It would only make sense that two purveyors of the weird, Double Fine Productions and Adult Swim Games, would team up for Headlander. The oddball adventure, which was originally announced at PAX Prime 2015, will now land on the PlayStation 4 and Windows PC in July.
Inspired by the often insane world of 1970’s science fiction, Headlander takes place in a future where humanity has largely abandoned organic life. In fact, you are the last living human in the universe. Unfortunately, you are just a floating disembodied head at this point. While this could be seen as a detriment, you’re wearing a special helmet that allows you to hop into any headless robotic body around. And you’ll need to move from one body to another if you’re going to stop the deranged computer that is currently controlling every other robotic body in existence.
Judging by the newly released trailer, which can be glimpsed above, Double Fine Productions is putting their own spin on the Metroidvania formula. As a floating head, you’ll need to rely on your wits, and assorted robotic bodies, in order to take down the technological menace. The adventure promises to take you to assorted parts of the galaxy, including the newly revealed Moon Base and Power Dome.
Double Fine Productions has been all over the map, in my opinion, with some major highs (Psychonauts) and unfortunate lows (Massive Chalice). I’m intrigued by Headlander, though, as the unique mechanics behind the title appear to promise a new type of adventure. The ability to travel from one body to another has some serious puzzle potential and the retro sci-fi aesthetic is just the icing on the cake.
We’ll continue to have coverage of Headlander in the lead-up to its release next month, so be sure to stay tuned!