Anima Flux is a co-op Metroidvania set to launch on Steam and GOG later this yr, with a port for Nintendo Swap coming later down the road. The sport could be performed with a pal or with an AI accomplice controlling certainly one of two genetically enhanced troopers focusing on ranged or melee assaults. Profiting from every character’s strengths is important to overlaying every others weaknesses as you struggle your approach by swarms of mutants in a desolate, dystopian area metropolis to avoid wasting what stays of humanity’s final stronghold.
I had the pleasure of attempting 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 couple of individuals have 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 typically the AI wouldn’t assault enemies that have been hurting it or would simply stand in place doing nothing.
The supposed and much superior co-op mode is the place Anima Flux shines greatest. I performed the in-person demo with one other conference-goer and my rusty Metroidvania expertise have been obvious as I died a number of occasions attempting to brute-force my approach by the beefier scorpion enemies because the Swordsman, leaving my accomplice to choose them off from a distance with the Archer’s bow earlier than reviving me.
Every character has distinctive assaults that replicate their playstyle. The Swordsman is up-close and private and might use a stun assault to create openings to wail on foes whereas the Archer has the flexibility to evade assaults and pepper enemies with projectiles to assist the Swordsman. When damaging enemies, a rage meter will refill that when activated boosts the facility and energy of your assaults, permitting you to shred by hoards of enemies. You may also spend a few of the rage meter’s prices to make use of particular assaults as a substitute 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 by 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 going through. True to the Metroidvania style, extra talents could 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 Swap port. Try the sport’s web site right here to be taught extra after which attempt the demo presently out there on Steam.