Harold Halibut Review: Beautiful, Barmy, But Bothersome

Harold Halibut initially appears to be a strong contender for the best indie game of 2024. However, while it offers some great ideas, it falls slightly short of expectations due to a few unforced errors. The game boasts gorgeous visuals, an intriguing world, a well-crafted story, a cast of eccentric characters, and straightforward mechanics. Despite these strengths, poor pacing, missed opportunities, and an abundance of fetch quests detract from the overall experience.

Developed by Slow Bros, Harold Halibut embraces a slow pace, allowing players to savor its meticulously designed world. However, this deliberate approach can sometimes feel like a chore, especially as you realize the significant time investment required to complete the game’s chapters.

One of the game’s first surprises is its large size, exceeding 50GB. This size is justified by the game’s stunning visuals and art design, which are among the best of 2024. The contrast between the game’s visually impressive graphics and its simplistic, Windows 3.1-inspired menus adds to its charm.

In Harold Halibut, you play as the titular character, an unassuming worker in an underwater city established by colonizers fleeing Earth. The city is governed by the bureaucratic All Water Corporation, which adds a layer of complexity to Harold’s everyday life. As you navigate the city and interact with its inhabitants, you uncover more about its history and the challenges its residents face.

While Harold Halibut excels in world-building and storytelling, its gameplay often falls short. The game relies heavily on fetch quests and lacks variety in its gameplay mechanics. Despite a few attempts at introducing unique gameplay elements, such as arcade sequences and puzzle-solving, these moments are short-lived and fail to add depth to the overall experience.

Despite its shortcomings, Harold Halibut has its moments of brilliance. The game’s story delves into existential themes, and its characters, particularly Harold, are endearing and well-developed. Some of the game’s standout moments, including humorous encounters and heartfelt interactions, leave a lasting impression.

In conclusion, Harold Halibut is a visually stunning game with a compelling story and memorable characters. However, its pacing issues, repetitive gameplay, and lack of gameplay variety prevent it from reaching its full potential. With some refinements, a sequel or spiritual successor could elevate Slow Bros to the status of Game of the Year.