Initial release date: 2024
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
Developer:Â Slow Bros.
Mode:Â Single-player video game
License:Â proprietary license
Genres: Adventure game, Indie game, Casual game
Designer:Â Onat Hekimoglu
It’s been two and a half millennia since the crew of the FEDORA 1 ark ship abandoned Earth in quest of fresh horizons, but what they discovered was less hospitable than they had imagined. After crash landing on a water planet, the residents on board were forced to adjust to life underwater, with no access to dry land or open air. Not all hope is lost, however, since plans to send the ship into space have recently resumed. With a decreasing window of opportunity, the members of the FEDORA must band together, regardless of their differences, to make their dream come true. However, the discovery of new alien species swiftly turns everything upside down, revealing that they aren’t as alone as they originally thought.
You play Harold, a youthful assistant to the famous scientist Jeanne Mareaux, while submerged in the laboratory district. When you’re not busy maintaining the pump stations and doing other handy work on the ship, you’ll often be running errands for her or assisting with her latest experiments. Mareaux isn’t the only one that requires your assistance, as the other residents will also keep your hands busy. In traditional narrative-adventure game form, you’ll spend a significant amount of time getting to know each of the bright faces aboard the buried vessel, as well as an unusual bunch of aliens from the deep, whether by fulfilling little jobs for them or accompanying them on an expedition.
The ensemble is excellently spoken, with a diverse spectrum of characters throughout. You have the noisy and prideful Major who keeps would-be ne’er-do-wells in check, the restrained and bored arcade staffer Rafi, and the oddball ski and winter gear dealer Slippie, to mention a few. When you’ve spent your entire existence on a sequestered spaceship, it’s easy to get to know one another, and it was rewarding to chat with and learn more about everyone I met, human or not. One of my personal favorites has to be Captain-At-Large Zoya, the FEDORA’s pilot, or would be if the ship was capable of flight. While he puts on a brave face for everyone aboard the ship (even his bird Coco), not everything is as upbeat as it appears. He’s fighting to find his place and live up to his title, and what helped him overcome his self-doubt was an intimate exchange between friends that seemed beautifully performed over time. The Harold Halibut cast is unquestionably one of the game’s strongest parts, and I was always looking forward to the next weird scenario I’d experience.
Throughout the majority of the game, you are free to explore the FEDORA every day using the All Water tube transit system. These tubes provide access to a variety of locations on the ship, including the bustling stores of the Agora Arcades, the quaint yet intimate Social District, numerous research labs, and more. Sure, you’ll have goals to lead you every day, but you truly have the flexibility to go wherever you choose, and it’s great to venture off the beaten route every now and then. These areas are populated and lived in, so each time you return to a district on a new day, you may discover something new, whether it’s a tiny side quest or simply a lovely discussion with an old acquaintance.
While I enjoyed traveling from place to place and admiring the lovely surroundings, I couldn’t help but wish the objectives had more gameplay. Sure, you’ll get the occasional mini-game or unique quest objective, but the majority of your time will be spent on fetch-quest related tasks. One of the greatest offenders was a side-quest to deliver mail, and while I enjoyed reading through these letters and speaking with their recipients about them, having to return to my lab room to collect the letters one by one after each delivery was quite frustrating. I’m sure Harold could handle holding onto multiple pieces of mail at once, but I digress. I never felt like the mission design interfered with my overall enjoyment of the experience, although it did make the story feel sluggish at times.
Despite this, the visuals consistently carried the experience. Everything in the game is handcrafted and scanned in, resulting in a stunningly detailed stop-motion style. Whether it’s the characters themselves, the landscapes you explore, or the objects you interact with, every aspect is filled with charm. Playing Harold Halibut feels less like a standard video game and more like exploring a virtual art work, and although this may not be for everyone, I truly loved it. Sure, it can feel slow at times, especially during lengthy play sessions, but the stunning art direction kept me engaged.
Whether you’re assisting Bridgette with sample analysis in the energy district or attending a poetry slam with Chris, Harold Halibut offers an intimate story about understanding the meaning of what a home may be. It’s one that, while engaging, can sometimes be given slowly. Fortunately, this is backed up by stunning visuals that I believe I’ve never seen in a video game before. With plenty of personal stories to learn and unusual diversions to appreciate, this is definitely worth checking out if you don’t mind the slow pace.
Review Overview
Gameplay – 88%
Controls – 85%
Aesthetics – 95%
Content – 85%
Accessibility – 88%
Value – 85%
Overall Rating – 89%
EXCELLENT!
Summary: “Harold Halibut” is an extraordinary adventure game that sets itself apart with its stunning stop-motion animation and rich narrative. Set in a meticulously crafted underwater world aboard a retro-futuristic spaceship, the game follows Harold, a lab assistant, as he navigates through a story filled with intrigue, discovery, and heartfelt moments. The gameplay is a thoughtful blend of exploration and puzzle-solving, with each interaction adding depth to the story. Although the pacing is intentional and may feel slow to some, it enhances the immersive experience. The game’s visuals are a standout, offering a breathtakingly detailed environment that feels alive with character. While the content might leave some desiring more, the overall experience is unforgettable, making “Harold Halibut” a must-play for those who appreciate a blend of art and storytelling.