Get Your Head Around Double Fine's New Metroidvania
Head-swapping comedy-platformer Headlander
Headlander is the next game from Double Fine, and with news that the project lead from the wonderful Stacking is in charge I'm definitely paying attention. Borrowing the body-swapping concept from that Russian Doll-themed game, Headlander applies it more of a Metroidvania structure, with some lovely 70s sci-fi trappings and the option to graft your head onto anything from dogs to dancers. Take a look below.
Essentially, you're playing a head, who borrows others' bodies in order to obtain their abilities and access rights. It's more of a puzzle and exploration thing, with some dialogue, than a shooty-bang game, but there is combat, and as you can see it looks pretty frantic.
I'm a little glum as I've also been chewing over a design involving head-swapping, though it turns out Headlander's concept was first revealed as part of their Amensia Fortnight pitching session last year, so I did have fair warning if I'd paid attention.
Anyway: this looks like a lot of fun, taking Stacking's ethos out of an adventure game and into something spectacular and silly. Hopefully it's not too jumping-centric, but I'm really looking forwards to seeing more of Headlander. It's due some time next year, and Adult Swim Games are pitching in with publishing.