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[danowat]

Open Critic - 76 Strong


Videogamer - 7/10

Headlander is so close to be a really great game, but it doesn't quite get things right. The game we have is entertaining, looks and sounds excellent, and gives off a cool vibe, but this isn't a classic. It's not quite exciting or inventive enough, and neither does it offer an epic sense of adventure and discovery. This is a game with many hats, but only one head – and that head is unfortunately simply OK.

Gamesradar - 4/5

Like many of Double Fine's games, Headlander is a bit rough around the edges in a few places, but it's probably the studio's best marriage of concept and quality of content since Psychonauts. It's an inventive sidescroller that hits way more than it misses; a psychedelic sci-fi head trip well worth taking.

Eurogamer - no score

Headlander shows a lot of promise in its concept, but it quickly becomes complacent with its most original ideas and falls into a dull fug. There's little that wrong with Headlander per se - it's a perfectly pleasurable project to while away the spare evening or two - but for a game with such a strong opening act, it's quietly heartbreaking to see it conform to such a tired template. It's got a head alright, but not a lot of heart.

Destructiod - 4/10

Even at its best, the game feels like an idea gestating in real-time, like a sponge dinosaur filling up with water. So much of Headlander teases you with the idea of what could have been; a shame, because the game we actually got is kind of a bummer.

God is a geek - 9/10

There’s plenty to love about Headlander and I haven’t been this impressed with a game for a while. It reminds me of playing Abe’s Odyssey for the first time and how much I fell in love with it. Double Fine has taken everything it’s learned from Broken Age and Psychonauts and created something great. If you love sci-fi, great writing and laughing, Headlander is for you.

PC Gamer - 80/100

Not as unique as you’d perhaps expect given the premise, but still a very stylish, characterful and funny adventure.

Gamereactor Sweden - 9/10

+
Amazing graphics, lovely retro sci-fi soundtrack, solid and smart game mechanics, wonderful sense of humor, good story
-
May crash when too much is happening on the screen at the same time

ACG Video review - BUY

Gamespot - 8/10
Video review

From its odd mechanics to its captivating presentation, Headlander's parallels to Metroid bubble under the surface; it's the game's fresh qualities that grab your attention and make it one of the most delightful takes on the well-worn formula in years.

Playstation Universe - 7/10

Headlander is another solid outing for Double Fine, and Adult Swim show that it can definitely bring something to games given the right partnership. Headlander probably won’t be quite so fondly remembered as the best from both worlds, but its unique collection of glorious 70’s space soap opera nonsense drags up the merely decent game it’s draped over.

We Got This Covered - 4/5

Double Fine Productions has managed to craft an experience in Headlander that successfully combines the retro style of 1970's science fiction with excellent modern gaming trappings. Don't let the absurd premise sway you, there's more than just zaniness here.

Game Revolution - 3.5/5

+ Fun gameplay mechanics
+ A good mix of puzzle and action
+ Authentic '80s sci-fi aesthetic
- Uninspired final segment
- Impractical upgrade system

Trusted Reviews - 4/5

Pros:
Inventive body-switching gameplay
Good puzzle-solving and combat
Infectious humour
Brilliant '70s retro sci-fi style

Cons:
Respawning robots
Odd sections that out-stay their welcome

IGN UK - 8.2/10
Video review

Headlander is an unexpectedly great take on Metroidviania-style action. Some of the objective design renders its flashier, body-endangering powers moot, but the quick and complex moment-to-moment gameplay carries it splendidly. It’s difficult but fair, and fast-paced but satisfying through to the end. And with a story so dangerously loaded with trope upon trope, it’s a joy to see Headlander sidestep some cliches with a beautiful setting, dark humor, and, well… a rocket-powered head. That’ll do the trick

Twinfinite - 4/5

Headlander had me hooked during my nine hours with it. The game oozes with charm through its off-the-wall and eccentric gameplay mechanics, and its humorous characters and fictional world. Though the checkpoint system may feel a little too ‘hardcore’ for some, and the game seems to struggle under the pressure of some of its more demanding moments, those who are after a Metroidvania-style side-scroller could do a lot worse than this. Besides, you control a floating head!

