While sandbox games are often just seen as a fun time and an experiment to be creative, sometimes they can be profound. Similar to how seeing the world from a micro and macro level in Everything gave gamers a new perspective, Lululu Entertainment’s Henry Halfhead winds up being a deceptively cute game about aging and creativity. But mostly, it’s a lot of creative fun as you puzzle about and become every object you can see.
Henry Halfhead begins with you as the titular character as a baby. As his last name suggests, Henry has only half a noggin, and you speedrun his childhood as you go from playing with baby toys and stacking blocks to getting prepared for school. You do all of this by occupying inanimate objects you see, which then become cute Henry-ized versions that you can move around and sometimes perform actions with. If you see it, you can be it.
Featuring a charming narrator who keeps you clued in on what to do next to keep progressing through the game (there’s also a helpful and optional hint section that you can pull up at any time), Henry Halfhead is primarily a playground. A lot of the joy comes from doing creative things with the objects you’ve been given, and a lot of alternate solutions are rewarded with trophies and narration quips. It’s not quite Stanley Parable, as you won’t get constant feedback on everything you do, but it feels special when you do something imaginative and the game recognizes that.
What’s most interesting about the two-hour game is that you see Henry age over time. What starts off as a mischievous and imaginative child with free rein to do as he pleases becomes an adult who has to work within the world we exist in. It makes you realize how boxed in and routine life can become, and how we don’t have to always do the mundane. It’s all a matter of perspective, and there’s quite a bit of narrative heft for a game that is inherently goofy.
As mentioned, Henry Halfhead is quite a short experience, albeit a memorable one. It’s also a very replayable one, as there are plenty of alternate solutions to figure out, and you can play through the whole game in local co-op play as well. Interacting with the world with a friend is particularly fun, as you can do some unique interactions and speed up the process quite a bit. Much like Henry, more imaginative players will get the most out of this game.
Henry Halfhead (PS5) Review: Final Verdict
Sometimes half a head is all you need, as Henry Halfhead is an imaginative and fun time for gamers of all ages. With a surprisingly impactful narrative and some creative puzzles, this goes beyond a simple sandbox and winds up being a PS5 game with a lot of heart that you should check out.
-
Cute aesthetic
-
Co-op fun
-
Impactful narrative
-
Some objects can be a bit clunky to control
Disclosure: The publisher provided a digital copy for our Henry Halfhead PS5 review. Reviewed on version 1.000.002.
The post Henry Halfhead (PS5) Review: Find Your Childlike Glee appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.
This review of Henry Halfhead sounds intriguing! It’s great to see sandbox games being appreciated for their ability to evoke a sense of joy and creativity. Looking forward to hearing more about the unique experiences this game offers!
I agree, it’s refreshing to see sandbox games being recognized for their creativity and exploration! Henry Halfhead seems to capture that sense of wonder beautifully, encouraging players to discover and play in ways that spark joy. It’ll be interesting to see how the game balances fun mechanics with storytelling elements.
Absolutely! It’s great how sandbox games encourage players to express themselves and experiment with different play styles. This kind of freedom can really spark creativity, making each player’s experience unique.
I completely agree! Sandbox games really do foster creativity in a unique way. It’s interesting how they can also serve as a platform for storytelling, allowing players to create their own narratives while exploring the game world.
they allow players to express themselves and build their own worlds. Plus, the freedom to experiment without strict rules can lead to some unexpected and delightful moments in gameplay! It’s all about discovering new possibilities.
Absolutely, the creative freedom in sandbox games really enhances the experience. It’s interesting how these games can also foster problem-solving skills, as players navigate challenges while building their unique environments. It definitely adds another layer of enjoyment!
I completely agree! The creative freedom allows players to express themselves in unique ways. It’s also fascinating how sandbox games can foster problem-solving skills, encouraging players to think outside the box while having fun.
great point! The sandbox environment not only fosters creativity but also encourages problem-solving skills as players navigate challenges in their own styles. It really does tap into that childlike joy of exploration and imagination!