The Headliners

The Headliners, a thrilling co-op horror game developed and published by KAFI, plunged players into a monster-infested New York City on January 30, 2025. Available on PC via Steam, this title blends action and indie horror, challenging teams of reckless journalists to capture exclusive footage of a terrifying alien invasion, all while battling for their lives and the next big headline. With its unique premise, emphasis on teamwork, and a constant threat of deadly creatures, The Headliners delivers a tense and engaging experience that has earned it "Very Positive" user reviews.

The Story Unfurls: A City Under Siege

The world of The Headliners is one consumed by chaos. An unknown phenomenon has unleashed monstrous creatures upon New York, turning its familiar streets and buildings into a deadly hunting ground. Amidst this catastrophe, a brave (or foolish) breed of journalists emerges: the Headliners. Their mission isn't to fight the monsters head-on for survival, but to document the horror. Players must venture into the most dangerous zones, seeking out the destruction, the alien invaders, and even their own teammates succumbing to the terror, all for the sake of the next viral scoop.

Chase the Scoop, Evade the Monsters: Gameplay Mechanics

The Headliners is a first-person experience playable in both single-player and online co-op modes for teams of 1 to 8 players. The core gameplay loop revolves around exploration, risk-taking, and photography. Players explore the ruined streets and eerie buildings of New York, searching for anything newsworthy. Equipped with a camera, their primary goal is to snap spectacular footage. This can range from capturing photos of the monstrous invaders themselves to documenting the widespread destruction or even getting a close-up shot of a teammate being attacked. Every compelling photo contributes to making "headlines," which is crucial for progression. Players start each expedition with 3 press cards. Each expedition consumes one card, but more can be earned by successfully creating headlines. This creates a compelling risk-reward system, encouraging players to push their luck for bigger scoops, knowing that failure could mean running out of chances. The game features 20 Steam Achievements, supports Family Sharing, and offers Full Controller Support, including Xbox Controllers. It is also verified for Steam Deck compatibility, allowing the horrifying journalism to continue on the go.

Visuals and Audio: The Sounds of Terror

Developed with an eye for atmospheric horror, The Headliners utilizes its environment to build tension. The visuals depict a city in decay, overrun by unknown entities. The game includes mature content warnings, featuring frequent violence or gore and general mature content, indicating a commitment to delivering a truly unsettling experience. While specific details on audio design were not explicitly highlighted, the genre's demands suggest that sound plays a critical role in alerting players to danger, building suspense, and enhancing the overall fear factor. The game supports English and 16 other languages for interface, full audio, and subtitles, ensuring broad accessibility.

Reception and Future: A Positive Debut

Since its release, The Headliners has been met with a "Very Positive" reception on Steam. All-time reviews show a strong 84% positive rating out of 5,376 reviews, with recent reviews (last 30 days) maintaining a solid 83% positive out of 303 reviews. This indicates that players generally enjoy the game's unique premise and co-op horror elements. The solo developer, KAFI (LIGHTS ARE OFF LLC), has continued to support their previous title, Zoonomaly, which suggests a commitment to ongoing development and community engagement for The Headliners as well. While specific future content plans were not detailed, the strong initial reception provides a solid foundation for potential updates, new monsters, maps, or expanded gameplay mechanics, should the developer choose to pursue them.

Final Verdict: Breaking News Just Got Deadly

The Headliners carves out a distinct niche in the co-op horror genre by merging the thrill of journalism with the terror of a monster invasion. Its unique premise, where cameras are your primary tool for survival and progression, forces players to think differently about their objectives. The tension of exploring a city teeming with creatures, knowing that every photo could be your last, creates genuinely suspenseful moments. While the experience can be intense and features mature content, its "Very Positive" reception indicates that KAFI has successfully delivered a compelling and enjoyable horror game. For players looking for a fresh take on co-op survival, who aren't afraid to put themselves in harm's way for the sake of a headline, The Headliners offers a thrilling, chaotic, and ultimately rewarding experience. Just remember: the monsters might be scary, but missing a scoop could be even worse.