PROS

Classic Doublefine humor
Excellent level design
Quick and effective story pacing.
Gorgeous 1970s sci-fi aesthetic
Wonderful blend of combat and puzzle platforming

CONS
Technical hitches can be frustrating.
‘Hardcore’ checkpoints tediously unforgiving

Shacknews - 6/10

Headlander proves to be a nice distraction in the midst of the Summer drought season as I enjoyed its humor from start to finish. While its humor helped carry me to the end, the literal disconnect of the character's head from his body turned into a figurative disconnect as its story wasn’t engaging enough. It has some nice Metroidvania moments, although it sputters towards the end to only rely on its color-coded components to keep me out of certain areas, which felt like a cheap way to finish the game.

Game Informer - 7.5/10

Headlander doesn’t forge a bold new path, but it’s a lot of fun to live in its strange world for a while. Its various elements are well trod – ‘70s aesthetic, Metroid-style exploration, big questions about the nature of identity and consciousness – but they’ve been arranged in a fascinating way that feels fresh.

Attack of the Fanboy - 4/5

Double Fine was able to take a classic gaming genre and imbue new life into it with their trademark humor, and the resulting experience is solid. Just floating through the demented world that they’ve created is enjoyable thanks to the wonky characters you’ll come into contact with, and the mechanics are unique despite existing within a pretty standard genre framework. It could use some tweaks here and there, but fans of metroidvanias are sure to have a great time floating through the ridiculous world of Headlander.

Gaming Bolt - 8/10

When it’s all over with, Headlander has become one of my favorite games so far this generation. With so much nostalgia jammed in, then coated over with a hilarious and new premise I’d really like a sequel or even a TV show series that expands upon this concept. Make it happen!

THE GOOD
Excellent platforming, puzzle solving, and old fashioned adventuring.

THE BAD
Solid but bland shooting mechanics, and increased difficulty doesn't amount to much more than shooting the enemy a few more times.

PS Nation - 8.5/10

Conclusion:
I loved my time with Headlander. I did not know what to expect honestly and I am glad I played it. Everything from the story to the art style and music comes together to make for one of my favorite games of the year so far.

Fans of Double Fine Productions will be happy, as this continues the studio’s legacy of fun and quirky games. The story is lighthearted, with the ability to get deeper when it wants while maintaining the humor throughout.

It does have some technical issues which would have been a bigger deal if everything else around them was not so enjoyable. I hope in the future those issues can be worked out and if not that would be a shame because those are my only knocks against the game.

It’s a solid Metroidvania style game that finds a smart balance of not being overly difficult nor too easy. I completed the story in around ten hours and still had areas left unexplored and side quests needing to be completed. Luckily after the game is beaten, players are free to explore the world and there is even some new dialogue that reflects upon the end game.

I highly recommend checking it out just based on its art and story, though it helps that it is fun to play too. In a year filled with great indie games, Headlander should stand out from the crowd when 2016 wraps up.

Polygon - 8/10

Headlander isn't Double Fine's funniest game, but it's one of its most consistently fun

It’s not always clear but Headlander doesn’t overstay its welcome, and it doesn’t waste time on extraneous stuff. Instead, Headlander finds smart core mechanics and a really cool idea and pushes them both to smart places that make for a game remains engaging even as it steadily grows more challenging.

Hardcore Gamer - 4.5/5

The moment you begin Headlander and see the VHS-style lines show up along with the formation of the old-school title with a blast of colors and a jaunty tune, you know you’re in for something good. And the moment you learn how to nail fifty headshots and earn a trophy called “The Gun is Good,” you know you’re in for a classic. The unique gimmick of being able to hijack enemy bodies builds upon the metrodvania standards quite beautifully and the over-the-top ’70s sci-fi setting provides a lot of jaw-dropping sights and scenery to experience. This is easily one of the year’s most enjoyable games and one you won’t be forgetting anytime soon. As dementedly fun as one of its hedonistic trips to the Fondlarium, Headlander is an amazing metroidvania game that you really need to check out.

 

[purpletentacle]

Destructoid - 4.5/10

Eurogamer - a tepid review.

 

[Fady K]

8 Gamespot
7 PlayStation Universe
8.2 IGN
4.5/10 Destructoid
8 gamewatcher
7.5 Game Informer

Very solid scores

 

[FelipeMGM]

Here is mine, its in Brazilian Portuguese tho, so IDK how usefull will be for most of GAF
http://reloading.com.br/destaque/review-headlander-pc-ps4/

I gave it a 8/10. Really enjoyed, despite the shooting controls beeing mostly bad/not fun to use. The combat with the head itself and melee is fun though, especially after some upgrades. Puzzles are simple but good mostly because the changing head mechanic. Loved the visuals, the sound and humor present troughout the whole thing.

