Imagine blending the package-delivery obsession of Death Stranding with the unpredictable chaos of a cooperative survival horror title like R.E.P.O., and you’ll get a sense of what HakoAtama brings to the table. Crafted by the Japanese indie studio Mutsumutsu Project, this forthcoming horror game tasks players with making deliveries and evading monsters, offering both solo and cooperative gameplay options.
HakoAtama, which translates to “box head,” might seem quirky at first glance, but it conceals a dark backstory. After mysterious creatures took over the world’s surface, some humans lost their heads during the conflict. These headless individuals, labeled “HakoAtama,” were confined due to their appearance. Eventually, they’re ordered to perform deliveries within evacuation shelters as part of a parole program. Given a chance to redeem themselves and possibly recover their missing heads, the Box Heads embark on these deliveries while navigating a perilous, creature-infested world.
The game’s central loop revolves around delivering packages to earn funds, which are then used to keep your HakoAtama’s truck operational between missions. You can transport packages by stacking them into a pile, which can be carried manually or positioned in the space where a head would normally be. While this allows for the delivery of multiple packages at once, carrying too much cargo depletes your stamina and makes you more vulnerable to hostile creatures.
Certain deliveries contain hazardous materials that must be scanned using inspection devices found throughout the levels. Although the developers haven’t specified the consequences of delivering a dangerous package, it’s unlikely to end well for the recipient.
In addition to packages, you’ll find various items scattered across the levels that can be equipped and stacked onto your headless figure (allowing you to use them without dropping your current load). These include flashlights, weapons, and other tools, some of which can be combined for unique effects. Selecting the right items for your head is crucial in solo play, while assigning specific gear to players in co-op can make the experience smoother for the entire team.
It’s important to note that levels, item placements, delivery destinations, and inspection scanner locations are all randomized. When traversing an evacuation shelter, strategic management of your packages and familiarity with the level’s layout—including points of interest like shutters and hiding spots—will help you evade the monsters.
As Mutsumutsu Project’s third creation, HakoAtama’s visuals merge the hand-drawn murals of game illustrator Yoi Yoi with realistic 3D underground environments. The monsters were designed using collage techniques that make them stand out against their surroundings.
HakoAtama is scheduled for a 2027 release on Windows (Steam). A crowdfunding campaign is set to launch on August 21 on Campfire, aiming to fully realize the developers’ vision and showcase the excitement of its co-op features.