Heading Out

Heading Out is an intricate, compelling story that mixes modular storytelling and roguelike structure with deeply America-flavored media of the 1970s and on, particularly the “road” genre. I’m not a car guy but I do enjoy some crusty Americana, especially the kind that challenges authority and romanticizes the sheer scale and variety of this unhinged nation. Sometimes it may get a little too cute for its own good, but for the most part Heading Out captures its intended vibe with a shocking level of skill and accuracy, an academic level of cultural understanding through a lens of media and literature. That’s pretty darn cool. Between that and the intriguing, almost insincere roguelike structure, we have a game that doesn’t really feel like anything else in its own space.

An impressive ode to the classics of the 1970s, Heading Out is a unique blend of genres with its own unique gameplay twists that make it worth checking out, whether you're a fan of high-octane driving or strategy-focused resource management. Dripping with style, a killer soundtrack and a ton of interesting stories along the way, it makes for one mesmerizing road trip, with the journey being one that Serious Sim should be proud of.

Heading Out is one of those games that will either grip you from the outset or show all of its hand in the first hour, never to be looked at again. If invested in the character and the story, a really interesting tale will be laid out with lots of opportunity to review and revise the outcomes. If it’s a fully realised driving experience that is being wished for however, this may get left on the side of the road.

Get this production if you're looking for a different experience, at times very reflective, at times action-packed, but that will relax you just enough and leave you with a smile on your face when the end credits roll.

Heading Out has a clear sense of style and carries the whole experience. It falters a little with the driving model and some small bugs.

The blend of incredible atmosphere, importance of audio, stylish visuals and simple gameplay come together here in a game that feels luxurious to dive into. The stark graphical style and comic-book nods add to that sense of a pulpy narrative, and the pull of raw America and its myriad citizens bring the states to life in a way that kept me coming back for more. Serious Sim have definitely nailed a vibe here, and it’s a vibe I’d very much like to see continued in future games, lovely stuff.

Crunching Koalas, together with Serious Sim, invites us to take part in this unique road trip across the United States. Although at first glance it may seem like a racing game, the truth is that the narrative plays a crucial role in this case.

Heading Out gives you a roguelike driving experience where you must pace yourself and manage your money. The driving mechanics are solid and there are lots of variations to keep gameplay interesting. Once you beat the game, there’s no incentive to replay the game again. It’s a solid yet short roguelike experience that driving fans will enjoy.

Heading Out is an interesting proposition that stands out for its themes, its uncompromising arcade racing style, and its visual aesthetic. It lacks much of the randomness that should be emphasized in a roguelike, which sometimes makes the experience unpleasant.

It goes without saying that all of the best driving games have lovely buttery handling. The kind that makes you want to keep coming back for more, sim...