Also, it has one of the most weirde (and fun) matches of chess ever lol

Any doubts Im here guys

 

[madmackem]

Destructoid - 4.5/10

Yeah that destuctiod review is brutal, some of it seemed very nitpicky tbh.

 

[CecilRousso]

PC Gamer - 80/100
http://www.pcgamer.com/headlander-review/

Gamereactor Sweden - 9/10
http://www.gamereactor.se/recensioner/368503/Headlander/

 

[purpletentacle]

Yeah that destuctiod review is brutal, some of it seemed very nitpicky tbh.

Agreed. Review seems too pre-occupied making a case for its mixed messaging, rather than discussing if its any fun to play at the end of the day. Or if he did, I missed it.

 

[Karak]

My review for ACG Review
Rated it a Buy

A couple issues here and there but I beat it and...turned round and restarted.

Pros
Music
sound
voice
some awesome color puzzles
control never let me down



Cons
Overstayed its welcome with quests

Yeah that destuctiod review is brutal, some of it seemed very nitpicky tbh.

hmmm. They are also factually wrong on a couple bits.

 

[GavinUK86]

"Headlander shows a lot of promise in its concept, but it quickly becomes complacent with its most original ideas and falls into a dull fug."

Yup, that's a Double Fine game in a nutshell.

 

[jaekeem]

whoa

scores seem either good or awful

 

[madmackem]

"Headlander shows a lot of promise in its concept, but it quickly becomes complacent with its most original ideas and falls into a dull fug."

Yup, that's a Double Fine game in a nutshell.

Pretty much but what you normally get out of df game is fun, it seems this is fun too so I'm in.

 

[PaulloDEC]

Some mixed reviews for sure, but enough praise that I wont be dissuaded from a day-one purchase. Love me some Double Fine.

 

[Zach]

I was on the fence with this one. I'll wait.

 

[CecilRousso]

We Got This Covered - 4/5

http://wegotthiscovered.com/gaming/headlander-review/

Double Fine Productions has managed to craft an experience in Headlander that successfully combines the retro style of 1970's science fiction with excellent modern gaming trappings. Don't let the absurd premise sway you, there's more than just zaniness here.

 

[piratepwnsninja]

My review for ACG Review
Rated it a Buy

A couple issues here and there but I beat it and...turned round and restarted.

Pros
Music
sound
voice
some awesome color puzzles
control never let me down



Cons
Overstayed its welcome with quests


hmmm. They are also factually wrong on a couple bits.

Which bits?

 

[danowat]

Is there a list of GAF sanctioned review sites anywhere?

Also, FWIW, playtime appears to be around 10hrs, no mention of framerate on the PS4 version.

 

[Tankard]

Some really good reviews, still wanna see of Gaf thinks of it before i buy it.

 

[jimboton]

That Eurogamer review is exactly what I expected. Charming, boring and shallow, typical Double Fine.

 

[FelipeMGM]

Yeah that destuctiod review is brutal, some of it seemed very nitpicky tbh.

He is so mad about the chess part, which for me was a great way to break the usual pace of the game and add something kinda different.

Also, the boss fight after the chess part wasnt frustrating at all, just boring TBH

 

[CecilRousso]

Game Revolution - 3.5/5

+ Fun gameplay mechanics
+ A good mix of puzzle and action
+ Authentic '80s sci-fi aesthetic
- Uninspired final segment
- Impractical upgrade system

http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/headlander

 

[FelipeMGM]

Is there a list of GAF sanctioned review sites anywhere?

Also, FWIW, playtime appears to be around 10hrs, no mention of framerate on the PS4 version.

10h just to finish the game is a bit much, I prob played around that and I have 98% of the game right now. Prob going to platinum this

Framerate on PS4 was mostly solid, dropped a couple times when things were insane on the screen (lots of enemies and lots of lasers)

 

[Mr. Mister]

Also, the boss fight after the chess part wasnt frustrating at all, just boring TBH

So that makes it okay?

