Fairy Tale Spotlight: Headlander [Video Game Review]

"Headlander" is a side scrolling videogame released by Double Fine Games and published by Adult Swim Games. It was released in 2016. After playing it all the way through, I think I want these two companies to work together more often.

The whole idea of "Headlander" is absurd. You have a disembodied head in a jet-propelled space helmet that can suck off the heads of sentient robots, that used to be real people, and replace their heads with your own, controlling them. Apparently all the humans on earth replaced their bodies with robots and subsequently went a little insane because of it. They exist out in a space station and live for pleasure in their robot bodies, while an evil AI called Methuselah accomplishes some sort of plot against them.

Right from the get-go, the game has a very crass sense of humor. Space ships are penis-shaped, and there is a bunch of innuendo around every corner that you come across. It never ends. Also, the game has really leaned in on the 70's scifi esthetic. A lot of the rooms have shag carpet, everyone acts like they are on psychedelic drugs... and afros. Afros on the robots.

"Headlander" is a good example of bizarro fiction. There is nothing normal about this story. It is absurd in the extreme, but as you move through the game, you begin to realize just how seriously the writers are taking the story. I began to really care about the characters and even the fate of my own. By the end of it, I had a real vibe to take out the final boss. It felt like I was getting revenge, and I really wanted it.

The gameplay is entirely inspired by the Metroid series. Backtracking and map-use is a commonality. You are constantly perusing for upgrades to help you get stronger. New abilities get unlocked which allow you to fight harder and access new areas. It's entirely the same formula but done in a very unique way.

The ability to replace the heads of the various robots is a fun an engaging mechanic. Doing it to a heavily armed guard is fun, since you get to use his weapons. If you lose a body then you can just suck off the head of another and keep in the fight. It is a ridiculous yet strangely satisfying game mechanic that I never even once for tired of.

The game is very fast paced and a bit short. It took me a few hours to finish, but I was spending a lot of time looking for upgrades which is a mainstay in the Metroid-style games. It is a tried and true formula that has been used and reused in many games, and I found it very enjoyable.

If you like the 70's look and feel and are craving some off-the-wall goofy scifi with a surprisingly well-written story, look no further than "Headlander." I recommend it!

Thank you for reading my blog! Did you enjoy it? Either way, you can comment below, or you can email me at tkwadeauthor@gmail.com. You can also visit my website at www.tkwade.com. Check out my books! Thanks!