10 Best Adventure Games Like Harold Halibut

Adventure games have long captivated players with their deep stories and immersive environments. Harold Halibut stands out with its unique, handmade aesthetic and engaging narrative set on a submerged spaceship. Its blend of traditional crafting techniques with engaging gameplay creates a rich, cinematic experience. And if you are searching for a similar experience, here are the ten best games like Harold Halibut.

10. Night in the Woods

Starting off our list, Night in the Woods features Mae, a cat who left college and returned to her hometown, Possum Springs. This town holds many secrets and strange events that Mae and her friends begin to uncover. Players navigate through the game using simple controls to explore the town, engage in conversations, and solve mysteries, all depicted in charming, cartoon-style graphics. The game delicately handles themes of economic hardship, friendship, and personal challenges. This game stands out for its effective storytelling, focusing on serious issues like mental health and economic instability in an accessible and engaging manner.

9. 11-11 Memories Retold

Next, let us explore 11-11 Memories Retold. This game transports you to World War I through a moving story viewed from two distinct perspectives. You will journey with Harry, a young photographer from Canada, and Kurt, a German engineer who both enter the war for personal reasons. Their stories unfold in a narrative that highlights the impact of war on their lives and the decisions they confront. The game's visuals are reminiscent of moving paintings which further enhances the emotional depth of their experiences. Through its interactive storytelling, the game builds a strong connection with these characters while shedding light on the complexities of war.

8. Through the Woods

Through the Woods takes players to a secluded island in Norway, where a mother embarks on a quest to find her missing son. She must navigate dense, myth-laden forests that come alive with creatures from Norwegian folklore. The game unfolds her past, gradually revealing why her son disappeared and the dark secrets of the woods. Players dive deep into a world where legends are real, with every turn potentially unveiling shocking truths. It features straightforward controls that enable players of all skill levels to explore its eerie landscape.

7. Life is Strange 2

Life is Strange 2 is a game that tells the story of two brothers, Sean and Daniel Diaz, who face unexpected challenges and must flee their home in Seattle. The game unfolds across multiple episodes, where players guide the brothers on their perilous journey to Mexico. Throughout their travels, they encounter various people and situations that test their morals and strengthen their bond. The choices players make in the game directly affect the outcome of the story, making every decision important. This game stands out for its powerful storytelling and the emotional development of its characters. Players get deeply involved in the brothers’ lives, feeling a range of emotions, from joy to heartbreak.

6. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice takes players on a deep and dark journey into both a mythic past and the mind of Senua, a Celtic warrior. This game merges elements of Norse and Celtic mythology with a story about a personal struggle with mental illness. Players follow Senua on her quest to save the soul of her deceased lover from the underworld. What makes this adventure unique is how it portrays Senua's psychological experiences, giving players a vivid sense of her reality. The creators collaborated with neuroscientists and people who experience psychosis to accurately represent these mental conditions, making the narrative not only thrilling but also a form of empathy exercise.

5. This Bed We Made

Alternatively, you can dive into the mysterious world of This Bed We Made, a narrative-driven game set in the glamorous yet shadowy setting of a 1950s hotel. Here, you step into the shoes of Sophie, a curious chambermaid whose job is more than just tidying up. While working at the three-story Clarington Hotel, Sophie uncovers the dark secrets of its guests. The game blends neo-noir elements with a thrilling murder mystery. The gameplay in this game revolves around solving puzzles and forming relationships with both guests and fellow hotel staff.

4. Fears to Fathom: Ironbark Lookout

Following up on our list of best games like Harold Halibut, Fears to Fathom: Ironbark Lookout introduces players to Jack Nelson, a 24-year-old fire lookout newly stationed at a remote outpost. Right from the start, Jack senses something unsettling lurks in Ironbark State Park, though he's unaware of the chilling events about to unfold. This first-person narrative adventure focuses heavily on atmosphere, placing players in Jack’s shoes as he navigates through his daily routines, while eerie occurrences build a tangible sense of dread. The game blends exploration and interactive storytelling with practical tasks like driving and communicating via texts from non-playable characters.

3. Tell Me Why

The world of Tell Me Why immerses players in the beautifully rendered small-town Alaska, where reunited twins Tyler and Alyson Ronan delve into the hidden depths of their childhood. Their unique supernatural bond allows them to access and experience differing memories of their past, shedding light on complex family dynamics. The game excels in weaving intricate narratives with explorations of profound themes. Players influence the twins' relationship and future through choices that directly affect the strength of their bond, crafting a personalized narrative journey.

2. Death Stranding Director's Cut

In Death Stranding Director's Cut, players step into the shoes of Sam Bridges. His mission is to deliver vital supplies to distant colonies that are scattered across a post-apocalyptic America. Along his journey, Sam reconnects these isolated communities, helping to rebuild a broken nation. The game uniquely blends exploration with a compelling storyline, where the environment itself adds to the challenge. Players face terrains that are tough to cross, and supernatural entities add further hurdles to Sam's quest.

1. Oxenfree

Wrapping up our list of the best games like Harold Halibut, Oxenfree stands out as a compelling narrative-driven adventure game. This game follows Alex, a rebellious teenager, who brings her stepbrother Jonas to an overnight party on an old military island. The night takes a thrilling turn when the group of friends unwittingly opens a ghostly gate past midnight. Players help Alex and her friends explore the island, uncover hidden secrets, and face supernatural events. The game is designed to let players choose dialogue options that influence the story, leading to different endings. Overall, Oxenfree excels in creating a mysterious atmosphere that keeps players engaged from start to finish.

So, do you agree with our picks? And which other games would you recommend for fans of immersive and narrative-driven adventures? Let us know on our socials here!