Anima Flux

Said upgrades are purchasable after completing some intuitive sidequests which served as a good way to vary gameplay as well as incentize exploration more given the fact that upgrades were substantial and noteworthy.

Ofcourse you can also play the game coop which is probably even more fun.

Far from it, the companion's AI is quite capable enough to hold their ground in combat, although it must be noted that most of the time the enemy AI, specifically bosses, will focus you.

There are very few other humans to be found outside the base (ok, there are merchants to upgrade your armor, for example, like in every Metroidvania...), but the story has a few twists and turns to offer and you won't only encounter larger-than-life insects in the end.

Anima flux is a joy to look at due its crisp visuals with high fidelity assets and great compositions.

Atmosphere was nice, fighting and movement felt awesome (for a person who played a lot in souls-like games, last boss made me sweat, ahah), scenes and animations were cool.