H.E.D.Z.: Head Extreme Destruction Zone

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.