Source: classicgameroom.com/cgrreviews/2013/04/01/dynamite-headdy-review-for-sega-genesis/
Formed in 1992 by several ex-Konami developers, Treasure has since grown into one of the most consistent video game companies of the last two decades. Classics such as Radiant Silvergun, Ikaruga, Gunstar Heroes, and Silhouette Mirage helped define Treasure as a company that could do no wrong in the early to late 1990’s – a development team that would be ringing in the ears of hardcore gamers for years to come. Dynamite Headdy is a very unique, challenging platformer that provides the fantastic gameplay and presentation you’d expect from Treasure but without the huge price tag some of their high profile games command these days.
The game can be best described in one word: unique. Headdy’s individuality is initially evident in the way in which the game is presented. Dynamite Headdy takes place within a play – complete with curtain calls and stage dynamics. Albeit a bit odd, the setting is strangely charming and works well for this title.
The gameplay of Dynamite Headdy is that of a standard platformer, its gimmick being Headdy’s ability to use his head as a projectile as his default attack. He can use his detachable cranium to defeat baddies, cling on to ledges, and even interact with the levels themselves. However, the heart of Dynamite Headdy’s gameplay lies in the various power-ups that can be collected. Most of these power-ups give Headdy additional “heads,” which allow him to attack in a variety of ways; other items allow the player to play bonus games, rest, shrink in size, or even turn Headdy’s head into a vacuum to suck up nearby objects and enemies. However, it is imperative to not pick up items blindly, as some can slow down Headdy for a short period of time.
As is the case with most Treasure games, the boss battles in this game are spectacular. In fact, the game starts with a boss battle: a huge robot chasing Headdy and his friends across twisted terrain before his first encounter with the enemy, Maruyama. Other notable bosses include the eerie Puppet Master and Spinderella, the latter featuring a really cool effect in which the boss spins the background to the foreground and vice versa. This is an especially impressive effect given the Genesis’ hardware capabilities.
The game begins with a training section in which the player can choose to partake, with some really fun mini games to help the user get acquainted with the game’s mechanics. After that, the game begins proper with the opening act – “Toys in the Hood”.
A cool aspect of Dynamite Headdy is that the game frequently changes gameplay styles to keep it from getting stale. In one such level, Headdy is flying in the grasp of a robotic enemy while being swung around backstage – all while trying to avoid crashing into various scenery. At another point in the game, the gameplay inexplicably changes into a horizontal shoot-em-up for a few stages, providing a welcome and challenging surprise. The level climaxes with the incredibly weird ‘Baby Face’ boss, which is one of the highlights of the game. This battle really sums up the Dynamite Headdy experience as a whole in the way that it’s chaotic, strange, original and fun.
Despite Treasure’s utilization of varying gameplay styles throughout the game, most of the time spent playing Dynamite Headdy will consist of traditional platforming; however, the level design is fantastic. It is especially impressive how Treasure is able to incorporate Headdy’s surrounding environment in its level design, which can be changed and manipulated in order to complete puzzles or advance to the next area.
The music in Dynamite Headdy is very good as well. As is the case with several other Genesis games, the tunes are very bass driven, sometimes groovy, melodic, and undeniably catchy. A product of its era, Dynamite Headdy sounds as good as it looks: impressive.
If you are a fan of platforming games, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. Support one of the Mega Drive’s unsung heroes, appearing here in his only game. Dynamite Headdy is unique, weird, hectic, and plays damn well.
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