Playing Harold Halibut took me on a unique and whimsical journey aboard the FEDORA 1. Here I got to interact with a whole cast of characters and unravel the story and mysteries of the FODORA 1.
The developers behind Harold Halibut, Slow Bros. were established in 2015 by a group of close friends, namely Onat Hekimoglu, Ole Tillmann, Fabian Preuschoff, and Daniel Beckmann. These founders bring a rich tapestry of backgrounds to the studio, encompassing expertise in video game production, filmmaking, carpentry, apparel design, and illustration.
This diverse blend of skills equips Slow Bros. with a versatile toolkit that can be applied across a spectrum of creative endeavors, ranging from interactive games to immersive VR experiences and captivating art installations. Harold Halibut showcases their passion and dedication to crafting engaging and innovative gaming experiences.
The origins of Harold Halibut can be traced back to a memorable evening in 2012, where a passionate discussion about their mutual appreciation for stop-motion animation and narrative-driven games unfolded over dinner. Fuelled by their shared enthusiasm, it didn’t take long for them to decide to embark on a journey of creation, transforming their bedrooms into miniature workshops dedicated to crafting dollhouse-sized sets and intricate puppets, the story of Harold Halibut was born.
The culmination of these efforts is a unique fusion of gaming and stop-motion filmmaking. Every detail, from the meticulously welded metal structures to the carefully sewn textiles contrasted against tiny wooden floorboards, and the intricately sculpted clay faces no larger than walnuts, serves to immerse players in Harold’s tactile and visually captivating world. This meticulous attention to detail not only adds depth to the gaming experience but also underscores the commitment to bringing Harold Halibut to life as a truly immersive and unforgettable adventure.
The pure love, care, and dedication that is seen in Harold Halibut is incredible. The time that has gone into the creation of this game shows the passion that the developers have for it. This is something that the bigger gaming development studios could learn from.
It has been two and a half centuries since your sanctuary, a spaceship reminiscent of an ark, embarked on a perilous journey from an Earth teetering on the brink of a cold war. The mission: is to seek out a hospitable planet capable of preserving humanity’s legacy. You assume the role of Harold, a youthful laboratory assistant serving under the esteemed lead scientist of the ship, Jeanne Mareaux.
While many of the ship’s citizens have resigned themselves to life within the confines of this interstellar vessel, Mareaux remains steadfast in her tireless efforts to chart a course for departure from the current planet in search of a more hospitable and habitable destination.
Amidst this backdrop, the eclectic and enigmatic inhabitants of the FEDORA I, with their different quirks and personalities, keep Harold engaged and occupied. Until one day fate intervenes and a strange encounter thrusts Harold into a realm beyond imagination—one that may harbor the elusive solution to Mareaux’s ambitions of relaunching the ship.
Embark on a mesmerizing journey alongside Harold as he navigates through a vividly depicted retro-futuristic world, delving into its mysteries, and unraveling the enigma of ‘home’ in a narrative woven with intrigue, discovery, and the quest for belonging.
Harold Halibut shows the power of narrative-driven gaming, where the immersive storytelling experience is intricately woven with gameplay mechanics that beckon players to actively participate in shaping the unfolding tale. Within this captivating narrative tapestry, players find themselves engaged in a myriad of tasks, each meticulously designed to propel the story forward while offering a sense of agency and immersion.
These tasks range from the seemingly mundane yet crucial acts of running errands and assisting the denizens of the FEDORA 1, to more intricate endeavors such as cleaning the ship’s filters and unraveling hidden secrets that lie beneath the surface of this enigmatic world.
To fully immerse oneself in this narrative journey, playing with a controller is recommended, as it enhances the gameplay experience. The controls are simple and straightforward, allowing players to seamlessly navigate Harold through the intricately crafted environments, interact with a diverse cast of characters, and manipulate various objects to uncover clues and progress through the storyline.
Whether it’s walking through the corridors of the spaceship or engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow inhabitants, players will find themselves seamlessly integrated into Harold’s world, where every interaction and decision contributes to the rich tapestry of the overarching narrative.
At times, players may encounter small yet engaging puzzles that serve as delightful challenges to overcome, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the gameplay experience. Additionally, there are moments where players are called upon to operate machinery or perform specific actions, adding to the gameplay dynamics and ensuring an enjoyable and engaging experience from start to finish.
In essence, Harold Halibut not only delivers a compelling story but also invites players to actively participate in shaping its narrative arc, making every moment a memorable adventure in the vast expanse of space.
You’ll be traveling around the FEDORA 1 via the AllWater Corp. tube system, a waterway tunnel-like transportation network that connects the different districts of the FEDORA. Each district has its own tube that you enter, and from there you will be able to select the area you would like to visit, there is the social district that you can visit to get to the general store or the lab district which is your home. And that is just to name a couple of the areas you can travel to.
Even though you are mostly doing mundane tasks and exploring the FEDORA, Harold Halibut never feels tedious. The story is so captivating that you will want to finish your mission to move the story along to find out what happens next.
Harold, the endearing protagonist of the game, emerges as a very relatable and multifaceted character whose charm and personality resonate deeply with players. As you journey alongside him through the game’s narrative, you’ll discover a character who is not only quirky and humorous but also remarkably enduring, endearing himself to players with each passing moment.
Slow Bros has masterfully crafted Harold as a character who feels authentically human, without the typical “superhuman” savior capable of instantly resolving world-altering conflicts. Instead, Harold embodies the essence of an everyday person, someone we can all connect with on a personal level.
It’s this relatability that forms the cornerstone of Harold’s appeal, as players find themselves drawn into his world and endeavors, they become attached to Harold. His quirks and characteristics, coupled with his genuine reactions to the challenges and surprises he encounters, create a sense of familiarity that players can relate to.
Whether he’s navigating through the complexities of life aboard the FEDORA 1 or unraveling the mysteries that lie within, Harold’s journey becomes a reflection of our own experiences, making his character development and growth all the more impactful and meaningful.
The aesthetic of Harold Halibut brings a whole new look to the gaming industry. Every aspect within the captivating universe of Harold Halibut is filled with a tangible, tactile quality, carefully crafted through the intricate artistry of traditional sculpting and model-making techniques. Each detail, from the minutely sculpted surfaces to the delicately formed structures, resonates with the painstaking effort and artisanship devoted to creating an immersive and visually striking experience.
The fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities not only fills the game with a unique charm but also serves to transport players into a world where every texture, contour, and surface invites exploration and engagement. This commitment to tactile authenticity underscores the dedication of the creators to craft a gaming experience that transcends the digital realm, offering players a palpable and enriching journey through a meticulously handcrafted narrative landscape.
The voice acting in Harold Halibut adds yet another layer to the game. The actors have been well chosen for their roles and deliver an impressive performance. Along with the ambient sounds, you’ll truly feel like you are exploring Harold’s world with him.
Honestly, before I started playing Harold Halibut I didn’t expect very much, I was pleasantly surprised. There has been so much love and passion put into this game that it is actually palpable. The sets are beautiful and even though you are playing in a post-apocalyptic world it doesn’t have that common barren feel, the world is alive, and you want to explore it.
If you are someone who enjoys a story-rich gaming experience, Harold Halibut is an absolute gem that deserves a spot on your must-play list. Harold is an enchanting character who helps to bring the stories of the people of the FEDORA 1 to life. Harold’s journey is not just about unraveling the mysteries of the FEDORA 1 but also about self-discovery and personal growth.
Slow Bros deserves to be recognized for Harold Halibut, they have poured so much into this game that even if you don’t usually enjoy these types of games or this game genre it is still worth giving it a try.
