Heading Out is a tough game to explain. However, if you were to give it a go, you’d understand the fundamental story and everything in between in less than 10 minutes. This addictive and often suspenseful title captures the idea of an American road trip perfectly. Yet, it isn’t the sights and the romance that are on your radar. Instead, you are escaping your fears and your past as you blast across every highway.
This rogue-like racing game was developed by Serious Sim and published by Crunching Koalas. It is a single-player game that combines racing with a choose-your-own-adventure twist. Alongside this, there are survival elements as car maintenance, fatigue, and cash, all come into the equation. Furthermore, no matter how fast you move, your fear follows you like a shadow.
Heading Out tells a fascinating story.
You play the role of Jackie. A rebel who doesn’t care about the law and the damage that can be caused. Instead, this renegade takes each day as it comes as she tries to escape her past. En route, she encounters pockets of humanity who will assist or hinder her progress. Additionally, her fame, reputation, and wanted status play a big part in her survival.
As you race across the country, you will encounter police, side quests, and plenty of would-be racers. Most events can be ignored, but the deadly ticking of the fear clock cannot be forgotten. If your fear catches up with you, your run will end. Accordingly, you must plan your route wisely, or risk losing it all.
Strategy, racing, and incredible tales.
Heading Out effectively combines various genres. Each isolated story shouldn’t work, but it does. Crime, fear, loss, hope, and friendship flow and break as you interact with the locals. The storytelling is brilliantly told, and the choices are cutting, unfair, and occasionally out of your control.
Though the racing is simple and a little repetitive, it is great fun. Each race day has a stunning soundtrack that also acts as a timer. Beat your opponent or outrun the police before the song ends. If you are successful, you win cash or your freedom. If you are not, you’ll lose precious time and the ability to pay your fuel bill. Therefore, you must be wise and fast if you wish to get to the end goal.
Heading Out looks incredible.
I’m a huge fan of film noir and Sin City. Monochromatic imagery and seedy undertones will always be a winner. If you then add in drama and a sinister edge, you can take my money. This is exactly what Heading Out has done. Amazing comic book cutscenes highlight the lore-rich story twists. Moreover, your car looks great against each unique backdrop. Consequently, this is beyond stylish and a real eye-catcher.
The music is even better. Every race has an incredible soundtrack that is catchy, aggressive, soft, moody, or dramatic. The developers have created an unbelievable soundscape that never gets old. On top of this, the acting is gruff, amusing, touching, and everything in between.
Simple controls.
The overworld map appears complex at first. However, it is remarkably simple and easy to navigate. Alongside this, the racing comprises some stunts and acceleration and braking. Other than this, there is nothing else to master. Subsequently, there is a simple learning curve, and it is a joy to play.
I’ve played this for hours, and I haven’t seen every storyline. Furthermore, the unpredictable nature of every playthrough and the cruel ticking time bomb ensure that you are always under pressure. Therefore, you can return to this repeatedly, and you will never have the same experience.
Heading Out is amazing.
Indie games can be a mixed bag. Luckily, Heading Out is spectacular! Aside from its repetitive driving, the game is otherwise flawless. It looks amazing and sounds even better. The concept is unique and interesting, and each quest and story was captivating. Accordingly, it is a no-brainer and a must-play game! Can you escape your fear? Choose your car, pick your path, and keep on driving.
