We’d been looking forward to Airhead for ages, as we first saw it in action during a mid-pandemic online press event. A very creative and atmospheric puzzle platform, we instantly became interested in playing it – which we’ve now done with the PlayStation 5 version. Here are our thoughts.
In Airhead, developed by Octato and Massive Miniteam and published by HandyGames, players are cast into an interesting world full of atmosphere and mystery. As you embark on your adventure, you take on the role of Body, a headless humanoid who encounters Head, an inflatable organism constantly on the verge of deflation – and you’ll have to work together. The fate of Head lies in your hands, quite literally, as you must keep it inflated using air cylinders while navigating through the game’s interconnected world.
Right from the start, Airhead presents itself as a game that relies more on atmosphere and gameplay to tell its story and build its world. Reminiscent of titles like Limbo, the game draws players in with its world design and intriguing mechanics rather than spoon-feeding them a detailed story or narration. This minimalist approach to storytelling allows players to immerse themselves in the experience, focusing on exploration, puzzle-solving, and the evolving bond between Body and Head as you uncover and use new mechanics.
Exploration in Airhead is both challenging and rewarding. Players must traverse dark caverns, ancient structures, and other mysterious locations, uncovering new abilities and uncovering hidden secrets along the way. The game’s interconnected world encourages exploration, with each new area offering fresh challenges and discoveries.
Puzzles are at the heart of Airhead, requiring players to find smart and creative uses of their skills to overcome environmental obstacles and outsmart the strange creatures and old technology that inhabit the world. The game’s puzzles range from straightforward to very complex, often presenting players with seemingly simple solutions to intricate dilemmas. While some puzzles may stump players initially, the satisfaction of solving them is always rewarding.
The gameplay mechanics in Airhead are refreshingly simple yet engaging. Players must manage their air supply carefully, balancing the need to keep Head inflated with the urgency of exploration – getting to where you need to go before you lose too much air. The game introduces various types of air cylinders, each with its own unique effects, adding depth to the gameplay and encouraging strategic planning.
Visually, Airhead is a treat for the eyes, with a beautiful art style that blends bold colors and stark shadows to create a visually striking world. The game’s 2.5D platformer experience is immersive, drawing players into its large and atmospheric environments and compelling them to uncover its secrets.
However, Airhead is not without its flaws. The physics can sometimes feel a little off, leading to moments of frustration or confusion. Additionally, the lack of a clear narrative may feel like a lack of guidance, with players unsure of their ultimate objective or purpose within the game world – more so than in a more linear title like Limbo. Despite these shortcomings, Airhead remains a unique and captivating experience that will appeal to fans of atmospheric platformers and puzzle games alike.
In conclusion, Airhead offers a compelling blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and atmospheric storytelling. While its minimalist approach to narrative may not be to everyone’s taste, the game’s engaging gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and immersive world make it a standout title in the indie gaming landscape. Whether you’re a fan of atmospheric platformers or simply enjoy a good puzzle, Airhead is definitely worth checking out.
Score: 7.8/10
Press Play Media 