 

[CecilRousso]

Trusted Reviews - 4/5

Pros:
Inventive body-switching gameplay
Good puzzle-solving and combat
Infectious humour
Brilliant '70s retro sci-fi style

Cons:
Respawning robots
Odd sections that out-stay their welcome

Read more at http://www.trustedreviews.com/headlander-review#hiScu2flaShDDvRp.99


http://www.trustedreviews.com/headlander-review


Good is A Geek - 9/10

There’s plenty to love about Headlander and I haven’t been this impressed with a game for a while. It reminds me of playing Abe’s Odyssey for the first time and how much I fell in love with it. Double Fine has taken everything it’s learned from Broken Age and Psychonauts and created something great. If you love sci-fi, great writing and laughing, Headlander is for you.

http://www.godisageek.com/reviews/headlander-review/

 

[FelipeMGM]

So that makes it okay?

What? Never said that, just wasnt frustrating. And me clearly saying it was boring shows I dont think it is ok. Its not a good boss fight, but not because its frustrating.

 

[Triggerhappytel]

"Headlander shows a lot of promise in its concept, but it quickly becomes complacent with its most original ideas and falls into a dull fug."

Yup, that's a Double Fine game in a nutshell.

Yeah; I'm unable to disagree with this. I like the concept of their games, but rarely enjoy playing them all that much.

 

[danowat]

Yeah; I'm unable to disagree with this. I like the concept of their games, but rarely enjoy playing them all that much.

They always seem to have great ideas, but never seem to fully expand on that, they always end up feeling a little........empty as a result.

It's like Stacking, that was such a unique concept, but ultimately the game just wasn't there.

 

[CecilRousso]

"Headlander shows a lot of promise in its concept, but it quickly becomes complacent with its most original ideas and falls into a dull fug."

Yup, that's a Double Fine game in a nutshell.

I guess that's a quote that's going to be used quite a lot here, despite most reviews being very positive.

 

[CHC]

Even at its best, the game feels like an idea gestating in real-time, like a sponge dinosaur filling up with water. So much of Headlander teases you with the idea of what could have been; a shame, because the game we actually got is kind of a bummer.

I feel like you could pretty much attach this tag to any Double Fine game.

I mean, you have to appreciate that they were one of the biggest pioneers of community involvement / crowdsourcing, but just once I'd love to see them make a game that is really their absolute best effort and something that is capable of receiving universal acclaim. So much of their work just seems like someone blurted out a zany idea and then they took it to its logical conclusion, without much polish or consideration.

 

[wouwie]

Good scores in general it seems so i'm buying this game.

 

[Sinatar]

Sounds like your typical double fine game, great ideas, poor execution.

 

[Karak]

Much better than any double fine game I have played in years.

 

[CecilRousso]

Twinfinite - 4/5 - Great

Headlander had me hooked during my nine hours with it. The game oozes with charm through its off-the-wall and eccentric gameplay mechanics, and its humorous characters and fictional world. Though the checkpoint system may feel a little too ‘hardcore’ for some, and the game seems to struggle under the pressure of some of its more demanding moments, those who are after a Metroidvania-style side-scroller could do a lot worse than this. Besides, you control a floating head!

PROS

Classic Doublefine humor
Excellent level design
Quick and effective story pacing.
Gorgeous 1970s sci-fi aesthetic
Wonderful blend of combat and puzzle platforming

CONS
Technical hitches can be frustrating.
‘Hardcore’ checkpoints tediously unforgiving

http://twinfinite.net/2016/07/headlander-review/

 

[TheBeebs]

Here's my review over at Shacknews:

http://www.shacknews.com/article/95970/headlander-review-heads-or-tails

I love both Double Fine and Adult Swim Games, but I was hoping for more out of Headlander.

 

[Quonny]

Yup, it's a Double Fine game.

I swear they should just publish games and maybe have a group of a dozen or so people to help along with games. They have wonderful ideas but for some reason the actual games never quite live up to those ideas.

 

[CecilRousso]

Yup, it's a Double Fine game.

I swear they should just publish games and maybe have a group of a dozen or so people to help along with games. They have wonderful ideas but for some reason the actual games never quite live up to those ideas.

Being a bit selective about what reviews you choose to read there, aren't you?

 

[Quonny]

Being a bit selective about what reviews you choose to read there, aren't you?

No, I see the 9s and such. It seems like if you're willing to look over some flaws there's something great. Some people can, some can't.

I usually can't in Double Fine games. Their whimsy doesn't have enough pull for me, but it clearly does for some others. Obviously I haven't played this game yet, so I can't comment on this game in particular.

