H.E.D.Z.: Head Extreme Destruction Zone
Description official description
H.E.D.Z.: Head Extreme Destruction Zone is an action/shoot-em-up. You play an alien capable of wearing different heads, and the goal of the game is simply to engage other aliens in combat, kill them and collect their heads, ultimately trying to collect as many heads as possible. You can swap heads in and out of a backpack (which only holds 5 heads), and at the expense of points off your score, out of a store of all the heads you've collected (out of a possible 225).
Each head gives you different powers (weapons, shields, weapons, speed boosts, weapons, etc.). There is an element of strategy (in that you have to pick a good set of heads to avoid spending points on unnecessary swaps), and some heads only have a limited operation before you have to swap to another head and let it recharge.
Spellings
- Hedz - Alternative spelling
Screenshots
Promos
Credits (Windows version)
173 People (137 developers, 36 thanks) · View all
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Reviews
Critics
Average score: 65% (based on 17 ratings)
Players
Average score: 2.9 out of 5 (based on 6 ratings with 1 reviews)
The Good
Most aspects about this game appeal to me---as a kid, and still even now as an adult; the amount creativity that went into each head, ability, levels, sounds, music---it all just stands out from what we're all used to today. You don't often (ever) get games these days that let you play as aliens in an extreme sport that is the Head Extreme Destruction Zone with a wacky story such as that of this game. Many of the heads you can choose are based off of real-life people which I hadn't noticed back then as a kid when the game came out.
Something about the game just keeps me entertained for hours on end.
The Bad
The physics can sporadically get a little awkward at times, and the AI can either be smart or idiotic at times, but I guess that adds to the charm, I suppose, considering the alien species (Hedz) already have a goofball-like personality in the opening scene.
I also don't like how it can't run efficiently on most modern PCs, but that's to be expected with such an old Windows 98 game, yet there are workarounds to still get it running.
The main thing I don't like is how it didn't reach enough of an audience during its time. Most people either have never heard about it or instantly don't like it---often before even trying it.
The Bottom Line
H.E.D.Z is the type of 3D Platformer that you absolutely will not find similar to anything else; its entire concept is original and fully made up. The developers were probably feeling very free-spirited at the time and decided to make the silliest story in an action-genre game, and it actually didn't turn out all that bad.
If you want a eccentric retro-styled action game with explosions and such, then this game might be for you. The term "don't judge a book by its cover" applies to this game well, as far as I know. Out of the few people I've introduced the game to---who chose to blast it before trying it, a decent chunk of them had changed their minds.
I'd definitely recommend it to any retro gamer. It's not the best game ever, but it is worth a try.
Windows · by Kuwagust (5) · 2018
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Contributors to this Entry
Game added by Chris Chapman.
Additional contributors: Kabushi.
Game added August 17, 2005. Last modified January 26, 2024.