Anima Flux shines finest. I performed the in-person demo with one other conference-goer and my rusty Metroidvania expertise had been obvious as I died a number of occasions making an attempt to brute-force my means via the beefier scorpion enemies because the Swordsman, leaving my companion to select them off from a distance with the Archer’s bow earlier than reviving me.
Every character has distinctive assaults that mirror their playstyle. The Swordsman is up-close and private and may use a stun assault to create openings to wail on foes whereas the Archer has the power to evade assaults and pepper enemies with projectiles to assist the Swordsman. When damaging enemies, a rage meter will replenish that when activated boosts the facility and energy of your assaults, permitting you to shred via hoards of enemies. You can too spend a few of the rage meter’s prices to make use of particular assaults as an alternative of utilizing all the meter to activate rage mode.
The Swordsman’s Left Set off (prices 1 cost) particular has him cost up his blade earlier than launching ahead, slicing via enemies. The Archer’s equal (prices 2 prices) is a cost shot that fires a cone of piercing arrows within the route you might be dealing with. True to the Metroidvania style, extra skills might be unlocked as you progress by discovering upgrades or buying them with the purple orbs which are obtained from breaking objects in ranges or enemy drops. One of many upgrades I like to recommend to get first from the store is the map, as it may be simple to get misplaced as you uncover extra of the sport world.
Total, I’m trying ahead to what Anima Flux has to supply as soon as it releases later this yr and its future Change port. Take a look at the sport’s website right here to be taught extra after which strive the demo at present accessible on Steam.