[2] In this future, humanity has opted to upload their consciousnesses to a world-encompassing cloud storage, forgoing their bodies but able to occupy the minds of robots as to carry out necessary tasks or otherwise enjoy corporeal pleasures.

PC Gamer called Headlander's tone "inconsistent" and noted that the title played things safe, sticking to tropes in its genre, but heavily praised its aesthetics, writing, "its gorgeously kitschy world of thrumming synths and dazzling colour makes for an unforgettable adventure".

Destructoid reviewed the game negatively, lamenting the lack of depth in the aesthetics, combat, exploration, themes, and plot, writing, "Headlander knows what it is but doesn’t know what it wants to be."

Its various elements are well trod – ‘70s aesthetic, Metroid-style exploration, big questions about the nature of identity and consciousness – but they’ve been arranged in a fascinating way that feels fresh."

GameSpot similarly appreciated the game's visuals, aesthetics, characters, score, and movement while criticizing the repetitive dialogue, minor technical issues, bosses, and combat.