Harold Halibut Review (PC, XBOX One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 & Nintendo Switch)

I distinctly recall the first time I watched Tim Burton's film “Corpse Bride.” Initially, its peculiar animation and the characters' unusual movements struck me as odd. However, as time passed, I found myself captivated by its distinctive visual style. Of course, it's not the usual fast-paced animation like what you'd get from Sonic (literally and figuratively). I was there for the film's plot but stayed for the character's slo-mo animation that complemented the slow-burn narration. So, learning that a game has adopted a similar premise, you can imagine my excitement. 

Harold Halibut unfolds exactly as any stop-motion game would. The developers, ironically called Slow Bros, are pushing the creative limits with this title. Not every day do you see a beautifully handcrafted game with a compelling narrative tied to a sci-fi background. It feels like too much of an ask, but the developers execute it meticulously and wonderfully. I won't be surprised if this game is a massive turn-off for some people. It is the kind of game you sit with for some time to appreciate every element. 

That being said, let's unpack some of the greatest features of this new title. Perhaps it will change your mind if this is not your cup of tea. Without much further ado, here is our Harold Halibut Review.

Take It Slow

Right from the start, Harold Halibut lives up to its slow mechanic. The game opens up with a time crawl in what seems like a deep dive into the sea as everything comes into focus. We get to see the different quirky characters in their elements and, finally, our protagonist, Harold. 

A handy, respectful, and polite gentleman, Harold gets in trouble with the tube management for not topping it up with the proper credits. If you're wondering who the tube management is, they are the corporation in charge of tube transport. These characters maneuver from place to place using tubes, something like Fry's tube ride in Futurama. But. Hold on. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Harold's life, here is the backstory of his habitat. 

You see, Harold and the rest are not on Earth. In fact, they are aboard a ship, The Fedora. The ship fled Earth in the 1970s, during the height of the Cold War, in search of habitable grounds. After a 250-year voyage, the ship crashed and landed in an ocean on a foreign planet. Now, 50 years later, the populace in the ship is content with their new lair, and the vessel is now a City among the corals and whatnot. 

The game's narrative revolves around Harold's simple life as a handyman. He is an assistant to the vessel's lead scientist, Jeanne Mareaux. The game paints him as a slow guy who isn't too rash with even those younger than him. But there is more beyond what we see on the surface for Harold. Even though the rest seem okay with their new life, he is not. His casual monologues, in which he refers to himself as Agent Haroldson, reflect his desire for a job worth its weight in terms of goal. 

Handy Harold, the Hero

The game's first few minutes will have you completing menial janitorial tasks. Plus, your boss is not the one to take excuses; her character amplifies Harold's agreeable soul outlook. She hands you a PDA to keep track of your quest, with a stern warning: “And I don't want to have to remind you about them (your tasks) again.” The PDA also has a notebook where Harold can sketch his thoughts and a messaging app.

The mundane tasks are the backbone of the slow-motion vibe. Nothing feels rushed. The tasks vary from scrubbing writings off walls to unclogging pipes. The game will strike you as a point-and-click adventure, but the developers have added a modern control scheme where you take full control of Harold's movement. If you're not fetching something from somewhere, you're likely conversing with one of your shipmates. 

Beyond this, you'll occasionally solve puzzles. The puzzles are not really brain-wracking, but a needed break from the continuous fetch-talk loop. It might appear like run-of-the-mill gameplay, but that's the game's bottom line. Amidst this, Harold manages to sprinkle some fun by singing through the quests, another impressive feature.

All In A Day's Work

The game takes its time to introduce new characters through their conversations and engagements with Harold. With a thematic focus on friendship, we see Harold taking up fetch quests and striking up conversations with other characters. Harold's simple interactions with the community around him bring out the game's charm. In one instance, I was helping Tommy reconcile with his wife. It's also how Harold maintains an objective view in all discussions. He is not flawed by envious, competing work relationships. He proves this by going above himself to help one of his boss' closest competitors. 

The most striking relationship is the one he has with Buddy, the postman. Reading the undelivered letters of those who once lived on the ship gives you a deep feeling of connection with the past, a poignant reminder of lives intertwined with the vessel's history. It's remarkable how the game turns a simple handyman into a lovable hero. If Harold were running for president, he would certainly have my vote.

Furthermore, life aboard the ship unfolds like a sim. You are not the only one tasked with routine-based tasks. The people aboard the ship have their routines, too. The more you progress in the game, the more their quality of life evolves. Soon, you'll know every level of the ship, like the palm of your hand. And with the evolving characters, navigation is a delight since you don't know who you will run into. 

Ship Wrecked

In any slow-burn narrative, trouble is always lurking around the corner. Living up to this premise, the Fedora's quiet life in the murky waters is soon disrupted. An alien life force is trapped in the ship's filters, and Harold is the first to be on the scene. The foreign life seemingly proves that there is life beyond the depths of the waters. What transpires next is a story about the characters looking for deeper meaning in their lives aboard the ship. The society that once seemed content with theirs appears to struggle to find a purpose. 

Much of the game's activity unfolds on the ship. Think of it like being trapped in the Titanic, that did sink, but the people onboard survived and actually thrived under the sea. Every room is meticulously detailed, and navigating every level is a joyous expedition. The ship even has a business district that's buzzing with activity. You can unwind your day at the local pub, where drinks are served by a robot arm. Plus, the apartments or pods are cozy, complete with chairs and bookshelves.  

It's Dry Under The Sea

Beyond the charming narrative, the characters' dialogue doesn't do much to complement the scenes. They are unnatural, as you'd expect from a group of people who have been out of civilization for decades. I'm not sure if that was what the developers were aiming for. But if it is so, then they certainly hit the target. 

Moreover, the humor is also a bit dry. But for Harold, each conversation strikes a meaning that he would happily dodge his encounters on his PDA. Unfortunately, some of the game's story paths force you to listen to other characters. It really lives up to the slow-burn theme. But sometimes I wish it wouldn't. For instance, after Harold discovers the alien settlement and is somehow trapped, getting back to the ship is sloth-paced. Although the game allows you to zoom out to take in the hand-curated texture, you'd wish there was a sprint button to speed things up. Well, in fact, there is one, but it works slower than you'd expect it to. 

Verdict

Beyond the idle chit chat and mundane tasks that might wear you out, Harold Halibut is a heartwarming and wholesome tale. It oddly touches on themes related to society without forcing any perspective down your throat. 

However, it would be great to have more than the menial tasks and more to be discovered under the sea. But the game still excels, even where you'd think it falls short.

Moreover, the game's handcrafted texture is impressive, and it doesn't take a genius to see the human touch. The fact that every inch of the game has been crafted and brought to life thanks to motion capture is worthy of applause. So much detail has been meticulously ingrained in the game. Such ingenious craft is what the gaming industry has been missing for so long. I certainly look forward to a sequel, perhaps two decades from now, with the same retro-futuristic vibe.