[GAME] Headlander Review

Developer: Double Fine Productions

Publisher: Adult Swim Games

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Platformer, Puzzle

Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC (Reviewed), Mac

Release date: 26 Jul, 2016

Find the game here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/340000/Headlander/

The absurd storyline in Headlander revolves around you being the last known surviving human within the universe, sounds cliché right? Well, here’s where things get a little interesting… All that’s left of you is a disembodied head. You can choose from a set of three heads in which you will traverse the universe in your super-duper space helmet. The levels are full of hostile machines that do not hesitate to shoot you at first sight, well, saying that, the weapons are physics based and can deflect off multiple surfaces and objects.

So, it seems like the odds are stacked against you, considering you are just a head. Well, what if I told you that this head could fly… Yup. You heard me. You can attach and detach your head from your fallen foes and utilise their bodies and lasers. As the story progresses you begin to uncover that things aren’t quite as they seem, not that any of this makes sense anyway!

The gameplay combines a mash up of genres such as futuristic, side-scrolling, action, adventure puzzle and more. The developers were heavily influenced by 70’s science fiction, hence all of the retro graphics and objects within the game. I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting a whole lot… But this combination of genres worked like a charm.

The gunplay is fast and fluid making it seriously fun, from the amazing physics system which allows you to ricochet your laser beams of object in order to take down the enemy without line of sight. Or you can detach your head and proceed by taking control of a robot in order to reach a previously unaccessible spot to give you a tactical advantage. With these crazy gameplay elements you have full control over your action which makes for a unique experience in every single level. Although the game would have benefited from a longer story, I wanted more!

Well, this has to be one of the most gorgeous platformers that I have laid my eyes on. The level design is sleek, as it should be on a space station, but the lighting effects are out of this world, literally. Firstly, the smoky rooms are illuminated by vibrant and retro colours which cast a stunning atmospheric light into the rooms. All of the light sources, whether it be fire, red alarms or general electronics, they all give off a warming aura that gives life to the lifeless mechanical rooms.

The art style fits the 70’s sci-fi theme perfectly, it is both aesthetically pleasing and a joy to play. The fine details in the game are just a fantastic addition, I mean the things that most developers would just skip over or be satisfied with as it was, for example, the textured floors / carpets are indented as you walk over them. In addition, the particle effects in this game are some of the best that I have ever seen. Firing the laser will leave a beautiful trail of particles which light up the walls and surrounding objects as they go.

The voice acting in Headlander is top notch. I found myself laughing almost every time that dialogue was spoken. In fact, it was so humorous that I went out of my way to listen to all of the dialogue that was available, not just from the main characters, but all of the unnecessary NPCs. There were plenty of jokes, puns and dry humour which I thoroughly enjoyed throughout the story. The music was very fitting and non-intrusive, although I would have liked a little more variety in tracks as I went to and from various locations. The general sound effects were extremely clear and concise which made the gameplay more immersive.

With a plethora of options, and sleek user-interface, you’ll have no problem navigating the games menus and dodging lasers whether you’re using mouse and keyboard or a controller, although the gameplay style does lean towards controller usage.

I really can’t recommend this game enough, if you love platformers then this needs to be part of your game library. For just £14.99 or regional equivalent, this is a no brainer. Even if you don’t love platformers, like me, I highly recommend you give this a try.

Thank you for reading my review, I had a blast playing the game, I hope you will too. Want to see for yourself? Watch my Headlander gameplay video below!

Headlander – 8.5 out of 10

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- Scorpio