Headlander (2016)

Developer: Double Fine Productions
Publisher: Adult Swim Games
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Genres: Action
Rating: 4.5 of 5, 1,055 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 7.8 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A fast and funny side-scroller where you fling a disembodied head between robotic bodies in a retro-futuristic world.

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What players say

Players praise Headlander's creative premise of playing a flying head that steals robot bodies, but split on the execution. Many say the combat feels shallow and the backtracking tedious, while the short length and stylish 80s sci-fi art keep it from overstaying its welcome. A few note there are only two bosses.

Screenshots

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This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.