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Headlander

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2016

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Quick resume

Launch into the ultimate head trip as you blast through psychotic robots in a retro 70's sci-fi action adventure from Double Fine Productions. 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 computer.

Global score

91/100

Genres

Action, Indie, Platform, Shooter, Adventure

Pros

  • Unique and creative gameplay mechanic
  • Stylish 70s retro-futuristic aesthetic
  • Humorous writing and voice acting
  • Accessible and smooth controls
  • Engaging exploration and upgrades

Cons

  • Limited enemy variety and combat depth
  • Some backtracking can feel tedious
  • Short game length and low replay value
  • Story considered thin or underdeveloped
  • Performance issues reported on some systems

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players control a disembodied head that can freely attach to various robot bodies, choosing how to navigate and solve puzzles."

  • Competence
    3

    "Gameplay involves skillful aiming, dodging lasers, and upgrading abilities, though combat is generally easy and some find it repetitive."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on exploration and personal progression without competitive or ranked elements."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players report enjoying the game enough to complete it in one or two sittings; some mention limited replay value."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Unique mechanic of controlling a flying head and inhabiting different robot bodies; creative level design and puzzles."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over other players; single-player focus."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players enjoy the trippy 70s sci-fi aesthetic and humor as a form of stress relief and immersive distraction."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, with no indication of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Game encourages trying different bodies and abilities to solve puzzles and progress."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Metroidvania style encourages discovering new areas, secrets, and backtracking with new abilities."

  • Expression
    3

    "Players can customize gameplay style by choosing different robot bodies and upgrading abilities."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strongly imaginative sci-fi setting with flying heads, robots, and retro-futuristic world."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; purely single-player."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn to use abilities and upgrades to overcome challenges and progress."

  • Health
    -5

    "No physical activity or health-related gameplay elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention; some players note fast-paced action and puzzles."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No close social relationships or emotional sharing; single-player experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players collect upgrades and abilities to enhance their head and bodies, enabling access to new areas."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Generally a lighthearted and humorous experience with some tension during combat."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Colorful visuals, laser effects, and retro soundtrack provide sensory stimulation and fun."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems."

  • Story
    2

    "Narrative is present but light and sometimes considered thin; humor and style are emphasized."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Some puzzle solving and tactical use of bodies and abilities, but combat is straightforward."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some moments of tension in combat and boss fights, but overall not highly suspenseful."

  • Value
    3

    "Generally considered good value for price given length and quality; some recommend buying on sale."

  • Violence
    2

    "Combat involves shooting lasers and dismembering robot heads, but in a stylized and humorous context."

  • Survival
    1

    "Players must avoid damage and manage health upgrades, but difficulty is moderate and forgiving."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026