Airhead kicks off with a simple yet intriguing story. You’re “the body” – a headless character stumbling upon “the head,” an inflatable organism that needs constant air supply to survive. The game sets this stage impeccably, immersing you in a grim world where every step counts, and your companion’s life hangs by a thread—or should I say, a puff of air.
Visuals and Sounds
One can’t help but admire the game’s art direction. The world of Airhead is beautifully haunting, painting its caves and ruins with a palette that’s both vibrant and somber. The play of light and shadows adds depth, making each scene worth pausing and admiring. Meanwhile, the ambient soundscape, with its eerie undertones, perfectly complements the world’s aesthetics, crafting an immersive experience.
But it’s not just about looks; the peculiar creatures and intricate machines you encounter add layers to the game’s lore, tempting you to delve deeper into its mysteries.
Gameplay Mechanics
At its core, Airhead is about survival and exploration. The unique mechanic of keeping the head inflated introduces a strategic element to the game. Every decision matters, every path you take must be thought through, lest you run out of air and have to start over from the last checkpoint.
The controls are straightforward and responsive, allowing for smooth navigation through the game’s challenges. As you progress, unlocking new abilities feels rewarding, opening up previously inaccessible areas and adding a layer of depth to the exploration.
However, the game is not without its pitfalls. Some puzzles can feel overly complex or poorly signaled, leading to moments of frustration. Hints provided are more cryptic than helpful, often leaving you to resort to trial and error.
How Airhead runs on Steam Deck?
Airhead shines on portable devices like the Steam Deck, where its simple yet captivating visuals come to life. The game runs smoothly on Steam Deck, it has a verified status, making it a perfect companion for gaming on the go. Cloud save functionality ensures that you can pick up right where you left off, adding to the convenience.
Flaws
While Airhead boasts many strengths, it’s not without its flaws. The game’s reliance on environmental clues can sometimes lead to confusion. In my playthrough, there were moments where the path forward was anything but clear, leaving me scratching my head in bewilderment.
For instance, an early puzzle involving a rock and a counterintuitive objective set the tone for what was to come. It wasn’t always clear what my next move should be, which, while at times led to satisfying ‘aha’ moments, often resulted in frustration.
The game’s central mechanic, the inflatable head – while innovative, brings its own set of challenges. The constant pressure of keeping the head inflated adds a sense of urgency that’s exhilarating at first but can become a tad overwhelming over time. Couple this with the head being the focal point of your survival, and it can feel like the game’s charming exploration aspects take a backseat to managing this singular task.
No game is free from bugs, and Airhead has its fair share. Throughout my journey, I encountered invisible barriers, clipping issues, and some downright bizarre glitches that, while not game-breaking, did pull me out of the immersion at times. These technical snags, while perhaps minor in isolation, cumulatively dampened the experience.
Verdict – is Airhead worth a play?
So, is Airhead worth the ride? Despite its occasional hiccups and moments of perplexity, I’d say yes. The game crafts a world that’s a pleasure to explore, filled with mysteries that pique your curiosity. The unique air mechanic, while stressful at times, adds a strategic layer to the gameplay that’s undeniably engaging. And visually, it’s a treat.
However, potential players should be prepared for moments of frustration, whether due to challenging puzzles or the occasional bug. If you’re willing to push through these, what lies beneath is a game that’s rewarding in its exploration and satisfying in the obstacles you overcome.
How long is Airhead? I completed it within 5 hours according to my Steam playtime.
Airhead might not reinvent the wheel—or the genre—but it brings enough fresh ideas to the table to make it a journey worth taking. With some patience and a willingness to explore, you might just find yourself lost in its hauntingly beautiful world, inflatable companion in tow. All in all, it’s a solid 6.5 out of 10 for me.
