Anima Flux is a co-op Metroidvania set to launch on Steam and GOG later this 12 months, with a port for Nintendo Change coming later down the road. The sport could be performed with a good friend or with an AI companion controlling one in every 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 combat your method via swarms of mutants in a desolate, dystopian house metropolis to save lots of 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 folks 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 means that you can 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 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 had been obvious as I died a number of instances attempting to brute-force my method via the beefier scorpion enemies because the Swordsman, leaving my companion 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 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 too can spend a number 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 path you’re dealing with. True to the Metroidvania style, extra skills 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 straightforward to get misplaced as you uncover extra of the sport world.
General, I’m wanting ahead to what Anima Flux has to supply as soon as it releases later this 12 months and its future Change port. Take a look at the sport’s website here to be taught extra after which attempt the demo at the moment accessible on Steam.