Harold Halibut, the long-awaited narrative adventure from Slow Bros., finally emerges and still feels like a unique creation in the indie gaming sphere, showcasing unparalleled dedication to its handcrafted aesthetic and sci-fi narrative. Set aboard the Fedora I, a city-sized spaceship submerged in an alien ocean, the game’s premise immediately captures attention with its blend of whimsy and intricate world-building. It’s out for both PC and consoles now – we checked out the PlayStation 5 version.
For a while, we didn’t think we were ever going to see Harold Halibut again. We met with the development team way back in 2018 when Curve was going to publish the game, but things went quiet in the years that followed. Only recently did we see a new press release, and to our surprise we saw the game was coming out soon. It made an impression back in 2018, so we couldn’t wait to see how it held up over time.
The narrative of Harold Halibut unfolds against the backdrop of humanity seeking refuge after Earth’s tumultuous history, now stranded on a watery world with the Fedora I ship – now converted into a sunken subnautical space station. As players assume the role of Harold, a lab assistant entangled in a series of events involving newfound revelations about Earth and the discovery of a trapped alien, the game’s story takes unexpected turns, delving into themes of identity, friendship, and the human condition.
Looking past the interesting story, what truly sets Harold Halibut apart is its breathtaking stop-motion-inspired visuals, meticulously crafted over the game’s many years of development. Each character and environment exudes a tangible quality, immersing players in a vibrant retro-future world that feels distinct at every single turn. The fusion of traditional sculpting techniques with modern 3D technology results in a visually stunning experience, reminiscent of classic stop-motion films but with added flexibility in animation.
Having said that – this is a game that was developed with a love for classic adventure games with strong audiovisual storytelling, and for players who enjoy the same. The actual gameplay experience falls a little short of how impressive the narrative and visuals are, because while the game’s immersive world and engaging dialogue keep players invested, the gameplay mechanics feel underdeveloped. Rather simplistic puzzles and repetitive fetch quests feature too prominently, despite the occasional diversion with mini-games and side quests – making for an experience that emphasizes story over gameplay.
In summary, Harold Halibut is a testament to the power of indie gaming projects and how a vision can endure over time, offering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience that is only marred by its gameplay limitations. The handcrafted aesthetic and compelling narrative definitely elevate the game above the ordinary though, and they make Harold Halibut a memorable journey into a fascinating world brimming with charm and imagination, deserving of recognition for its ambition and artistry.
Score: 8.0/10
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