Headliners
Release Date: January 30, 2025
Action, science fiction, survival horror, humorous, online, co-op, photography, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
Steam
A first-person coop-focused game, offering horror elements and plenty of dark humour. In Headliners we play as a photographer, trying to make photos of monsters roaming the streets of New York. The better photos we make, the better chances we have they will make the headlines and our character earns money.
Headliners is an action game, designed primarily for cooperative gameplay. It features horror elements, but was made with a large dose of humor. The game was developed by the independent studio Kafi.
Story
Headliners takes us to New York, where various, yet equally dangerous creatures roam the streets. Large and small monsters are an extremely popular subject, therefore photojournalists are sent to the sighting areas, whose task is to take the most spectacular photos of the creatures.
Gameplay
In Headliners we watch the action from a first-person perspective (FPP). During the game we take on the role of one of the press photographers, and our task is to photograph the monsters and the effects of their actions in such a way as to ensure our photos will have a place on the front pages of newspapers.
We can achieve the intended effect through various methods. Photographing the monster in all its glory is a good idea, however an even better approach might be to photograph the destruction it has caused, immortalize the pursuit of one of our companions, or even take pictures of other photographers... provided that they are currently being torn apart by the said monster.
After we are done making photos, we need to reach the evacuation point, then go to the editorial office and present the fruits of our work to the decision-makers, hoping that they will become the number one topic. This last element is important because at the start we receive three press cards, which allow us to go to areas overrun by New York monsters. We receive more in exchange for illustrating our "breaking news" with our photos.
Co-op
Headliners allows for solo play, but the pillar of this game is the cooperative multiplayer mode over the Internet for up to 4 people.
Graphics
The graphic design of Headliners is maintained in a colorful, cartoonish style, which emphasizes the humorous tone of this production.
Videos and Screens
[0:57] Headliners - Reveal Trailer
The main pros of the game
- Fun with Friends: Many users emphasize that the game is a blast when played with friends, highlighting its chaotic and humorous nature.
- Unique Concept: The premise of being reckless journalists capturing photos in a monster-infested city is praised for its originality, comparing it favorably to other games in the genre.
- Engaging Visual Moments: Players appreciate the action-packed environments, with moments of surprise and chaos that create memorable gameplay experiences.
- Potential for Future Updates: Reviewers express optimism about the game’s future, noting the developers' commitment to fixing bugs and adding content, which could enhance replayability.
- Affordable Price: The game's price point is considered fair, providing good value for the entertainment offered.
The main cons of the game
- Repetitiveness: Many players feel that the gameplay becomes monotonous after a few hours, with limited objectives and a lack of variety in monsters and maps.
- Performance Issues: Users report technical problems, including frame rate drops, bugs, and audio issues, which detract from the overall experience.
- Limited Content: The game currently has a small number of maps and monsters, leading to a sense of stagnation in gameplay as players exhaust available content.
- Balancing Issues: Some players find the scoring and reward systems unbalanced, particularly regarding the incentive to explore buildings versus staying outside.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Video Recording Features: Users suggest that the ability to record video clips or add audio to photos would enhance the gameplay experience and provide more memorable moments.
- More Diverse Content: Players express a desire for additional maps, monsters, and objectives to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
- Improved Navigation Tools: Suggestions include adding features like breadcrumbs or markers to help players keep track of their locations and avoid getting lost.
- Enhanced AI and Monster Behavior: There are calls for more intelligent and varied monster behaviors to increase the challenge and excitement of encounters.
- Expanded Customization Options: Users would like to see more gear and upgrade options, as well as better methods for recovering lost cameras and coordinating with teammates.
Summary
- Overall, while "The Headliners" is well-received for its fun and engaging concept, it faces criticism for its current lack of content and performance issues. Players are hopeful for future updates that could address these concerns and expand the game's offerings.
Summary generated on:
Headliners Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows
Headliners System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5-4440 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce GTX 1060 / 8 GB Radeon RX 580, 9 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i5-4570 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 12 GB GeForce RTX 3060 / Radeon RX 6700 XT, 9 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit