Headlander

 Xbox One
Headlander Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 5 Ratings

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  • Summary: Headlander is a a retro-futuristic, side-scrolling, action-adventure game set in a world inspired by 70s science fiction. It is a world of automation, a utopia gone wrong in which all of humanity have transferred their minds into robotic imposter bodies and are ruled by a deranged computer.Headlander is a a retro-futuristic, side-scrolling, action-adventure game set in a world inspired by 70s science fiction. It is a world of automation, a utopia gone wrong in which all of humanity have transferred their minds into robotic imposter bodies and are ruled by a deranged computer.

    You are the last known human in the universe, and all that's left of you is a disembodied head. Seeking clues to your fractured past, you must travel through a hostile world of machines, using a special helmet that allows you to dock into and take control of any robotic host body. As you launch from one body to the next, you'll start to discover that things are not quite what they appear to be, and the fate of humanity has yet to be decided...    … Expand

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Headlander - Reviews Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. 4Players.de
    Nov 23, 2016
    82
    Headlander is a uniquely funny, sometimes weird and visually very distinctive action-adventure.
  2. XBLA Fans
    Dec 8, 2016
    80
    Headlander is a really fun game for those looking to scratch a Metroidvania itch, however, those looking for a revolutionary new take on the genre should know that they won't quite find what they are after here. Instead, they will find a competent game that excels at the basics and offers a number of laughs and sources of wonder.
  3. ZTGD
    Nov 29, 2016
    75
    Headlander is a unique take on a familiar genre, and one that works thanks to its design. The humor is classic Double Fine, and even a bit dark at times, but it succeeds in what it sets out to do. The progression is great, and the challenge is there, but never unfair. For those that missed this game on PC or PS4, now is the time to dive in. This is one trip worth taking.
  4. ICXM
    Dec 5, 2016
    75
    Headlander is a fantastic and unique Metroidvania with some incredibly fun ideas and fantastic audio/visual qualities. It’s a shame then that Double Fine haven’t crafted enough ideas to make up for the game's padded running time which is hindered by its repetition. If you’re looking for a funny, seventies sci-fi adventure unlike any you’ve ever seen, Headlander is the game for you.
  5. MondoXbox
    Nov 23, 2016
    73
    Headlander features some very inventive mechanics, with a satisfying metroidvania structure and a funny story; its fights aren't something to write home about though, and some puzzles are quite inscrutable resulting in a "click anywhere until you find something" routine.

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 1 out of 2
  1. coorhys
    Jul 3, 2019
    8
    While doing nothing drastically different with the Metroidvania genre, Headlander is a very fun game to blast through; and as a fan of thisWhile doing nothing drastically different with the Metroidvania genre, Headlander is a very fun game to blast through; and as a fan of this genre, if you're looking for a Metroidvania experience, this is certainly one of the better ones I've played.

    In short, you play a disembodied rocket-powered head, which allows you to use the interesting mechanic of hijacking bodies, whether that be armoured bodysuits conveniently left hanging around, NPCs, or enemies. I understand that makes the game sound very strange, but that's essentially what it is.

    The graphics and art style are colourful and sharp, and it has a charming B-movie theme which fits right in with the 70s sci-fi feel the game is going for.

    It has all of the familiar tropes you'd expect, such as locked areas you can only access later, hidden power-ups and more, but the overall package is a fun, enjoyable experience, and one which I am happy to recommend.    … Expand
  2. Broyax
    Jun 12, 2019
    1
    La daube indé de la semaine est une tête ! une tête volante dans un environnement en 2D et demi qui atterrit (ou "attêtit") sur les corps à saLa daube indé de la semaine est une tête ! une tête volante dans un environnement en 2D et demi qui atterrit (ou "attêtit") sur les corps à sa guise après avoir arraché les têtes (mais rassurez-vous, ça ne fait pas mal).

    Evidemment, il s'agit d'un jeu Double Fine : on sait chez eux que l'humour idiot est une habitude inexpugnable... dont on aura bien du mal à supporter la bêtise et la lourdeur. Dans ce monde dystopique, la répétition du "gameplay" vite limité devient rébarbatif : tirer avec les lasers qui ricochent, frapper ou arracher les têtes, activer des conneries et des machins etc, etc...

    Le principe imbécile se voit étiré jusqu'à l'ennui qui se dispute avec le ridicule dans ce petit jeu minable qui a décidément une bonne tête de vainqueur : de quoi l'inviter à dîner sans aucun doute mais pas davantage. Les graphismes sont bêtes mais presque présentables, cela dit.    … Expand

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