GDC 2024: Arms-On Preview of Anima Flux

Anima Flux is a co-op Metroidvania set to launch on Steam and GOG later this 12 months, with a port for Nintendo Swap coming later down the road. The sport could be performed with a good friend or with an AI associate controlling considered one of two genetically enhanced troopers specializing in ranged or melee assaults. Benefiting from every character’s strengths is important to protecting every others weaknesses as you combat your approach by way of swarms of mutants in a desolate, dystopian area metropolis to save lots of 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 comply with 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 abilities had been obvious as I died a number of occasions making an attempt to brute-force my approach by way of the beefier scorpion enemies because the Swordsman, leaving my associate 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 by way of hoards of enemies. It’s also possible to spend among the rage meter’s expenses to make use of particular assaults as an alternative of utilizing the entire 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 way of enemies. The Archer’s equal (prices 2 expenses) is a cost shot that fires a cone of piercing arrows within the route you’re going through. 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 Swap port. Take a look at the sport’s website right here to study extra after which strive the demo at the moment accessible on Steam.