 

[CecilRousso]

No, I see the 9s and such. It seems like if you're willing to look over some flaws there's something great. Some people can, some can't.

I usually can't in Double Fine games. Their whimsy doesn't have enough pull for me, but it clearly does for some others. Obviously I haven't played this game yet, so I can't comment on this game in particular.

It's fine to be sceptical about it, of course. But it's a bit weird that you seem to get the conclusion that they should stop making games alltogether from that review list, with that many positive reviews.

 

[danowat]

I'm still pissed off about the vertical difficulty spike at the end of Massive Chalice, I really liked that game, but it was another example of a good concept wasted.

 

[CecilRousso]

Attack of the Fanboy - 4/5

Double Fine was able to take a classic gaming genre and imbue new life into it with their trademark humor, and the resulting experience is solid. Just floating through the demented world that they’ve created is enjoyable thanks to the wonky characters you’ll come into contact with, and the mechanics are unique despite existing within a pretty standard genre framework. It could use some tweaks here and there, but fans of metroidvanias are sure to have a great time floating through the ridiculous world of Headlander.

http://attackofthefanboy.com/reviews/headlander-review/

 

[RerezDude]

Throwing my review into the pile:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTDPpsbOlJU

I think it's fun, badly presented story but good gameplay overall.

 

[AgentOtaku]

Game came out of nowhere for me and definitely buying

 

[Karak]

Game came out of nowhere for me and definitely buying

Me as well. I got a note about it coming out just a day or so before it did. And man it turned out awesome.
Sometimes its nice to just sit back and have that kind of thing happen.

 

[CecilRousso]

PS Nation - 8.5/10

Conclusion:
I loved my time with Headlander. I did not know what to expect honestly and I am glad I played it. Everything from the story to the art style and music comes together to make for one of my favorite games of the year so far.

Fans of Double Fine Productions will be happy, as this continues the studio’s legacy of fun and quirky games. The story is lighthearted, with the ability to get deeper when it wants while maintaining the humor throughout.

It does have some technical issues which would have been a bigger deal if everything else around them was not so enjoyable. I hope in the future those issues can be worked out and if not that would be a shame because those are my only knocks against the game.

It’s a solid Metroidvania style game that finds a smart balance of not being overly difficult nor too easy. I completed the story in around ten hours and still had areas left unexplored and side quests needing to be completed. Luckily after the game is beaten, players are free to explore the world and there is even some new dialogue that reflects upon the end game.

I highly recommend checking it out just based on its art and story, though it helps that it is fun to play too. In a year filled with great indie games, Headlander should stand out from the crowd when 2016 wraps up.

http://www.psnation.com/2016/07/25/review-headlander-ps4/

 

[Mattenth]

Up to Strong now on OpenCritic (75)

 

[CecilRousso]

No Giant Bomb Review yet, but Alex Navarro just posted this on twitter.

Quadrilateral Cowboy and Headlander are both very good games. look for Quick Looks of both those on the site in the near future.

https://twitter.com/alex_navarro/status/757641065742667776

 

[Goldenroad]

Will buy to support CJ, so maybe next P1P he doesn't need to spend the whole episode schilling his new game. *j/k*. Game looks right up my alley. I pretty much buy anything DF sight unseen, but DF + Metroidvania is totally my jam, plus that 20% PS+ discount doesn't hurt either.

Do you get larger discounts for buying more than one of these promo'd games? I'm thinking Abzu is pretty much a lock for me as well.

 

[CecilRousso]

Gaming Bolt - 8/10

When it’s all over with, Headlander has become one of my favorite games so far this generation. With so much nostalgia jammed in, then coated over with a hilarious and new premise I’d really like a sequel or even a TV show series that expands upon this concept. Make it happen!

THE GOOD
Excellent platforming, puzzle solving, and old fashioned adventuring.

THE BAD
Solid but bland shooting mechanics, and increased difficulty doesn't amount to much more than shooting the enemy a few more times.

http://gamingbolt.com/headlander-review#z2fLlx1wHcCJEpMx.99

 

[mckmas8808]

Sounds looks a solid C+ type game.

 

[BSpot]

Man the all-over-the-place reviews are NOT helping my 'Do-I-Buy-This?-itis'.

 

[CecilRousso]

Man the all-over-the-place reviews are NOT helping my 'Do-I-Buy-This?-itis'.

PC or PS4?