Review: Harold Halibut

“Harold Halibut” is a handmade narrative game about friendship and life on a city-sized spaceship submerged in an alien ocean. Playing as Harold, you explore a vibrant retro-future world in a quest to find the true meaning of ‘home’. Here’s my review of the game.

Story and Narrative

The heart of “Harold Halibut” is its story. The game is a visual and auditory delight, with beautiful music, voice acting, and storytelling. The narrative made me laugh at times and feel a bit emotional at others. Throughout my 15 hours of gameplay, I was thoroughly engaged, trying to speak to everyone and explore every corner in each act.

The storytelling in “Harold Halibut” is genuinely heartwarming. Each character is thoughtfully developed, giving them a life of their own. The game treats every character with respect, even the employees of the big corporation. They are portrayed as good people doing their jobs, rather than being evil for the sake of it. I found myself growing attached to the small cast of characters, eager to see more of them.

Gameplay

The gameplay in “Harold Halibut” is straightforward and simple. The main objectives typically involve moving from point A to point B, completing simple tasks, and engaging in dialogue. However, the game truly shines if you take your time with side objectives and get to know the characters. The dialogues and cutscenes are so well-written that I never felt the urge to skip them.

One aspect I particularly enjoyed was how the game puts you in Harold’s shoes. Harold is a simple, somewhat absent-minded man who wants to help and please everyone. He doesn’t understand technology well, and this is cleverly reflected in the game’s interfaces, which appear as strange symbols and shapes. This design choice helps you relate to Harold’s feelings when dealing with technology. The menial tasks at the beginning mirror the mundane nature of his job, making you experience his world more authentically.

Visuals and Design

Visually, “Harold Halibut” is a work of art. The game uses handmade miniatures, giving it a unique, stop-motion film feel. The environments are detailed and colorful, reminiscent of 70s sci-fi with a retro-futuristic twist. The design of the spaceship, Fedora, is a mix of bright colors and jerry-rigged elements, creating a charming yet functional setting.

The game includes many small, delightful details. For example, entering or leaving a district involves getting sprayed with disinfectant from an old-school metal shower head. The world is filled with these quirky touches, making exploration enjoyable.

It works great on Steam Deck too.

Pacing and Length

One criticism I have is the game’s pacing. “Harold Halibut” is quite slow, with most of the gameplay involving conversations and moving between locations. While the detailed world and rich narrative are engaging, the lack of puzzles and minimal interaction can make the 10-12 hour playtime feel long. Trimming some of the early chapters could make the game leaner without losing its charm.

Characters and Interactions

The characters in “Harold Halibut” are a highlight. From the school teacher in a silk robe to the general store owner with a secret identity, each character is unique and memorable. Their problems, though unusual, are relatable in their basics: family, love, loss, and the desire to belong.

Harold’s journey is heartwarming and quietly triumphant. Seeing Harold’s worth gradually recognized by those around him and himself is a rewarding experience. He starts to express annoyance at how others talk to him and eventually makes significant choices about his life, showing growth and confidence.

Conclusion

Overall, “Harold Halibut” is a charming and thoughtful game. Its warm, cozy, and nostalgic atmosphere is appealing despite the cold, uninhabitable setting of the underwater spaceship. While the slow pacing and minimal interaction might not appeal to everyone, the rich narrative and well-developed characters make it a memorable experience.