Classic ZX Spectrum and C64 game Head Over Heels is coming to PC and Switch
A new enhanced version of the retro favourite is coming to Steam this week
An enhanced version of ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 favourite Head Over Heels is coming to PC and Nintendo Switch.
The 1987 isometric adventure game was originally created for the ZX Spectrum Next computer, and is now being ported to Steam this Thursday, March 6, with a Switch version coming later in the year.
Although there was already a version of Head Over Heels released on Switch back in 2021, that was more of a remake whereas this is an enhanced take on the original.
This new version, titled Head Over Heels Deluxe, features updated visuals, redesigned controls that “feel snappy and precise”, as well as a new soundtrack by Danish composer Space Fractal.
Players who want a more nostalgic experience can access an optional Classic Mode which restores the graphics and sound to something that more closely remembers the original release.
The remaster also adds an improved save system, a new hint system for players who get stuck, and various other quality of life updates “that never compromise the game’s classic challenge”. For those who know the original inside-out, a new area has also been added, along with new enemies and objects.
Head Over Heels was originally created by Jon Ritman and Bernie Drummond, who had previously enjoyed success with a home computer version of Batman. The game used a similar isometric viewpoint to Batman, but replaced the Caped Crusader with two dogs called Head and Heels.
Head can jump higher, can change direction in the air and can stun enemies by shooting donuts at them, while Heels can run faster, climb staircases and carry objects in her bag.
Eventually players can merge Head and Heels by stacking them on stop of each other, combining their abilities.
The game was critically acclaimed at the time, with CVG giving the Spectrum version 93%, Your Sinclair giving it 9/10 and Zzap 64 giving the C64 version 98%.
